a r c h a n g e l

Fall of the Rebel Angels
- Peter Paul Rubens

We met Michael Bellitto as school started. He walked in to Book of Mormon class with his friend Zach. A Mormon convert of five years, Zach is outgoing, sincere and draws friends naturally. Michael lost both of his parents a few years ago.  His father was raised in Italian Catholicism, his mother in a Jewish tradition, although she was messianic and attended a charismatic Christian congregation with Michael. An earnest young man, his bible was well warn and his comments frequently reinforced by scriptural references. We joined the Sisters teaching Michael missionary discussions a few weeks later. His traditional Christian committment was firm but he was skeptical of our teachings on pre-existence and work for the dead. As he read the Book of Mormon, his spiritual acceptance grew.

Michael was baptized three weeks ago, immediately after a Sunday Sacrament service. He invited me to confirm him. He told me once that his parents had named him after the archangel Michael. In the minutes before his confirmation ordinance, I felt spiritual impressions about his missionary gifts and duties. These were pronounced during his blessing. Michael mentioned later the the Spirit had born strong personal witness of his decision to join the church.  The next week in Sunday School, President Nulty introduced Michael as the newest and therefore, the most perfect member of the branch:

PRESIDENT: Introduce yourself Michael.
MICHAEL: Hi I'm Michael. I got baptized last week.
  I have been a Christian for sixteen years. Now I'm a Mormon.
JOE (Ward Mission Leader): You're still Christian.
MICHAEL: Yeah, Christian two point O!



Joe, Michael & Zach

Sisters Van Langen, Mortensen & May

Wednesday, March 19:
Escorting 20 missionaries to the Manhattan temple today.
Michael will be attending with us.
He got his limited use temple recommend from President Nulty last Sunday.
He printed his parents FamilySearch reservations yesterday.





With President Nulty (Stefanie in usual background kitchen pose)