Illinois

On Sabbath, June 17, Mike Weakley, Princeton pastor, baptized Roy Waldschmidt and Becky Miller, the first two candidates to join the new church.

Roy, a retired farmer from Granville, Illinois, attended evangelistic meetings in Fall 2005 and has faithfully attended Sabbath services ever since. His spiritual growth continued when he became a member of a weekly Bible study group. There, he expressed his desire to be baptized at a future date. When a projected completion date was set for the new Princeton Church, Roy expressed his desire to be baptized in the new sanctuary. During the new church's construction, Roy helped every day and was anxious to see it completed.

Becky lives in Manlius, Illinois, with her husband Jeremy and their four children. Several years ago her mother, Barbara Holdeman, began to study the Bible with her. Barbara encouraged Becky to make a commitment to Christ in baptism. However, Becky faced some challenges in coming to Jesus. With time, though, her faith grew and her surrender was complete. In June, she was ready to make a commitment and demonstrated her desire to raise her children for the Lord.

Cherri Olin also assisted in Becky's spiritual growth by becoming a special friend. They prayed and studied the Bible together in preparation for Becky's new life in Christ. Becky anxiously awaited baptism in the new Princeton Church.

The day finally arrived. At the close of the baptismal service, the pastor invited church elders to come forward and lay their hands on Roy and Becky as he prayed and committed them to the Lord. His prayer was for the Holy Spirit to fill their lives and guide them as they wait for the soon return of Jesus Christ. It was a beautiful service, and the congregation heartily welcomed them into their fellowship.

Mike Weakley, Princeton Church pastor, with Bruce Babienco, Lake Union Herald volunteer correspondent