A whole stack of memories never equal one little hope. ~ Charles Schulz
"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." ~ The Bible, Hebrews 6.19a
We don't hope just for hope's sake, but in the One who gives us reason to Hope ... God!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Baptism
I had the opportunity to baptize four adults today in worship. It was a first for The Lighthouse Church. We've done babies, children, and youth, but not adults. And it's the circumstances that makes this so powerful.
The lady who precipitated this is dying of cancer. As I write this she is down to weeks left in her life (based on the docs best guess). She wanted to experience authentic baptism before she went to be with the Lord. As she shared her new faith with her family, they too came to faith in Christ and wanted to be baptized. So we did it! and boy was it special!
I remember speaking by phone with this lady last week when I learned her family would be joining her for the baptism service. She asked if it would okay. My initial reaction was pity the church where it wouldn't be okay.
Words cannot express the power in that worship center this morning. Here is someone who is facing her own mortality, surrounded by those who love her most. The very fact that some churches would not be in favor of doing this is absurd, but true. and the very fact that some serious pastoral care has already begun makes it even more worthwhile.
For after the elation of this day passes and the reality of the illness sets back in, the family will be left in worry and grief. Yet a relationship has begun where we can love, support, and care for this family before, during, and after the loss of their mother and grandmother. Who knows just how powerful the memories of this morning will be in the grand scheme of things.
It was a good day.
The lady who precipitated this is dying of cancer. As I write this she is down to weeks left in her life (based on the docs best guess). She wanted to experience authentic baptism before she went to be with the Lord. As she shared her new faith with her family, they too came to faith in Christ and wanted to be baptized. So we did it! and boy was it special!
I remember speaking by phone with this lady last week when I learned her family would be joining her for the baptism service. She asked if it would okay. My initial reaction was pity the church where it wouldn't be okay.
Words cannot express the power in that worship center this morning. Here is someone who is facing her own mortality, surrounded by those who love her most. The very fact that some churches would not be in favor of doing this is absurd, but true. and the very fact that some serious pastoral care has already begun makes it even more worthwhile.
For after the elation of this day passes and the reality of the illness sets back in, the family will be left in worry and grief. Yet a relationship has begun where we can love, support, and care for this family before, during, and after the loss of their mother and grandmother. Who knows just how powerful the memories of this morning will be in the grand scheme of things.
It was a good day.
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