Ernie Smith's Baptism

This is an email I received from my daughter, Patti Sue. On Friday, Nov 4, 2011, she, with her children Jake and Jane, traveled to Rexburg, ID, for a speaking assignment Patti had with EFY, Especially For Youth---a youth centered organization supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Patti has a presentation that she shares with the youth of the Church wherever and whenever there is a need and she has the time and availability. I have never been able to attend her presentation so I know only that it is centered on Rob's (her late husband) life and passing. I have been told, however, that she provides a moving & memorable experience that leaves a profound impression on the youth.
The LDS Church purports the practice of the ancient teaching of baptizing for the dead. My children, John David and Patti, have been planning and preparing to perform this Gospel Ordinance for my dad, Ernie Smith. Since J.D. and his family live in Rexburg and there is a Latter Day Temple in Rexburg, they determined to go forward with the Temple Ordination for my dad. It works by a male person acting as proxy for my dad (females act as proxy for female persons) being baptized in his name by one having the ancient Priesthood authority. You may enter a Temple and perform proxy baptisms for the dead when you reach the minimum age of twelve and have been interviewed and pronounced worthy by your local Bishop to enter the Temple. I am proud to say that my grandson, Jake Epperson, is such a youth and my daughter and my son also are Temple worthy individuals. The three of them went to the Rexburg Temple (while sweet daughter-in-law, Tasha, stayed home with Patti's baby Jane) to perform the baptism for my dad Friday evening. J.D. did the actual baptism and Jake acted as proxy for my dad.
We firmly believe that this life on earth is a step in the evolution of humankind throughout eternity. We believe that we are expected to perform all the Gospel ordinances while in this earthly stage of our existence. We also subscribe to the ancient practice of performing proxy ordinances for our dead progenitors, who did not have these ordinations performed for themselves while living on earth. We feel that we are performing a service for them that they cannot now do for themselves. And since we feel a love for our ancestors, we love to do what we can for them that we believe will aid them in their eternal progression.
I cannot express or contain the love, pride and appreciation that I have for all my children and grandchilren. ALL of them are jewels in my crown---they each bring us all joy! My family is simply The Best! Enjoy Patti's message.

Mom,
Last night was so amazing. Jake only wanted to come up here to do
grandpa's work. We got there early (the Temple) and sat in the chapel and talked to Jake about memories we had of grandpa. We told him different stories and just gave
Jake a closeness to his great grandpa. Jake of course remembers his funeral and
still has the bullet shells from the military salute. A member of the temple
presidency came in to talk to the youth and he talked about how this youth is
continuing the missionary (work) their dead ancestors are doing in the spirit world. I
told Jake there was no doubt in my mind that his dad taught grandpa in the
spirit world and that is why now grandpa was excepting the gospel and how great
it was for Jake to continue the work for his dad. The spirit was so strong and I
could not control my tears of joy. Jake said to me afterwards that he always
want(ed) to be at the temple. He is such a great boy with a strong testimony. It was
a beautiful experience and (I) was grateful to be a part of it.
Love Patti sue