Michael & Robert

You know those mornings when you wake up just because? When you are too tired to get out of bed but not tired enough to completely fall back asleep? This morning was one of those for me. I really don't like them at all.

It's mainly because I feel so unproductive just lying there. Even when I sleep-in a substantial amount longer, I feel more productive because at least I'm doing something. Just lying there gets frustrating.

But today, I'm not one to complain. The day went in a direction I never expected. I was able to participate in a baptism this afternoon and it wasn't just any baptism either. This was a little more special.

Michael is from Ghana. He is 24 years old. His parents and siblings were killed in violent conflict and just recently he fled his country in hopes of something better. With a friend who had similarly suffered, he managed his way onto a ship heading for London but instead found himself completely stranded in Riga, Latvia. With absolutely nowhere to go (and no idea where he was) he lived on the streets searching for help. It was during this time that his mind was recalled to a point in his life when he had met Mormon missionaries back home in Ghana. At that time, he wanted absolutely nothing to do with them; this time, he felt different.

Michael and Robert began hearing the lessons and became increasingly interested. They eventually desired baptism. Their progress became interrupted, however, when voluntarily, they walked into the immigration office hoping to apply for a work permit. They were immediately jailed and interred in a refugee camp (while given the name, camp, it is definitely more reminiscent of prison as they are not allowed exit nor will they be deported any time soon).

It has been 9 months since then. Michael and Robert have only been able to meet with the missionaries once every month. Special arrangements had to be made between the mission president and the government to secure the brief leave from the camp for their own baptisms (They were only given leave one at a time and consequently, Robert was baptized last week. This week was Michael's turn).

Michael arrived at the chapel this evening smiling despite the 3 migration officers following his every step. It was sick really: even in the dressing room he was chaperoned. He didn't seem to mind though. He was just happy to finally enter the waters of baptism.

The service, like any baptismal service, was beautiful in its simplicity. Pure happiness radiated from his warm face as he entered the water. I have not seen such joy in a long time. To conclude the service, he bore his testimony. I have not felt the Spirit that comforting in a long time. He recognized the Lord in all that had happened to him. He recognized his continual reliance upon God, stating that in His due time, he will be delivered.

His knowledge of the gospel and his faith were rock solid. He and Robert consistently read from the scriptures and Church magazines together. They pray together. They hold on to one another in their hope and dream of freedom. Now, with a new spiritual life, they continue in anticipation for the day when they can begin a new temporal life.

I was brought to guilt as I considered the lives of these two brethren. I share the same age as they and we each find ourselves in a foreign country. Yet, opportunity and economically fortunate circumstances have brought me here; they have been driven here by violence, desperation, and pure misfortune. Instead of finding greater liberty, they are now prisoners.

I write about this for two reasons. First, so that their faith and testimony of the true and living gospel can be passed on to ward members and friends. They are true examples of faith and hope. Second, I wish to draw attention to the further plight of Michael and Robert. They are lucky - they have found the true Church on the earth. But still, along with hundreds of millions of others, they are trapped in physical bondage by violence, hunger, and oppression. I know that sky-rocketing gas prices and the sub-prime crisis have Americans reaching for the torch and pitchfork. But seriously, does any of that matter when there is more than enough food to eat? Does any of that matter when we can walk down the street without the fear of getting shot at or blown up? Does any of that really matter when we are free to simply come and go and do as we please?