I am so tired of seeing sisters cry!

Elder Hall was extremely frustrated. First the youngest sister talked to us with tears in her eyes. Her mother quickly found some work to do outside to hide her tears. Then the oldest sister put her head down on the table and sobbed and sobbed.

I just want my father to be baptized.

It will happen, sister. He will be baptized.

But it has been fifteen years.

I know.

When my mother and my sisters and I got baptized, my father listened to the missionaries with us. But he did not get baptized.

I know.

He has been taught by so many missionaries since then. But he was offended and did not get baptized.

I know.

He is so nervous about the baptismal interview.

I know. But remember how many people are praying for him and for your family.

Now it was her turn.

I know.

The missionaries have taught him and helped him “develop faith in Jesus Christ and to repent of his sins.” Your father has developed faith and repented, hasn’t he?

Yes, but….

“As Mormon taught, “the first fruits of repentance is baptism” (Moroni 8:25). The baptismal interview is the way established by the Church to ensure that each candidate meets the Lord’s standards for baptism and is prepared to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost”. He is prepared for membership and activity in the church, isn’t he?

Yes, but…

“Through this interview, baptismal candidates fulfill the scriptural requirement that they witness before an authorized representative of the Church that they have “truly repented of all their sins” (D&C 20:37).” Do you understand that everything done in the church is done by proper authority?

Yes…

And your father will be interviewed by one who has been ordained and set apart to be an authorized representative of Jesus Christ. As he prayerfully and worthily exercises that authority, he will receive spiritual powers and revelation. He will know your father’s heart. You know that, don’t you?

Yes…

So trust the Lord. It will be alright.

On the morning of the interview, the sky was a beautiful bright blue. White fluffy clouds perched over the mountains. Children’s kites soared in the perfect light breeze. We sat on a homemade bench and waited in the shade of a mango tree.

The door opened and the father stepped out. His face was split by a huge grin. He looked at the missionaries and gave his “thumbs up” sign. They gasped and jumped up to shake his hand. He had passed the interview!

The missionaries all congratulated him. A sister missionary blinked back her tears of joy as she spoke to the man.

We haven’t seen that smile for a while. Now you can truly give us your usual greeting:

“Nag antus sa ka gwapo.” (I suffer because I am so handsome.)

 Elder Hall gave his friend a big hug. The sister missionary looked at us and spoke ruefully..

For the first time in my mission, I wish I could break a mission rule. I wish I could give that man a big “grandpa” hug! I am so happy for him.

The man had a question.

Will all my daughters come to my baptism?

Yes. Yes, they will

He started to walk away. He didn’t get far before he had to sit down at the table. He put his head down and covered his face with his arms. Now it was his turn to cry. But his tears were tears of joy

 He would be baptized the next day.