February 23, 2014 is one of my favorite days ever. It was amazingly wonderful to see Lily baptized! A few weeks prior, Ryan and I talked with her one evening, and she decided she wants to follow Jesus. We were thrilled! Lily was so excited to share her good news the next day with all her friends and teachers.
At church a few days later, we inquired about baptism in the children's office, and they explained their process. First, we went to a class after church one Sunday where one of the children's minister talked about the awesome gift of salvation that Christ offers. The next week, Ryan, Lily and I met with Christina, one of the children's ministers, so she could talk with Lily and make sure she understands what becoming a Christian means and what baptism is. The week after that (actually two weeks later thanks to the snow/ice storm we had), Ryan and Lily went up to the church to film Lily's testimony. It was precious. In it, she explains why she wants to be a Christian, why she is being baptized and her favorite Bible verse of 1 Timothy 4:12. Finally, on the afternoon of February 23rd, the church held their special children's baptism service in the chapel. There were about 16 children being baptized that day, and most of them were baptized by one of the ministers at the church. However, as an ordained deacon of the church, Ryan was allowed to baptize Lily (as was one other dad). This made this wonderful day even better!
As Lily and Ryan entered into the baptismal pool, they played Lily's testimony video. Truly, it was wonderful. The church liked it a lot too. They used it the following week in The Loop video (a video that plays before church starts each week to tell what's going on), and then Bryant used it in his sermon the following week. Lily was a little embarrassed by this until we explained that God wants us to tell our story to others, and by playing that video, her story had already been told to thousands of people; pretty incredible for a 7 year old!
I love this picture of Lily listening to Ryan talk.
Looking out as family and friends stood to support Lily.
Ready!
Coming back up and about to get a hug from Ryan.
After all the kids were baptized and back out in the chapel, families and special friends got together with their child to pray for them and with them. We were so touched that Brian agreed to come and say a special prayer for Lily; the Henderson family are such great friends. Also, one of Lily's Sunday School teachers wanted to say a prayer for her which was very kind.
Our family snapped a quick picture afterwards.
Lily was so excited to have several of her friends come and celebrate with her! From left to right: Mia, Patrick, Claudia, Avery, Lily, Emory and Rachael. Liam was also there but he was hiding during this picture. The Henderson family wasn't able to stay for the reception but they were there during the service.
We really appreciated Lily's teacher, Mrs. Barbulescu coming to support Lily (as did our friend and ACCA middle school teacher, Mrs. Hobson). Wayne, Molly and Zac came too which was great.
Family picture!
Such a wonderful afternoon that I will always treasure!
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