Andrew is a Minister!

****WARNING - VERY LONG POST****

You might find this title misleading but allow me to explain...today Andrew was baptized.

Our pastor, Allen Taylor, spoke on baptism today knowing that 10 people (ranging in age from a young girl of eight to an older gentleman in his late fifties, early sixties) had made their professions of faith and were going to be baptized. In his message he spoke of the significance of baptism, why Jesus had to be baptized before becoming a priest and beginning his ministry, and how when you are "dunked" you die but when you arise behold all things are new and at that point you become a minister for Christ. It was wonderful to hear him explain it in that way. I've never thought myself a minister but you don't have to be a preacher to be a minister. In everything we do we should mimic Christ and all our behaviors should minister our love for Him.

Well, it has been an amazing day...let me recount the highlights...Andrew literally jumped out of the bed this morning when I woke him and asked, "Ready to get baptized today?" He was so excited. He had carefully planned his wardrobe, down to the sandals so that no socks were necessary (thank goodness)! He had his bathing suit, his shirt from camp, and his towel. He was ready and not nervous at all. We arrived at church and spoke briefly to the pastor to ensure we knew what to expect. He explained everything to Andrew and so we picked seats close to the front for the best view. My mom and Matt were there of course and Kim brought her camera to capture the moment on film so I can of course scrapbook it later. I had also invited some others I felt were important in Andrew's spiritual journey. Not all of them could make it so I want to be sure to include their names here as they mean a lot to our family.

First up, the McCains, Mark and Sheila - Mark was the first pastor of our church and Sheila was the first nursery worker Andrew would know. She spent precious hours with him as he was the oldest toddler and at the time there was no other class until you were in kindergarten and could move on to Adventure Kids. Mark and Sheila took us in to their family immediately and still hold a special place in our hearts even though we don't see them regularly.

Next, the Fransens, Britney and Lara - although physically in Minnesota much of their spirit remains in Buford. Britney and Lara opened their home (and hearts) to me and my family for small group. What began as a bible study grew into a friendship I will always treasure. They are a beautiful family who truly exemplify what it means to serve the Lord.

Now, for those who were able to attend: The Wards, Darryl and Chris - Darryl and Chris served as the Children's Pastor and Director at our church for many years. They spent countless hours with Andrew in Adventure Kids and various camps. They were and are shining examples of God's love and mercy and I will be forever grateful for the love they have shown my entire family. Fortunately they were able to attend the service today to share in Andrew's big day.

The Dowells, Eric and Kim have been great friends to us over the past few years. Eric has been leading Adventure Kids and Andrew is very close to him. Kim is one of my dearest friends and a great source of strength. They've even taken Andrew on vacation with them so Matt and I could attend camp. I value their friendship a great deal.

The Garners, William and Angelee, have also been important to my family. They have been a constant source of strength and guidance and true examples of Christian parenting. Even though they are only a couple of years older than me, I feel like they have many years of wisdom above me so I count on them often.

The Sclafanis, Steve and Belinda are Andrew's (and Matt's) second family. Without Steve's fatherly influence and Belinda's motherly love blessing our family as well as their own, I don't know that Andrew would have understood so clearly God's plan of salvation. Steve cared enough about Andrew to talk with him and help him understand everything Jesus had done. Belinda remains a strong Godly woman and an amazing example for all mothers.

Finally the Taylors, Allen and Melena - What a tremendous blessing God gave The Journey when he brought this family to us. I've laughed, cried and worshipped with this family and have enjoyed every minute. They truly have a heart for seeing the lost come to Christ and to simply love people. Allen led Andrew in the prayer for salvation after ensuring he understood what it meant and Allen had the great pleasure to baptize him today.

OK, that's my shout out to the people who planted God's seeds of love and salvation for Andrew. Back to the festivities...

So as Allen nears the close of his message he asks those who are being baptized to come over to the side of the stage. On the stage is not the normal baptismal pool...cause we are the Journey Church and that just wouldn't be us...no we have a horse trough we use for baptism. It had been filled with water (and heated by resident electrical guru Steve) and fancied up a bit with a black cloth surrounding it. When Andrew left my side to join the others for baptism he somehow seemed taller. I didn't know when I woke up this morning, the mother of a boy, that I would go to bed the mother of a young man. The tears began welling in my eyes.

First Allen called up Tina, a wonderful and delightful woman I have come to know since her son Jamie first talked her in to coming to church. She spoke from her heart when Allen asked if she wanted to say anything and the tears began to fall. Her story is a beautiful one if you ever get to hear it. Next another woman, Cheryl and then a youth, Jeremy both of whom took the microphone and stated their name and then also stated they weren't much for talking.

Then it was Andrew's turn. Ever since Tina had spoken he was a nervous wreck thinking he might be required to say something. Andrew is NOT a public speaker, nor does he even like having a spotlight on him. When Allen called Andrew, the church broke into applause and I could hear Matt, who was at the other end of the row, shouting encouragement for Andrew. Most of the folks at the church know Andrew as we are some of the longest attenders at almost 10 years now. As Andrew walked onto the stage he quickly grabbed Allen around the waist and buried his head in Allen's chest. Andrew was overcome with emotion and began crying. That's when I noticed everyone on my row, my mom, the Wards, Matt and even some of the youth in front of me were also crying. Even Allen had to take a deep breath and wipe away some tears. Andrew's heart for the Lord is so tender and in that moment I realized how blessed I was for him to be baptized by a man who knew and understood his tender heart and could help him through it. Allen held him tightly and the baptized him and of course I had as much water on my face as Andrew did on his body. The waterworks were in full force.

Next a family of four, then a mom, a young adult man and then the older man I mentioned earlier were all baptized. In total Allen baptized 11 people today - what a blessing!

Like the other people today, Andrew went down into the water and washed away the old and arose a minister. It truly was amazing. Thank you to everyone who played a part in Andrew's road to salvation. It takes a village to raise a child, friends and family to love them, and the grace of one God to save them!

See pictures here