Indiana

September 15, 2007, was a high Sabbath for the Spencer Church. That afternoon we welcomed three new members to our family through baptism and witnessed the baptism of another young man. Wading out into the water of Lake Timber Ridge, Dean Whitlow, a pastor, and Charlie Thompson, Indiana Conference youth director, led the eager followers of Jesus. Dean began by describing the enthusiasm of eight-and-a-half-year-old Nathan Huffman. Nathan participated in Bible studies for about a year, along with other youngsters from Spencer. He says he decided to be baptized when he was about five years old, but more recently he felt "the Lord's impression on my heart." His parents Greg and Mary Huffman are more than pleased with his excitement and independent decision to make this public commitment to follow the Lord. However, Nathan did not wait until now to begin telling others about Jesus Christ.

About one year ago, during a local Magabook campaign, Nathan joined two adults in visiting homes in the Spencer area. They knocked on the door of Christine Clarkson. Christine explained that her late mother-in-law Edna Clarkson had been a Seventh-day Adventist and member of the Ingalls Church. Edna had been a wonderful influence on Christine, resulting in her long-term belief in the Seventh-day Adventist religion.

Christine soon began regularly attending the Spencer Church and studying the Bible with local members. She says she feels welcome in this small congregation where it seems like family.

Jesus had been working on her heart for some time, and when Christine learned that Nathan would be baptized on September 15, the Lord impressed her that the time was right for her as well. She also wanted Nathan to realize how much she appreciated his witness to her. "[Nathan] brought me in, and this would be my gift to him. I was ready."

Charlie introduced the next candidate. Daniel Fickett, who is nine and a half years old, reported that he had wanted to be baptized for a long time. Then, seeing some of his friends' recent baptisms gave him the courage to go through with it. His parents Seth and Sonya Fickett say that Daniel has times when he is very open about what God means to him, often mentioning his desire for Jesus to come back soon. Following the ceremony, he told them that he felt peaceful and good inside.

We also had the privilege of witnessing the baptism of Aaron Ward from the Glendale Church in Indianapolis. Aaron is ten years old and in the fourth grade. Charlie noted that Aaron had consistently raised his hand at Timber Ridge Camp whenever someone asked the campers if they wanted to be baptized. One Friday evening Aaron's parents, Todd and Shelley Ward from Arcadia, visited the camp. When they were walking back to their trailer with Aaron he told his parents, "This has been the best week of my life!"

His dad asked, "How's that, son?"

Then, with great emotion, Aaron replied, "Because it's the week I gave my life to Jesus!"

It was exciting to be there when his heartfelt desire to publicly commit his life to Jesus was finally fulfilled.

Sandy Culp, Spencer Church communication leader