A Beach Baptism

There can be little other joy that a Christian parent can experience than seeing their child partake in Believer's Baptism. Zach and Chelsea did just that yesterday, fulfilling a desire that Alex and I have had for them since before they were born. It has always been our deepest desire, as parents, for our children to personally accept Jesus as Savior and to have a close relationship with Him. And yet, a personal relationship with Jesus is just that: personal -- so while we could teach them about Jesus, read them God's Word and share our journey with them, it would be impossible for us to have that relationship FOR them and for that to be enough. We are so thankful that Zach and Chelsea each have accepted Jesus as their Savior and that they truly walk with Him daily. Zach accepted the Lord at age 4 (Feb. 23, 1997). Chelsea accepted Him at age 7 on Christmas Eve 2003. Yesterday, at Waterford Beach, they were both baptised.

Zach had expressed a desire around age 11 to be baptised at age 13 in order to make that public statement of faith as he was entering his teen years. After changing churches and Dad's passing, it took time for an opportunity to arise for him to be baptised. We saw the opportunity for a September baptism, which allowed him to fulfill his goal as he turns 14 next week. Chelsea approached us about being baptised at the same time. It was weighing heavy on her heart that Mum see her baptised. We consented as her faith is strong, and we have no hesitation as to her salvation. Her fruit shows it is real.

So, yesterday, under overcast skies and in the chilly waters of Fisher's Island/Long Island Sound, at what is now our "home beach," Zach and Chelsea were baptised by John the Baptiser (John Umland) and Alex. It was really neat to have Alex assist in his children's baptisms. I think that is how it should be really. As the head of our home - and the person who should be the spiritual leader of our family - it makes sense that he should have a role in his children's baptism.

Tim and Lynn Greene came to see Zach baptised. It meant a great deal to have them there as Tim was instrumental in Zach spiritual development. Chelsea wanted Virginia Wu to be there, but Virginia had to prepare for a Chinese church service scheduled for that afternoon. Virginia was a key person in Chelsea's spiritual development. Instead, Chelsea's best friends, Paige and Carey Gruszkowski, came. Michele and Katy King were there as well. And, of course, Mum. Another blessing - she was headache free yesterday and was able to attend. :o)

We gave Zach and Chelsea each new Bibles as a remembrance gift. They were both eagerly pouring over them last night. How cool is that? To have kids that WANT to know God's Word and WANT to spend time with Him. Alex and I are SO blessed. Mum gave Chelsea a beautiful cross necklace and gave Zach a music box that plays her favorite hymn, "How Great Thou Art."

I look back on the journey, the road we had to travel in order to have these kids, and I'm awed by God's mercy and His amazing grace.