One Pre-mission Highlight

Quinn's Baptism

During the time that Craig and I served at West Ridge Academy, there was a boy named Quinn.

He entered the academy at about age 10.  He was not LDS but attended our branch Primary.  He was at the academy because his parents were divorced and they couldn't find a place for him at either home.  :(

 

Quinn was the most mild mannered, polite, sweet, boy (comparatively speaking) at West Ridge.

He was there for maybe 4 years.  Craig counseled with him and we enjoyed watching him grow and learn.  Then he went to live with some different West Ridge staff families and attended school at West Ridge then moved over to regular public school.   Over the 6 years that we served, we saw him regularly around campus but not on Sunday.  He was always excited to see us and even arranged to come to visit our home one Christmas season.  He would attend church with the different families.  He quickly developed a testimony of the gospel, attended church and seminary faithfully, but his father, who still had custody, refused to allow him to be baptized.

Craig and I were downtown in March of this year and ran into his former foster dad, Tom.  Quinn was turning 18 and was scheduled to be baptized soon.  He had asked Tom to perform the ordinance at a church which was very close to where we live.

Quinn was a senior at Copper Hills and would graduate from Seminary.  He plans to accept a scholarship for the fall, from a few choices, not sure yet.  Then in a year, go on a mission.

The baptism was held in Quinn's current stake.    The chapel was completely FULL of his friends and all the people who love him.  (except his dad and mom of course)  We barely all fit in the baptistery room, standing room only.  His grandparents and other family came from out of state.  Quinn remains positive in his efforts to connect with his father.   A girl from his ward spoke, his bishop and former bishop spoke and Quinn bore his testimony.   Refreshments and visiting afterwards.  We were overcome with the spirit and as I looked around, I felt deep gratitude that we had even found out about and were there to witness this amazing event.

Craig and I were thrilled to know and recognize the influence we and many others had in helping bring this to pass.

We have lots of good West Ridge memories.