Sylvia's Baptism

I can't even begin to describe how awesome it was to watch our Sylvia Claire be baptized today.  So, I will just write the facts and ponder the goodness of them in my heart, because there just aren't words beautiful enough.

My parents came from Indiana.  It was the first time they've been able to visit Point of Change, since they haven't been able to visit us in almost a year and a half.  It was really special for us to have them see the building, meet our church family, and worship with us here.

During the service, the baptizans were brought to the front of the church to profess their baptism and their faith in Jesus.

Immediately following the service, baptisms were outside.

Sylvia has a super sweet relationship with Pastor Celia.  Each time they see each other, they say, "Friend!" and greet each other with a hug.  They share with each other what they are reading in God's word and how life is going.  I love the way they encourage each other!

Pastor Celia helped Sylvia into the pool.

 

It was a little difficult for the pastors to decide who would get to baptize Sylvia.  Pastor Todd has known Sylvia her entire life, and was even one of the first to visit her in the hospital when she was born!  Pastor Karin has been her children's pastor for the past several months, including when she made the decision to be baptized.  Pastor Scott is now Sylvia's your pastor, as of her officially moving up to youth group last week.  So, it was decided that Pastor Celia would help Sylvia into the pool, Pastor Scott and Pastor Karin would baptize her, and Pastor Todd said he would just stand outside the pool and cry.  (I think he cheered instead, which was awesome.)

And this is how she told the world that she is walking with Jesus!  Praise the Lord!!

Some parents' greatest wish is for their child to be happy.  Some wish for their success in life through education, sports, fame, money, even health.  When Sylvia was a baby, we dedicated her to the Lord; today she claimed that dedication for herself.  I am grateful that God has answered our prayers for Sylvia to accept the salvation Jesus has given her and walk through life with Him. Nothing in life could be better than that!