And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.                                      Acts 22:16

One of the most important days in my journey in faith is the day my dad was baptized. We all grew up going to our Catholic church in Michigan (my dad attended but my mom, my brother and myself were baptized at birth). My dad did not grow up with a dedicated religion or church although he would often attend with his grandparents. His faith and support shined through, always toward us. And although his faith was strong and supportive, he could never fully participate. 

 When I went off to college I attended a Thursday night worship service called His House. This was the most eye opening experience for me. So many people my age embracing Jesus and  His marvels and promises. We had Bible studies, amazing music and worship and the most        fantastic messages. After Thursday night service, they would baptize anyone who wished to make that commitment. Then the day came. My dad shared with me how he’d like to be baptized as a Christian. 

We arranged for my family to come visit for our Thursday night worship and he would be   baptized afterwards. I believe it was he and two other students who got dunked… soaking wet! And they couldn’t have been happier. It was a beautiful experience, several of my friends attended, my mom prayed over him, we all celebrated and I gifted him his first Bible. He immediately asked, “Am I glowing!?”  And he sure was!  He had the Holy Spirit bursting out of him. My dad has always been a great father, dedicated to family, friends and faith. We still talk about the day he got baptized and how he still recognizes the light from within. He is humble, strong and consistent. I feel blessed I could be there for him that day and am grateful he and my mom were there to see my children baptized here at Bethel.

Since becoming members of Bethel Lutheran, I feel the same welcome and joy and acceptance that I felt through His House so many years ago. My prayer is that for anyone reading this who is still considering baptism, even in adulthood, go for it! Get wet! Get your glow on! You  deserve to feel the power of the Holy Spirit and it is a beautiful way to show your commitment to God.  How incredible.  Amen.