On Sunday I got the privilege of doing my first ever outdoor baptism. All the others I have ever done were in a baptismal tank inside, whereas this was in the pond at Great Oaks Christian Camp near Lacon. Seven people in all were baptized, included two teens, 1 adult and four children. It was a neat time. We went out to the camp immediately following the morning service, ate a potluck meal together (I am convinced that some of the ladies here have the spiritual gift of potluck), sang some songs and heard each testimony before heading down to the water.
For me, the testimonies are the most amazing part of a baptism service. Seeing how God's grace manifested itself at various times in various ways to a wide variety of people always leaves me in awe of God's merciful love. Watching and participating in things like Sunday are part of what keeps a pastor going in his ministry. Praise the Lord for those who are moving forward in their faith.
4 comments:
Good stuff Joe ... Now, get more pictures of the whole family, of the church, etc... etc... Blessings to you and I will keep checking you up from a distance (and what a distance). Blessings to you two!
I'm also amazed by the variety in people's testimonies, while still containing the same essential themes. I've often wondered if public baptisms would be a better evangelistic tool. It seems like we might be missing out by having them in church or at a private location.
Mike R
Mike,
You're right. Since we have no baptismal tank, our church tradition here has been to use an alternate public location. In the past that has meant the city pool and that was our intention this time, but the city just put in a new one. After it was opened (late this summer), they told us no baptisms (they don't rent the facility to private groups). The cool thing about Sunday was that there were a number of un-churched, de-churched and regular unbelievers there to watch their family/friends be baptized.
Hey Joe, sounds like God is doing awesome things in the life of the Horn family and in the life of ministry. We look forward to getting filled in on how things are going. We love and miss you guys. We want to come visit sometime...
Love the Bittners
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