Baptism

Baptism at Sunday in the Park - Group 4

Bryce Thomas

Hi, my name is Bryce Thomas. I am eleven years old. I grew up in a great Christian home. My parents talk to me about God and it really gets to my heart. When I was in third grade we learned about the book of Esther. It is now my favorite book. I was amazed how you could see God, even though he was not mentioned. It made me realize that God can show his power even when his name is not said. It made me have faith in him even though I can't see him. I then accepted Jesus in my heart because I know my sins are forgiven, through Jesus dying on the cross and he has a place for me in heaven. I am now getting baptized to show that I know that he created the world and He is the only one who can save me and be by my side forever. My favorite verse in the Bible is at the end of Esther 4:14. It says "And who knows but that you have come to your Royal position for such a time as this." This means to me that even in harsh situations when God seems far, he is there beside you and is moving when we can not even see him and uses ordinary people to show his power. God helps me when I am sad and down. I can open up my bible and be shown lots of amazing things about how great he is and how safe we are in his hands.

Angie Moore

I was blessed with being raised in a wonderful household with two loving parents. I was raised with Christian values and attended church services at a nearby Methodist church. I accepted Christ as my Savior while I was still a child. My grandparents and mother knelt beside me at the altar while I asked God for forgiveness and for Christ to be in my heart. I meant that prayer from the bottom of my heart and I felt renewed after that special moment. Through my teens and early twenties, I floated between the values and teaching of the Bible and the evils and temptations that the world offered. As I aged and had children, I continued to struggle between doing with God's will would have been for me and what MY will was. Most of the time, I selfishly chose my own will.

By walking my own path, I began to struggle with alcohol addiction, failed marriages, and lost friendships. When my son was diagnosed with autism, I was filled with anger and instead of running to God I decided that I knew better and could handle life myself. My anger and self-pity drove me further into alcoholism until I finally reached a point where I just needed to believe there was a better way. My first step out of addiction was attending Alcoholics Anonymous. Within those meetings, I was re-introduced to our God. Our Father. I sought him in my helplessness, and He picked me up off my knees and made me whole. He drew me close to Him and healed me from my alcohol addiction. Thanks be to God; I no longer have a desire to drink. I only desire to serve Him, to seek Him and allow HIS Will to be my compass. Since I have been restored through the grace of God, my life has been brighter, been lighter and I feel His presence daily. The Bible says:

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift from God --Ephesians 2:8

That is not to say He has taken trials away from me. My son almost died two years ago. It was a terrible moment, but as I sat in the IICU waiting room, speaking to the clergy, not knowing if my son would live or die- I felt His presence, His Love and His Peace come over me. I knew He was in control and my son is alive today. He has delivered me, and I am so grateful everyday for His Love and grace as I strive to live each day according to teachings of Christ.

Jesus said to his disciples in John 6:35-38:

"I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me."

Baptism April 10, 2022

Caleb Smith

My name is Caleb Smith. I am 7 years old and a 1st grader at Lancaster County Christian School. I have been growing up in a Christian home, hearing Bible stories my whole life. Different times, I had questions. My parents answered them. They often asked if I wanted to pray to ask Jesus into my life. I usually said "Nah, I'm good."

Last July, my mom was listening to a podcast. I heard the guy say "Jesus is Coming Soon". I asked what that meant. She told me Jesus promises to come back to Earth again, not as a baby, but as a King. I asked more questions. Mom answered them and this time when she asked if I wanted to pray for Jesus to enter my life, I said"yes!"

I love reading the Bible, singing worship songs, and learning about Jesus in Sunday School, chapel, and home. I love Jesus and what he has done for me.

I am being baptized today to let everyone know I know have Jesus in my life. When He comes back, I will go with Him to heaven.

Gracelyn Fulmer

Hi, my name is Gracelyn Fulmer. I am 9 years old, and I am glad to be here at LEFC today. I would like to share a quick story of how I accepted Jesus as my savior. It was January 15, 2020, and I was on my way to swimming lessons when I said, "Daddy when you die do you always go to heaven or do some not?" He said, "Some people go to heaven, but those people believed in Jesus." Then I asked him what happens if you don't believe in Jesus. He told me you go to Satan's world where there's no hope because you are separated from Jesus.

A terrible thought struck me that I could go there if I didn't have Jesus in my heart.

Before bed, I told my mom about our conversation. We talked about sin - the bad things I would do when I didn't want to do them (although sometimes I did want to do them) and she said only Jesus can help me forgive myself for the bad things I've done. She said that when I make Jesus my best friend, His Spirit helps my heart forever. I wanted that. She read me Romans 10:9 "That if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved."

So just like that, I prayed with my mommy and daddy about it. Tears were flowing down my cheeks by the time I had accepted Jesus as my savior. I felt a wave of happiness. I felt so happy that I had no problem falling asleep!!!

When I was born my parents assigned my life verses based on the meaning of my name. We say these verses every night.

"Praise the Lord, oh my soul, all my inmost being praise his Holy name. Praise the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles." Psalm 103:1-5

Knowing Jesus makes me feel braver when I am afraid and more confident when I don't feel good about myself. I hope that any of you who haven't accepted Jesus in your heart will do so because He will help you too.

Robin Binkley

Greetings! My name is Robin Binkley, partner in life and married to Steve Binkley. I have 3 children, 1 bonus son, and 3 grandchildren (with 1 due in May). I grew up in Lititz, lived in Strasburg, and am back in the Lititz area. I have been in healthcare for 40 years.

I have weathered many storms throughout my life. I was going through trauma, both emotionally and physically, at which time I started to find other coping means to soften the hurt.

The hurt never goes away. It drifts and affects others. I truly am so sorry and apologize to my family for the hurt that I have put them through. I have asked God's forgiveness every day, as well as forgiveness from my family. Jaimie and Adam Smith, please forgive me as there is nothing more precious to me than you two and your children - my grandchildren.

A year ago, this past February, my son and daughter-in-law invited me to LEFC. I never hesitated to say yes. At first, I was not used to the vocal, charismatic type of service. However, I have now become one of the loudest singers. I am concerned because I have had some members turn around and look at me. I hope I don't sound that badly.

Pastor Ken sang the Our Father during church. That day I broke down in tears knowing that there was a calling for me to lay my addictions down at the foot of the cross and the Lord will take care of them. That is the day that I truly accepted our Lord as my savior.

Since that day, I have had two people who I have no idea who they were talk to me about their life struggles. One was someone who was at Costco and her children were stealing from her. Another is a nurse who has many life concerns, and the topping is she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Both people I randomly asked them how they were which led to an ongoing conversation and prayer.

Praying to our Lord every day, daily worship, and looking at life out of a completely different window is allowing me to make changes for the better. All things are possible through the Lord.

Thank you, LEFC, for your open arms, encouragement, and heartfelt teachings.