BBQ & Baptism
No words can describe what a great day it was today. It was The Orchard’s annual BBQ & Baptism.
We started off the day by hearing some stories from a few of the people getting baptized. What I love about The Orchard we embrace that everyone is at a different point in their journey. Our mission is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. No matter what what your background, or where you are in your journey, you feel welcome. For some, that step is just walking into church. For others, it is being baptized.
Baptism is our way of saying publicly that I am a follower of Jesus Christ. By itself, it is meaningless. It does not mean you are saved and are going to heaven and it does not mean that without it, you are not going to heaven.
Emily, our 10 year old, made that decision today. Pamela and I, along with my very good friend Damian, our student pastor, got to baptize her. What an amazing experience. We as parents can only do so much. Our kids have to own their faith.
Over 70 people were baptized today. Over 70 people stood before God and our church community and proclaimed themselves as followers of Christ. Over 70 people went under the water, left their old self in the water, and emerged as their new self. Over 70 people took a giant leap forward in their journey.
It is also amazing how I sit here and am watching all the real time updates on Facebook and Twitter and everyone talking about today and what an impact it had. That is what makes all the preparation and hard work worth it.
I have no more words to describe how I am feeling as I reflect back on this day. Just so thankful for everything God is doing in our lives and in our church.
