Today was an amazing day! I expected it to be good, even big, but it wasn't one that I anticipated being so personal. Isn't that just like God? To show up in places where I least expect Him and to bless me in ways that are so sweet.
Our church has been planning a big event and today was the day!
The Summit is a multi-site church meeting in various places around the Triangle area. This was an opportunity for all of the campuses to come together and worship as one for the first time. We met downtown at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. A baseball stadium. Thankfully the weather was beautiful!
The place was packed! When Christopher called me, I couldn't find him in the crowd (and it was very hard to even hear him on the phone). We did meet up after the service.
We spent time praising and singing.
And then listened to the message of the Gospel. This event was a big outreach for our community in addition to being a time to gather together.
The screen on the scoreboard was used for the words for the songs and also as a live feed of our pastor and later of the baptisms. After the sermon, there was a call for any who wanted to be baptized to come forward. There were 4 baptismals ready. As people started moving toward the tents to meet with a prayer counselor, my heart was overwhelmed. I was keenly aware of what a huge spiritual experience this was. We watched person after person being baptized as we praised God in song. It always touches my heart deeply.
This is when it became even more personal. Isaiah leaned over and told me that he wanted to get baptized. (This isn't the first time we've talked about it.) I asked him if he wanted to do it today and he did! He met with the prayer counselor that talked with him about his decision, what he believed and why he wanted to get baptized.
After talking we went down to the field with a change of clothes in hand. (The church brought many bags of clothing for people so that this wouldn't hold anyone back.) Isaiah went into the locker room to change.
Getting ready.
Talking with Josh Lawrence (R) and Andrew Hopper (L). You can see one of the other baptismals behind the one Isaiah is in.
Family and friends watching.
"I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost."
Praising God that my sweet boy was ready to make a public profession of faith! So thankful for his heart to know and love God. So thankful that God has entrusted us to love and raise this wonderful son!
We watched people being baptized for a long time. Over an hour.
Today was amazing. (I know I've said that already, but it bears repeating.) We attended church today with 7200 people. Over 300 people were baptized! This isn't about numbers. These are all people. People who have decided to state publicly that they love Jesus. I am so thankful to be a part of this church and to see the things that God is doing here! I am excited. I'm excited to be a part of a community that seeks to love God, love each other and love the world.
Today was amazing. One we will treasure. Thankful to be a part of this. Praising God for the work He has done and will continue to do!
In His love,
Leslie
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