By Gary Elrod, Janesville, Wisconsin, USA

It is imperative to understand that when you are truly baptized into Christ you become part of a new creation. —Doctrine and Covenants 164:5

I remember my friend, Mike Murray, sharing with friends in the Beloit/Janesville Congregation in Wisconsin that he would like to be baptized.

Mike shared that he knew it was the right time to covenant with Christ. He had been coming to church faithfully for four years. His statement from years earlier about never stepping into a church had melted away.

Mike was being transformed because of the relational love shared with him by the congregation—and God. In his commitment to follow Christ and to see with new eyes he had become vulnerable to God’s love and grace.

At Mike’s baptismal service, the Spirit blessed us all. It was a great step of faith on his part—and ours, too, to support and affirm him.

His baptism was a challenge because health issues prevented Mike from being fully immersed in water.

He was baptized in a different way, but with the same Holy Spirit. The First Presidency approves sacramental options for baptism so those with medical or psychological needs can receive the sacrament.

Two persons baptized Mike, pouring water that flowed down his arms and hands, while sharing in the words: “Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ…”

There was not a dry eye present. What a wonderful experience and confirmation of how God provides when we are faithful for each step taken. Mike apologized to us for his tears. He shared why he cried, simply stating, “I have never been loved like this.”

Those tears of joy affirmed his decision to follow Christ by loving others.