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.