Michigan

When asked why she wanted to be baptized, ten-year-old Alexis Dimmer said, “My mommy was baptized and God helped her to be strong when my daddy died and I wanted God to help me to be strong too. God will help me because He loves me, and He will help me to be strong about things that happen in life, and because I want to go to Heaven and see my family there, too.”

Alexis’ father, Ted, was in a motorcycle accident on July 3, 2004. When this tragedy occurred, Alexis and her two brothers, Aaron and Seth, turned to their mother, Chris, for comfort. They witnessed the strength of the Lord shining through her and saw how God's strength fortified her as she explained how such a horrible thing could happen to their loving daddy.

Chris, a member of the Metropolitan Seventh-day Adventist Church in Northville Township, Michigan, explained to her children how their daddy was sleeping and waiting for Jesus to return. Alexis listened intently to all the things her mother told her. One Sabbath, after witnessing a baptism, Alexis raised her hand in response to the pastor's invitation for others to give their heart to Jesus and prepare for baptism.

Chris says Alexis has always been a loving and kind child. While in first grade, the mother of a classmate died suddenly from an aneurysm in her lung. When the boy returned to school, Alexis was very empathetic and kind to the boy. She gave him cards and wrote a note that said, “I’m sorry your [sic] sad, I would be really sad too if my mommy died.” The teacher found the note and told Chris she was going to place Alexis' desk next to this boy to help comfort him.

While still in first grade, Alexis witnessed to another classmate about unhealthy foods when the classmate wanted to share a sausage sandwich. Her friend went home and that night would not eat her pork chop. Chris received a call from the girl’s mother and Chris shared how the Bible instructs pig's meat is unhealthy.

When her father was killed, Alexis comforted her grandfather and aunts. She made a collage with pictures of Jesus and Bible characters, and wrote, “Sorry you’re grieving because I’m grieving too. Jesus loves you. If you were a Christian, it would be easier for you. I know because I am a Christian.”

Alexis likes to lead out in prayer in their home and always prays for others. She even prays for people who have hurt her or the family. This was evidenced recently as Chris struggled with legal issues as a result of Ted’s death, while Alexis prayed for those who were causing the problems. Her daughter's example caused Chris to stop and realize Jesus said we are to love our enemies and be kind to those who persecute us.

Alexis learned about Jesus and His love through daily family worships and study time. Robert Stewart, Alexis' pastor, provided additional direction as she prepared for baptism. Alexis said she learned “how to trust in God more and not to give into peer pressure. Jesus helped people by healing them and He died for our sins. I know that God loves me.”

Alexis was baptized on October 15, 2005, and says she wants “to tell others about Jesus.”

Joy Hyde, Metropolitan Church communication secretary and church clerk