We continue to delve into the GMBA campout theme, “Are You IN?” Our Wednesday seminars focused on the subtopic: “All In.” This topic is based on Mosiah 18:8:

“And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light.”

So far, five young people asked for their baptism, and I asked the following question, “What does ‘All In’ mean to you?” They also told me their testimonies. Please enjoy reading their sincere words as they all portray a pure heart ready to serve the Lord.

Elisha Leigh, Mesa, AZ Branch: I think, “All In” means to commit yourself to the Lord. It means to serve him and make Him happy so you will be blessed.

Elisha’s testimony: I was in the Monday night meeting, and I heard the young people testify. With each testimony, I cried. I felt the Lord touch my heart, and I had such a happy feeling. After the meeting ended, I called my mom, and I asked for my baptism. Then, I told Brother Josh Benyola, and he conveyed my request to the ministry.

Leah Calabro, Metuchen, NJ Branch: “All In” means commitment that you are giving to the Lord, and you are willing to give everything to Him. It means that you are “All In!”

Leah’s testimony: Well, it all began last year at GMBA Camp 2016, the night before my brother, Caleb, asked for his baptism. I had a dream that I saw my dad and myself in the water, and my dad baptized me. I arrived at camp this year very excited to be here. On Monday night when Brother Tom D’Orazio said “Don’t let the devil get in your way. Don’t say, ‘yeah but…’ You know that God loves you, and just do it,” I felt God’s spirit calling me. I immediately called my mom after the meeting, and I asked for my baptism.

Ozzy Gonzalez, Middle Tennessee Mission: “All In” means I am ready to serve the Lord, and I am willing to do everything possible to serve Him, praise Him, and help others to follow my example.

Ozzy’s testimony: I had been thinking about baptism this past year, and I prayed for a sign. Sophie Hill, my girlfriend, came to GMBA campout with me and my family. She hadn’t attended our church. The Lord gave her a vision during the evening service as we were closing in prayer. She saw me in the waters where we baptize at camp, and Brother Ken Staley was baptizing me. Then she saw Christ take me towards the sunset.

Chris Larsen, Treasure Coast, FL: “All In” means putting God first in all your actions and for knowing that He is with you in everything.

Chris’s testimony: On Monday night, we started the meeting in prayer. I felt God’s power in every young person’s testimony. When we sang “It’s My Desire,” I completely felt God’s spirit and calling.

Naomi Jordan, Tse Benito, NM: “All In” means to stop having excuses for not listening to what the preacher says, for not going to church, and saying, “Yeah but this, and Yeah but that” because He puts you in that place for a reason because He expects you to do what a good Christian would do.

Naomi’s testimony: On Monday night, I didn’t feel like it was the elder speaking to me because the elder didn’t know me personally, but I felt like God was speaking me to directly. The sermon was tailor made for me. My two older sisters have gotten baptized and gave their testimonies, and they were standing next to me in birth order, and I felt that I was the next in the family to make my commitment in addition to feeling God’s prompting and spirit.

As Mosiah 18 beautifully depicts the waters of Mormon and the people that were desirous to come into the fold of God, we are thankful for these five candidates who will be entering those waters and are willing to be called His people. Let’s pray for them and bear their burdens that they may be light as they begin their spiritual walk with the Lord.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.