Illinois —I had the pleasure of baptizing Ryszard Gryczon, the terminally ill husband of our member Kazia Gryczon, who was the first person baptized after we arrived in Chicago in 1986. Gryczon has a deadly form of stomach cancer and can't speak and hardly moves. He listened to me intently, though, and said clearly "Yes" when I asked him if he understands and accepts biblical teachings, including baptism. Later he clearly said "Amen" to a prayer of confession and forgiveness. Then, with help from our elder and deacon, I baptized him at home in a bathtub.

I have prepared about 40 people for baptism in Chicago since 1986, but I don't recall anyone so thankful and joyful as this terminally ill man. His decision helped his sister Krystyna to make a decision for baptism also.

Alfred Palla, Chicago Polish Church pastor