It was an unusual event like I had never experienced before. Many of the small gathering of people were complete strangers to me. We gathered for the same purpose. We made some initial small talk as we waited for everyone to arrive.
When the final people arrived, we gathered for a few last minute instructions. I taught and challenged a short devotion before we got down to business. The purpose of our gathering was very unique. It goes back nearly two years ago.
An opportunity was presented that I felt God might just be nudging us into. It was definitely not in my comfort zone. It was just the kind of thing Jesus would lead His people into. A bible study at a substance abuse center we named 1 Way.
For close to two years we have met on Sunday afternoons to tell people from all across the United States about Jesus. We recently had a man who was born on the continent of Africa but migrated to the United States. We have talked to people from multiple states and from varied religious backgrounds including those disenfranchised from the church, atheists, agnostics, born again believers, embittered, and those who never have read a Bible. Week after week we show up and teach the truth. We also give away Bibles for those who want one. We try to answer questions. We continually point people to Jesus. We have been there on Christmas Day, New Years Day, Easter, Mother's Day, and Father's Day and all Sundays in between.
Fast forward to this past Resurrection Sunday on March 31, 2024. Fresh off the exhilarating worship service we had that morning when we baptized 5 people, we went to 1 Way not knowing what to expect. God worked wonders saving three men. That is when things took an unusual turn. We have celebrated the salvation of dozens of people at 1 Way. This time was different. One of those men asked if I would baptize him. Before we knew it all three saved men wanted to be baptized.
That brings me to the purpose of our small gathering this morning. We secured permission for those men to be shuttled to the church for a private baptism ceremony. Right before I mounted the steps to go into the water the men realized they had not brought a shirt to change into. They asked if they could be baptized without a shirt on. The Spring Creek sanctuary was built 41 years ago. In the history of this building, I do not think anyone has ever been baptized without a shirt on. Well that is until today. I gave them permission and we commenced the celebration.
The only people watching were the techs who work at the detox center, three fellow clients who came to support their friends, and two of our church members who are involved in 1 Way. One of the church members looked over at her husband and commented, "He does not have a shirt on." The husband just smiled and we all rejoiced to celebrate those men being born again. It made the day even more meaningful because it was so simple and pure.
Buried with Christ in baptism and raised to walk in a brand new life. Each of the men thanked me afterward. Are you kidding me? They thanked me for baptizing them. That is a thrill that revs up my spiritual engine. Two of the three guys hugged me. They each were beaming. What a day of rejoicing.
It was a beautiful time. It makes the lack of a Sunday afternoon nap, adding another teaching on top of jam packed Sundays, and forsaking family time all worth it. What a delight to see souls saved. May that not be the last time we get to do that for people at the detox center.
No comments:
Post a Comment