Illinois

Sabbath, August 18, was a "high day" with much rejoicing amongst the Noble Church family. Anticipation had been building all summer long. In February, Blaine, Austin, and Shelby Rich (father, son, and daughter), Luke Foll, April and Macy Ehrhardt (mother and daughter), Kailee Sabin, and Rachel Arner had all attended a series of messages entitled, "A Man For All Time," presented by Joe Arner, Noble Church pastor. Early in the meetings, these individuals expressed their desire for baptism.

The pastor, with assistance from local elders, Frank Totten and Clyde Liston, studied with them during the summer months. It was a joy to see the group meet together after potlucks or on Wednesday evenings for their class. The church family took interest in the Bible students' journey in their relationship with Jesus. Their friendships with each other grew richer and stronger from spending so many hours studying the Bible together.

The first ones baptized were Blaine, Austin, and Shelby. When Joe asked Blaine if he had any words he would like to share, Blaine answered, "I think I'll just let the Lord speak!" Blaine just didn't realize how eloquently God was about to speak. The Creator of the whole universe, who can speak and hang galaxies in space, began to unfold Himself in the beauty of simplicity of each heartfelt and simple testimony unhurriedly shared by the pastor.

The pastor related how Shelby never has a problem praying when she is at home. He said she likes to pray, and always prays for every member of her entire family in each prayer.

When baptismal plans were discussed, Austin made it clear he wanted to stand next to his good buddy, Luke, and in his opinion, baptismal robes should be worn as early in the service as possible!

In their classes, Luke was never short of answers. Praise God that Luke has answers anytime. It was heartwarming when the pastor invited two special members to stand up with Luke while he was baptized.

When April and her daughter, May, entered the baptistry, the pastor informed everyone that April was terrified of water. April later reported, "I was shaking like a leaf in a thunderstorm before I went down into the water, but when I came up out of the water [my fear] was all gone! I know they say to 'put all your trust in the Lord and He'll take care of you,' and that's just what I did! And He truly did help me!"

There were a lot of tears of joy during the service, but when the pastor looked at Macy, he helped those present remember that it's okay for church families to have fun. And thanks to Macy's flair for red hair, Ronald McDonald socks, and fish gum, our church laughs a lot.

When Kailee and Rachel stepped into the baptistry together for their baptisms, the pastor told of the delayed arrival of one of Kailee's correspondence Bible lessons. Kailee was so eager for the next lesson that she told her mother, "I think I'll just call up and see why my lesson is so late." He added that Kailee often delights her family with her unique creativity.

When Joe prepared to baptize his daughter, Rachel, it was hard for him to hold back the tears while sharing with church members that Rachel is a "pray-er." She wants to be a pastor when she grows up and has already written a sermon. What an incredibly beautiful, yet simple testimony of God's work!

The celebration was far from over. The spiritual blessings continued with special music, singing, and then came the gifts. Each of the newly-baptized individuals received a beautiful New King James Bible with their name engraved on it. Also, each of the five families represented were happily presented with a 3ABN satellite system for their home to assist in their Christian growth.

God once again mightily revealed His incomparable love for His people. It was such a happy time. No one wanted the service to end, even though the clock showed 1:00 p.m., and the pastor hadn't delivered his sermon yet. It was a taste of Heaven. Everyone received a glorious blessing. We will continue to pray for these eight new members as they experience God showing them more and more of His matchless love.

Alyce Muhs, communication secretary, Noble Church, as shared with Bruce Babienco, Lake Union Herald volunteer correspondent