The Element of Surprise

by | Feb 23, 2017 | Special Series | 0 comments

thumb_surprised.jpg

This article is Part 5 of Sister Natalie Shawver’s series “Born and Raised”…Or Not.

It’s been said that the Lord can come into our lives like a rushing, mighty wind. We may not be expecting it, but He touches each of us in just the way we need — and sometimes, to the surprise of those around us.

Take, for example, Brother Bob Batson, Cincinnati-Morrow Mission, Ohio.

After attending the Niles, Ohio Branch in 1978 with his girlfriend, Sister Ruth Genaro, Brother Bob decided to take Sister Ruth up on her invitation to visit the Lorain Branch with her family.

“To her surprise, I said I wanted to go, too. I had been contemplating baptism, even discussing it with friends at school (I was attending the University of Toledo at the time). I told one friend that if God called me that Sunday, I would make my commitment. The spirit was strong in Lorain that Sunday — various gifts were manifested, the gift of tongues and interpretation, visions, and preaching. We sat with a large group of young people packed into three pews at the front of the auditorium. At one point in the service, the spirit prompted me to stand and request my baptism, and I complied, startling everyone around me! The spirit was calling that Sunday, and I didn’t want to be left behind!” he said.

Sister Karen Pezzenti, also from Cincinnati-Morrow, Ohio, had a similar experience in church one Sunday with her husband, Brother Paul Pezzenti.

“Growing up in the Catholic faith and not having attended since I was married to Paul, I really missed attending church and having communion. I had been raised to attend church weekly, so there was a void for me. As our married years progressed, we wanted children, and it wasn’t happening. I knew that it was time that we attend church. We began to attend regularly, but we would sit in the back. Each Sunday, we would move up a few rows. Each Sunday, I would begin to listen more. Sunday after Sunday, I wanted to have that faith that I heard from the humble sisters in our branch. I also wanted communion. One Sunday, God’s spirit filled me with the desire to be baptized.”

Did Sister Ruth know that Brother Bob was contemplating baptism? What about Brother Paul? Did he wonder about his wife’s religious desires?

In reality, did it matter?

The choice to ask for your baptism is personal — even more personal than a friendship, romantic relationship, or marriage. God calls each of us and sometimes surprises us — and those around us — in the process.

It just makes it that much sweeter.

“And again I say unto you as I have said before, that as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of your sins, which causeth such exceeding great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness…” Mosiah 4:11

Bio Natalie

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Further Reading

Big Windshield, Small Rearview Mirror

Memories—they can be both a blessing and a curse. There are the wonderful kind like walking down the aisle at your wedding … and the not-so-wonderful kind where you lost a job. Human nature is to think upon the good memories with a smile, but that doesn’t mean we...

Read More

Right the First Time

I come from pretty particular stock. My dad uses the phrase, “measure twice, cut once” frequently. And my mom is a detailed person herself. When I worked with a group of eyewear technicians at a former company, they had a similar mantra of “right the first time”...

Read More

Never Miss a New Article

Subscribe to Our Email List
Sign up and get every new blog post sent straight to your inbox so you always have the day’s devotional at your fingertips.

We never share your email address with anyone for any reason, and we use it only to send you Gospel Blog emails. Just articles, not ads!

Your Story for God’s Glory

Share Your Testimony on Miracle Monday

We devote Miracle Monday to sharing miracle stories. From finding a lost wedding ring to healing cancer on the spot, Jesus Christ has done it all, big and small.

And we want to hear about what He’s done for you.

The Gospel Blog Is Open for Submissions

We encourage devotional-style or scripture-based articles in the ballpark of 500 words. We are open to any topic that glorifies God and unites the Church.