Indiana

Is there such a thing as triple joy? I would say there is. Let me explain. The arrival of our triplets—Daniel, Melissa, and Vanessa—brought joy to our family, triple joy that is. It has been a joy to see them grow in the Lord.

Recently, the Lord blessed the Anderson Church with the birth of three "spiritual babies.” Christina Arnett, Christian Rhodes, and Billy Kellermeyer were baptized into the church on Oct. 15, 2006. It was truly triple joy.

Although babies don’t choose where they will be born, Christina, Christian, and Billy wanted their baptisms to be special. They wanted to be baptized outside in the pool at the Arellanos' home.

If you had the opportunity to be there, I'm sure you would agree that it was truly a special service. There were several musical selections performed by their friends. Words of encouragement were shared by parents and friends. The presence of the Holy Spirit was evident as the candidates and the Indiana Conference ministerial director Peter Neri and I descended into the water.

A basket containing purple and white flowers was placed beside the pool. At the end of the service, a call was made for those who wanted to recommit their lives to God. They picked purple flowers and floated them on the water. There was also a call for those who wanted to make plans to be baptized. They picked up the white flowers and floated them on the water.

The chill of the night settled in, but there was a warm glow that could be felt all around us. This was a service that we will never forget. The joy of seeing a new baby come into the world brings an awesome responsibility to a family; the same is true for a church family. Each of us are called to be spiritual guardians of these three young people. Let us pray for them, let us encourage them, and let us mentor them into spiritual maturity.

Jose Vazquez, pastor