Alan - McMinnville, Tennessee

I would like to tell you about an amazing friend of mine named Alan. He was born during the Korean War to Charles and Joyce. His father Charles was an aircraft pilot during World War Two. Alan served as a law enforcement officer for sixteen years in 5 counties here in Tennessee. He built many of the highways here and has two cats. He absolutely loves NASCAR and will tell you all about it. He never wanted much to do with Mormons though. However, last November Elder Merchant and Elder Polson knocked on his door and for the first time in 63 years he let them in. 

He was rather nice at first but always explained that he never would go to a Mormon church or quit smoking. Thankfully those convictions never turned out. I was here in February when he had his first church tour. The next week he came to church. Soon he then out all of his tea. After a few more weeks I heard him offer his first prayer. In due time the coffee and the cigarettes both fell away. His favorite scripture is 1 Nephi 3:7 "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." He will tell you about how if God could help Nephi build a boat, he can help you do anything - even quit smoking. 

He was baptized on the 22 of April this year. It was such an amazing occasion.

Alan's Baptism April 22

A few weeks later I had the privilege of conferring on him the Aaronic Priesthood and ordaining him to the office of priest. But the greatest joy I know comes from his amazing experience in the temple this past Saturday. He was able to be baptized for his father and brother as well as his grandpa Elijah. 

 Hermana Waite was there to be baptized for his mother.

Elder Basham, Alan, Hermana Waite

Elder Basham, Alan, Hermana Waite

It was so powerful and I loved every minute. I know that the temple is the house of God and eternal families are real. This is the lord's work. It is the work of building eternal families to live in the kingdom of God. I love Him so much for this. I love the Savior Jesus Christ. I love Alan and I love this mission. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Love

Elder Basham