Michigan

The South Flint Church picnic would not be complete without a baptism, and last summer's picnic was no exception! Three individuals proclaimed Jesus Christ as their personal Savior on Sunday, June 26, as they were baptized by immersion in a pond at the home of Rick Dougherty, South Flint's head deacon.

The first two baptized were Mike Kent and Julie Moreau. They began their spiritual journey when Mike visited a local restaurant where Julie was his waitress. As Julie waited on his table, a conversation about religion ensued. Mike, already an Adventist, shared his beliefs with her. Mike faced personal challenges in his life, and Julie also had struggles. When Mike gave credit to how Jesus kept his faith going on a daily basis, Julie became interested in what he believed.

Desiring to understand how the Bible could be a blessing to her, she accepted his invitation to study Amazing Facts' "Focus on Prophecy" Bible lessons. Eventually Julie became convicted Saturday was the Bible Sabbath Jesus asks everyone to observe, and approached her employer to say she could no longer work between sundown Friday and sundown Saturday. As she continued to be "discipled" by Mike, she learned more and more truths about what Jesus, her new Friend, desired her to believe and practice.

As Mike shared the Bible with Julie, he also became convicted it was time for him to renew his commitment to Christ. Mike and Julie made a decision to be baptized at the close of the church's annual picnic. It is a blessing to witness how their relationship with Christ continues to grow, and see how it has also blossomed into a meaningful relationship with each other. They are planning a wedding in the near future.

The third person baptized was Rick Holstedtler, who was befriended by Rick and Trina Dougherty. He needed work, and they were able to give him work around their home since they board horses. During this time Rick Dougherty was able to witness and disciple him, and share the love of Jesus. Because of this Christian influence, Rick Holstedtler's heart and mind became convicted of Christ's love and truths, and he made a decision to give his heart and life over to follow Jesus. He chose to make a public profession of his faith, and was baptized at the same church picnic.

But the good news about baptisms doesn't stop there! Ryan and Alyssa Lively, the children of Wayland and Janice Lively, South Flint members, decided to give their lives to Jesus and also be baptized. They completed a series of children's Bible studies, and their pastor reviewed the lessons with them. At their baptism on Sabbath, August 20, the South Flint Timber Wolves Pathfinders stood around the baptistry. After Ryan and Alyssa entered the baptistry, their father joined them and sang a song of dedication to them. On cue, their pastor, Melvin Santos, called the Pathfinders to attention to show support. Tears of happiness flowed on this special Sabbath as both Heaven and Earth rejoiced.

Todd Ervin, South Flint communication leader, as shared with Bruce Babienco, Lake Union Herald volunteer correspondent