July 29, 2011

Our dear friends from Boise, Nancy and Steve Hunt, flew into Sitka Thursday, July 21, at about 1 p.m. We were able to help them get their car and find their house, and then we ran to appointments. The next morning we flew to Ketchikan for Tommy Jones’ baptism and didn’t return until Sunday night. When we finished our appointments on Sunday night it was pretty late before we checked back in with Nancy and Steve, but found them happy and well acclimated. They’ve gone on splits with us which has been dynamically helpful.

In Ketchikan we were reunited with Tommy and Kara Jones. We hadn’t seen Tommy and Kara since leaving Dutch Harbor, where we had taught their family the gospel. In fact, we hadn’t even spoken with Tommy. He was at sea on a patrol vessel for over 30 days. That’s a long 30 days for missionaries to lose complete track of a golden investigator. When we finally talked with him we were relieved to find that he had been reading the scriptures as much as his 20-hour-day schedule permitted and he was more converted than when he had bid us farewell in Dutch Harbor. We reviewed principles with him and he shared his favorite scriptures. Then the Ketchikan elders interviewed him for baptism. He passed with flying colors.

Steve and Nancy Hunt

Elder Later and Tommy Jones checking for "real water" for baptism of Tommy

Prior to the baptism on July 23, 2011

Tommy and Kara Jones, in their home in Ketchikan.  

When we went on splits, Elder Later and Brother Hunt found Captain Simon.  Did they ever have luck!

Tommy had requested baptism in “real water,” like the Bering Sea of Dutch Harbor. When we thought it would be best for him to be baptized in Ketchikan, his home ward, he was appeased because Ketchikan has real water too. But when we tried to find an adequate place, it was a challenge. Friday night he decided that even bath water was all right, but only asked that he could be held down extra long to make sure he was completely clean from all his past “stuff.” He had been a soldier in a war zone. He was baptized July 23, 2011, and confirmed the next morning, July 24.  He was also ordained as a Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood. 

Tommy has seven sons ranging in age from early 20’s to 8 months. He wants to share the gospel with each one. Kara is already a member. Tommy is always on a fast track, and now Kara is by his side. Ketchikan Ward is lucky to have this little family. Bishop Davis is great and will help Tommy, Kara and their children get to the temple. We want to be there with them when they go.

We love you!

Richard and Linda, Mom and Dad, Papa and Nanny