On August 30, Calvary Advent Christian Church (Bristol, Conn.) held an outdoor service and picnic at Camp Faithful in Southington, Connecticut. We worshiped together in the middle of God’s wonderful creation, and the Lord blessed us with absolutely perfect weather.
But there was another reason this day was so special. I, along with our associate pastor Jon Naudus baptized five new believers.
Each baptism was special for its own reason.
I had the privilege of baptizing my daughter, Daisy, who loves to sing hymns of praise and read the Bible. Watching my own daughter publicly declare her faith in Jesus is something I will never forget.
My brother in Christ had the honor of baptizing his daughter, Lynett. A young woman whose attitude and behavior have changed so noticeably since telling her parents that she is ready to follow Jesus.
What a beautiful picture of how God is working in our families!
Then there’s Travis, an old-school rock ’n’ roller who has been delivered from a life of drugs and alcohol. Travis leads AA meetings, cares deeply for his community and has spent his life helping others. But now he has found something even greater, new life in Christ Jesus!
And then there’s the young couple, Taylor and D.J.
Both experienced difficult childhoods and carried a great deal of confusion about church and religion. Over the last decade, both plunged into the perils of drug and alcohol addiction. But thanks be to the grace and power of God, both have now been sober for more than a year.
Through major health challenges and the ongoing battles of temptation, they have continued to firmly trust in the Lord.
Five baptisms. Five stories. One Savior.
Pastoral ministry is not easy. At times, the calling can feel too heavy to carry. But that feeling is fleeting.
To see my friends and family baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit…
To see people say no to the world and yes to Jesus…
To see the smiles on their faces and a peace beyond understanding resting upon these dear people…
It makes me stop and thank God for the calling to serve in this ministry. I will not do it perfectly. But I will continue to do it faithfully.
And to anyone who may be struggling, wondering if God is still working, or waiting to see what he will do next … Be encouraged. God is moving!
