Today, my church plant conducted baptisms for the third time in our history. Once in the past, we used a borrowed wheel-out baptismal, and the other time, my friend Sophie was baptized in a kiddie pool. Today, her siblings Owen and Ava, along with three others, were baptized in the lake at a state park. This was a very special time, and I was grateful for the opportunity to celebrate with my church family and dear friends how God has worked redemption in people's lives, using both ordinary circumstances and great pain to bring them to Himself. It was such a blessing to hear people speak about how the gospel has changed their identities, given them purpose, and moved them from darkness into light.
Pastor Jim shared a message about the nature and importance of baptism as a sign of belonging to the visible church.
When their older sister asked for a photo:
When I asked for a photo:
Owen and Ava's parents.
Henry's baptism:
Josiah's baptism:
Noah's baptism:
Ava giving her testimony. I cried.
Owen giving his testimony.
Fifth try was the charm, and I got a picture of a post-baptism hug.
Taking pictures of other people taking pictures is a great joy in life.
It was special that Sophie was back from school to be there.
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.”
~ Ephesians 1:7-10
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