We hosted our second baptism celebration of the summer late this afternoon. And what a perfect afternoon it turned out to be! The heat finally broke (we were down around 90 instead of 105 … a real cool spell), the humidity seemed to disappear, and there was a great breeze blowing over the hill.
This was a very special celebration because it was our first-ever time to baptize on our church land. (Many of my readers know that Crossroads Fellowship continues to meet in a long-term temporary facility while we wait for God’s timing to build our permanent home.) One one my newest church members, Ivan Martin, brought his cattle trough and placed it under our newly constructed pavilion. The local volunteer fire department brought their truck out on Thursday afternoon and filled it for us. So we were set … an afternoon of baptisms, fellowship, and great food.
This time of baptism was another first in the life of our church. It was our first baptism in which all of those being baptized were children. Several of them made their commitments to Christ during Vacation Bible School in July. I am always thrilled when our children come to the Lord and desire to follow Him in baptism.
So we made a very special day of this baptism event. And, of course, God showed up. 
And He blessed everyone present with these beautiful testimonies of childhood faith. There were so many friends and relatives present, in addition to the members and regular attenders at Crossroads. It is so exciting to be leading a church full of people who seek to live out their faith and share it with the people around them. God has blessed us with seventeen baptisms over this past year. And we are so thankful for each and every precious soul and family that he has brought into the life of our church.
Once again, I’ll be sharing the stories of our baptisms throughout the coming week. I’ll have the first one posted tomorrow morning. I pray that you will be blessed and encouraged by these stories and pictures. Hopefully, I will have a video available by week’s end for your enjoyment.
August 26, 2007 at 9:21 pm
Geoff,
Yes it was a blessing. I have some memories of these children of God that came to mind, and I was able to share with grandparents and great grandparents. It’s been two years from the coming Labor Day weekend when Crossroads family was boxing up relief items for Katrina victims. I remember little Layne, and her brother Mason, helping Laura sort and fold kids clothing to go on the wagon. I remember them going to east KY. on our first outreach, and even though they were to small to give testimony they learned Jesus is the sweetest name of all.
I recall how Peggy didn’t want Layne to leave the Criiters class to move on to G-Force, and she tried to convince her to stay an extra year.
It was a real blessing, but I’m looking forward to the many blessing in store as these children grow in service to our Lord. They will be the disciplies of tomorrow, and will lead others to our Lord.
Seeing the younguns recieve our Savior is encouraging to us senior citizens. May God bless them all.
Larry
August 26, 2007 at 9:31 pm
A most excellent word, Larry! it is, indeed, an incredible blessing to minister in the lives of these children and watch them grow into knowing the Lord.
Geoff