"And if you SPEND YOURSELVES on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness and your night will become like the noonday."

"The Lord will continually guide you. He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."- Isaiah 58:10-11

Friday, September 10, 2010

Julia's Baptism!!!

Over the years, we have had many joyful opportunities to watch people get baptized at The Chapel. Truly, this is my favorite part of being in ministry. To see a life changed and a person stand before their Christian brothers and sisters, and commit to making Jesus the leader of their life is exhilarating.

After the last baptism we hosted at the Mundelein Campus, Julia approached Rick and requested that she be baptized ‘Up North’ in front of her whole family in the lake! How could we say no to that? So, last Sunday, in front of all 25 of the extended Smith family, Julia publicly proclaimed her love for Jesus and commitment to follow Him the rest of her life. It was truly exhilarating to say the least! She was so precious and so sincere in her testimony of how God has worked in her life. She was followed by all 4 of the Mascari cousins!

And now she is having a chance to demonstrate her commitment to Jesus. This weekend was very hard for her – VERY hard. She sobbed on several occasions at the thought of leaving her cousins and aunts and uncles, especially Paige and Aunty Bevy. We will miss them all deeply. We had several significant conversations with her in moments of calm where she affirmed her commitment to going to Africa, even though she didn’t want to leave everyone. We are SO proud of her choices, even at this age!

1 comment:

Jodi Stilp said...

congratulations Julia. What a big week for you. We are so proud of you!