Another New Creation :)

Exciting or what? Rachel committed her life to Christ last night. The Friday night previous Rachel and Thomas came and told me they thought she was ready. We decided to meet up on the Thursday night to talk and find out exactly what they meant and in deed to explore Rachel's expression of faith. At the outset I was a little unsure whether Rachel was where she needed to be as far as understanding what her commitment involved. However, on the Thursday it became clear that she was convicted and was totally ready. We spent the night talking about how important Christ is and making sure Rachel started out her journey knowing it is about getting Jesus in the right place first and all the other stuff will be added over time. There was much tears and honesty about where sin and bad choices can lead us, but there was much more talk about hope and what we have to anticipate knowing that forgiveness is ours and that the Spirit will be active in keeping our path close to pattern of Christ. It was obvious from that time that Rachel was ready and passionate about her choice to become a Christian. On the Friday night we talked again toward the end of class and it became clear when I asked if she thought Sunday was too early to consider baptism. Rachel's face instantly lit up and and said, "Yes! Yes!" So, we met to study on the Saturday afternoon and made plans for the Sunday night to be when she would make her obedience to the gospel complete. On the Sunday night there was a great atmosphere following on from the joy of last Sunday and Jordan's baptism. We sang some of Rachel's favorite songs beginning with "Refiners Fire." When I took Rachel's confession, her response was beautiful! It was as though she couldn't express it quick enough and once her affirmation was out, she shed a few tears. We shared a prayer together and went down into the water to witness Rachel becoming a new creation! I have to mention something a wee bit funny. As Rachel went down the first couple of steps she slipped and almost went all the way under without my help!!! We had a laugh about it after and Thomas commented that he was expecting something like that to happen! I am so delighted for Rachel. Thomas and Rachel will now be walking in the same direction, with Christ as their life and the church as their support - they have a firm foundation :)

The amazing news is that I don't think God is quite done yet! This morning someone stated that they are seriously close to the kingdom and I pray that tomorrow afternoon we will have more good news to share! It has been a joy to watch this individual get drawn into the presence of God through the influence and involvement of predominantly young people. It is exceptional to think that our young are having this kind of impact!

As you may be aware God is doing marvelous things!