Michigan

March 19, 2005, was the new-birth day for two very dissimilar people, Amanda Brezzell and Kelly Linder Sr. Both were baptized at the Metropolitan Church in Plymouth, Michigan, by Robert Stewart, pastor, and that is where any similarity between the two ends.

Amanda, the daughter of Shirley and Alvin Brezzell, is a lovely little eight-year-old girl who wanted nothing more than to be baptized ever since she saw her older sister, Clarissa, baptized. Shirley encouraged Amanda in her desire for baptism, but told her to wait until she was older. Amanda did not let her longing rest. She wanted “to give her heart to Jesus” and continued to ask her mother for permission.

Shirley approached the pastor and told him of Amanda’s yearning. Robert shared Shirley’s reservation about Amanda’s age, but agreed to study with Amanda during a baptismal class at Metropolitan Junior Academy. Throughout the studies, Robert was impressed with Amanda’s spiritual maturity, knowledge of the Bible, and her love for her Savior, Jesus. Because of her spiritual qualities and great desire, Robert believed Amanda was ready to be baptized.

Kelly’s spiritual experience is as different from Amanda’s as is their physical appearance. Kelly is a grandfather and a self-acknowledged “tough guy” motorcycle rider. He is married to DiAnna, who became a Seventh-day Adventist 18 years ago. DiAnna prayed earnestly Kelly would be baptized, too. Although he attended church and Sabbath school with DiAnna off and on during those years, he never gave in to the Holy Spirit’s calling to be baptized.

In 2004, DiAnna transferred to Metropolitan, and Kelly began to attend with her. Kelly enjoyed the services and felt a connection with the pastor. In the fall he attended the Hope for Our Day series. When he heard the appeal to make a commitment to learn more about the Bible, Kelly came forward.

When Kelly began Bible studies with the pastor, he was so eager, and asked if they could double up on the weekly lessons. With a month left to complete the studies, Kelly suffered a stroke and there was great concern for his life. In response to many prayers, Kelly survived with hardly any noticeable effects from the stroke.

DiAnna’s faithful prayers were finally answered. On the day of his baptism, DiAnna shared how her husband had become a changed man, how he reads his Bible for several hours a day, goes to church every Sabbath, and enjoys the prayer group.

While they were in the baptistry together, Robert commented to Kelly that “Jesus loves tough guys!" Amanda and Kelly are truly brother and sister because they are both in the family of God. And, they share the same new-birth day. No matter your age, size, gender, or disposition, our Lord Jesus died to save us all!

Joy Hyde, Metropolitan Church communication secretary and church clerk