Amazing day

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

Church ... Baptism, Orphan Care and more

Thought I'd update some on our church situation.  Earlier this month we attended a workshop on membership in the church.  We wanted to learn more about what was involved and the beliefs of the church.  Christopher, Roger and I all attended.  We decided then to move forward to joining the church.  I know it has been quick, but God has been clear to confirm that this is the place He wants us to be.  We have a peace and excitement being right where He wants us to be.  My heart is full and it has been a real blessing!

One of the points of membership was that you needed to be baptized after accepting Christ as your Savior.  Roger was baptized as an infant, and decided to get baptized as a believer on Sunday.   



He told briefly why he was being baptized and I was suprised to see how emotional this was for him.



I tried to capture the experience, but didn't keep  my camera out long enough to catch his excited reaction after the last photo.  I do remember it in my mind though.  It was a sweet time to share with friends who came to join us.







The last several weeks, the  sermons have been on adoption - both on adoption as Children of God as well as the act of adopting children into your family.  They have been powerful messages.  The church is starting an orphan care ministry.  There was an initial meeting last week.  Roger and I both decided to go.  We really didn't know what to expect.  I know that I didn't expect what I saw and heard.

The room was packed with more thany 200 people!  The church shared their heart for orphans and desire to have an adoption culture in our church.  They want to support people in adoption in various ways.  Several families shared their stories of adoption and foster care.  We know that we are to care for orphans and we are continueing to look for ways to do that as well as continueing to pray for God's leading in this area!  (NOTE:  If you want to do something now that will benefit one beautiful little orphan, please see my post on the scrapbook giveaway!  You can donate through the chip-in on the right side of my blog.) 

This ministry is new and I think the response was overwhelming to everyone there.  You can read more about it HERE on the church's blog.  It is a great description and I encourage you to take a few minutes to read it. 

I also wanted to share a bit about Daniel.  He is warming up more and more in church.  I see him relaxing a little more (though I still can't leave the room without consequences - they are much shorter now though!).   Last week during the worship time, he started signing to the songs and moving around like the other children.  It just blessed my heart.  Even the worship leader noticed and said something to me.  (She is a mom of a sensory kid too.)  A small step, but a big one too. 

Thank you God for the work you are doing in our lives.  Thank you for leading us and blessing us.  I pray that we will continue to have hearts open to hear you and spirits willing to follow.  I'm so thankful for all He has done for us!

With love,

Leslie