Baptism speech for a friend

so tonight I had the honor of speaking at a friends baptism. She married a member and took the one to see for herself if it was the right thing. She inspires me as she takes out her scriptures after dinner to study. I sadly have to admit I do not do that and need too a little more. So I wanted to share my speech Incase it helps anyone else.

Welcome everyone, and thanks again for being here tonight for Amanda’s special day. I get the honor of speaking to everyone tonight about baptism and it is something I feel very strongly about.  I love the fact that in our church we chose to be baptized and take ownership of that. I met with missionaries a little over 4 years ago and was baptized myself. Everything I heard and prayed about for me was true. I know for me the missionaries were a huge part of my understanding as for me they were some of my first friends in church. You are lucky to have the Steele family to get extra knowledge and help with questions. So don’t google things like I did. Do Mormons give up things for lent? Do Mormons listen to rock music? Do Mormons go tanning?  My search history when first converting was all sorts of weird things. I have to say we don’t have any really crazy rules or guidelines that others could not understand. Except for maybe no coffee. People often wonder why I am so happy in the mornings but it is just because I am a happy person and have the gospel in my life. 

So for this speech I turned to some of my original missionary friends and their thoughts on baptism as well. My friend Pedro said “ baptism is a commitment to change, not a change itself.  And it entitles you to the Lord’s assistance. It is a stepping stone and a new beginning and I am so happy for you.

My other missionary friend Anthony and his wife shared “ the little things are big things. Things that you feel are just routine and not that significant like going to church every Sunday, reading your scriptures, saying your prayers, attending the temple when you can. Those are the things that continuously keep us close with Christ. If we stop doing those things we can become spiritual starved and adrift from Christ. Just like we need to eat everyday we also need to be spiritually fed. The gospel is true, the church is true even if the people are not. We are all on this journey and it is important to remember this. This is your first step and I could not be happier for you. Also it does not necessarily just get easier since you are baptized. You need to stay committed to follow the gospel and take the effort. 

And the great thing about church each Sunday is that we get to partake of the sacrament and renew our covenants made at our baptism. 

Jesus gave us the example of baptism and showed us how to do it. He is a great example and I encourage you all to turn to him often. You will get your answers just like you did Amanda with the bag from your work. 

In closing I will share my favorite scripture about faith. 

From Alma 32: 

31 And now, behold, are ye sure that this is a good seed? I say unto you, Yea; for every seed bringeth forth unto its own likeness.

32 Therefore, if a seed groweth it is good, but if it groweth not, behold it is not good, therefore it is cast away.

33 And now, behold, because ye have tried the experiment, and planted the seed, and it swelleth and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, ye must needs know that the seed is good.

34 And now, behold, is your knowledge perfect? Yea, your knowledge is perfect in that thing, and your faith is dormant; and this because you know, for ye know that the word hath swelled your souls, and ye also know that it hath sprouted up, that your understanding doth begin to be enlightened, and your mind doth begin to expand.

So Amanda again congrats on growing your seed of faith and choosing to be baptized tonight. And I say all of these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.