Dog Bite Leads to Baptism

While serving in Bethlehem, South Africa as the Presiding Elder of a newly established congregation, Elder Crandall was tracting with his companion when he was badly bitten by a dog. After discussing the injury with Sister Bowden and the Area Medical Director, the missionaries went to the emergency room of the local hospital so the wound could be treated.

While waiting to be treated, the missionaries had a brief conversation with the man at the reception desk. They explained who they were and why they were in Bethlehem. They were soon called to an examination room.

A few days later while tracting, the Elders were invited into a home. As they shared their message with the family, a friend of the family came by to visit. The friend was the man from the hospital. He recognized the Elders and expressed interest in learning about the Church.

Marius Marais was baptized on 14 October 2007. When the Bethlehem Branch was formally organized three weeks later, Brother Marais was called to be the Branch Mission Leader.