Mel and Steve’s Blog

I loved Bill Hybels e-news this week. Can you imagine the joy of baptizing in water over 500 people in one weekend? I think it would be a rush!

—————————–

Dear Enews Friends,

One of my favorite passages in the New Testament says  that “all of heaven rejoices when even one person decides to trust Christ for  salvation”.  (Luke 15:10)  Imagine the party that is taking shape this weekend when hundreds of Creekers wade into the water at South Barrington and go public with their new found faith!  We have already pre-registered nearly 500 people, and the list is growing by the hour.  Yesterday we gathered the entire staff and listened to Dr. B tell us what it was like to actually attend Jesus’ baptism.  I simply could not resist introducing him to the staff that way.  If I didn’t kid him about his age he would get old!   Anyway, he taught from the Scriptures about the significance of baptism, and then we all walked out to “baptism beach” and prayed for those who will experience this powerful sacrament this weekend.  The staff will remember that gathering for a long time.
When I had a few minutes by water’s edge, I thought of how many family members and friends that I have had the opportunity to immerse in our lake.  I thought of my brother Dan and his wife Mary.   I thought of women and men who serve in key leadership positions at Willow now, but were baby Christians a decade or two ago.  I thought of my sailing buddies and my next door neighbors.  I thought of Harley riders and Benz drivers, old and young and every color and ethnicity imaginable.  This sacrament never gets old to me.  I hope that you feel the same way.  Why not spread a blanket on the hill overlooking the lake and celebrate along with the angels in heaven!  We will kick things off at 1:30 p.m. sharp Sunday afternoon.  (Note:  Our regional campuses will hold their baptisms in August.)

Tags: 2 Comments