In May 2025, Aziyah saw an online invitation to learn more about baptism. When the missionaries first reached out, they asked if they were texting with Aziyah, and she replied no. After introducing themselves and explaining why they had contacted her, she confirmed that it was her but said she was nervous. A few texts and phone calls later, she agreed to meet.
When the missionaries met with Aziyah, they immediately felt her light and saw how prepared she was. She expressed a desire to be forgiven of her past mistakes. As the missionaries taught the doctrine of baptism, they invited her to be baptized. A Young Women counselor from the Hixson Ward was present and bore testimony of covenants. She had tears in her eyes as she expressed the love the Savior has for these two girls. The Spirit was powerful, and Aziyah responded with, “Yes! Yes! How can I prepare?”
The next day, when the missionaries returned, Aziyah’s 9-year-old sister Quionna answered the door. They invited her to join the lesson, taught about the gospel of Jesus Christ, and asked if she wanted to be baptized the same day as her sister. She declined at first.
At a later lesson, the Sisters felt prompted to extend the invitation again. They watched the video of Jesus Christ’s baptism together, and when asked if this was something she wanted to do, Quionna admitted she was very afraid of water, but still wanted to be baptized. Through prayer and encouragement, the missionaries helped her put her trust in God and begin to overcome her fear.
On June 22, 2025, both sisters entered the waters of baptism. Aziyah radiated with joy as she made her covenant with God. When it was Quionna’s turn, fear returned. For nearly 20 minutes she stood at the edge of the font, unable to step in. With patient encouragement from Brother Barrott, quiet support from Sister Barrott, and the prayers of the ward members present, Quionna finally found the courage to enter the water. She overcame her fear and was baptized, surrounded by the love and strength of her new church family.
It was truly a day to remember. The pure love of Christ was manifest in the faith of these two young sisters. Today, Aziyah and Quionna continue to attend church faithfully and are excited to keep learning the gospel and to share it with their friends.
Barlows in TKM 