News: Travis Darnold joined the family of God!

Sunday, November 1st, 2009. That was the day that Travis Darnold obeyed our Master and was joined to Him (and to us!) in water baptism. After our Sunday morning worship service, a good number of us (about 35 by my count) went to the William's home to witness the event. The water was chipper (poor Travis was chattering away as he stood in the water), but it was glorious. Prior to the actual immersion, I taught those gathered there a chorus which I hope will become traditional for such times. The words (authored by the band Bluetree) are: "Death to the past, it's gone/ and here's to a new beginning/ for our God's not finished yet with us./ Death to the past it's gone/ and here's to a new beginning/ for your God's not finished yet with you." With those words still ringing, Travis stepped into the cold waters and offered his old self to death so that his new life in Christ might begin. I asked those nearest to Travis and me to lay hands on him as our elders and I did the same. With those farther away reaching their hands toward him, I led the group in praying to God that He might send His Holy Spirit onto/into Travis and lead him into maturity in Christ. What a beautiful moment for a church family to share! It's just the beginning, though; now the church must get to the work of discipling Travis so that he can become the Christ-like servant of God he is meant to be. Amen!