The closing words of Jesus’ ministry were succinct, powerful, and would set the direction for the Church until His second coming. These are familiar words in Matthew 28:19,20 - “Go and make disciples of all nations (all people), baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I’ve commanded you.” It seems we often get sidetracked with other things, and forget what the purpose is for us as a church; make and grow disciples.
Yesterday was our purpose lived out. It started almost a year and a half ago when Jan made calls to reach out to former attendees, inviting them to come back and check out Lewisville. A simple call and invite led Heather Frias to bring her four children to church, where I met these amazing kids! Heather slowly started to become more of a regular attendee, which led to the next chapter of the story.
Almost one year ago I overheard Ebony Huffins, a longtime member who had just moved back from Florida with her family, speaking to someone regarding her possible new job in special education with the public school system. I asked her if she was interested in working within the SDA system, and she was. I told her about the Frias family, among others, who needed the individualized education she could offer, and wanted to see our school do so in order for all the Frias children to come attend.
Within 36 hours a donor gave $30,000 towards the needed salary, and the school board voted to ask Ebony to come on staff as a teacher for our individualized learning program. She agreed, we worked out the details, and the Frias family signed up to join our school as a result.
Meanwhile, we began a new class called “Start Here”, led out by Lee, Yvette, and Faye, designed to introduce biblical truths in a relevant way. Heather would often come and attend Sabbath AM, and bring her husband, Juan, who was unchurched, and not in a relationship with God. But this is discipleship, and introducing people to God, and the Bible, as well building relationships too.
At the end of the school year, through a virtual week of prayer by Carlton Byrd, decisions for Jesus were made by the Frias children; Elijah, and Lyric, and subsequently Gustavo and Christiano also. Sandra Goodrich introduced the studies for baptism to the family, and Heather took the kids through all of the Amazing Facts lessons! We set a date for baptism, August 1.
When I arrived yesterday, I had on my radar to baptize these four wonderful children. I did. It was amazing. Then I went to change into dry clothes, and came back down the hallway to the sanctuary. In the hallway I met Ebony and Heather. Heather wanted to be re-baptized, and felt she missed her opportunity. Ebony asked if I was willing to change, so Heather could do it? Yes! I’ll never stand in the way of the Holy Spirit! I turned around and got my wet clothes back on, and within 10 minutes was standing in the water with Heather.
After her baptism I made a personal appeal, and asked Juan directly if he would like to surrender to God, give his life to Him, and be baptized. We had a brief prayer, and when finished, he said he wanted to be baptized right then and there. As I, and the elders, believe in baptism biblically signaling a commitment and surrender to God, and not tied to church membership, I was ready to go! Heather and I stayed in the water, a few minutes later to be joined by Juan.
After a brief prayer, Heather joined her hands with me and helped baptize her husband. A beautiful moment sealed by the Holy Spirit. The entire family having gone down into the water together on one Sabbath, a change for all, and a decision by Juan which will tie the whole family together.
The discipleship journey for the Frias family continues. It’s part of our commission. To love, accept, teach, and embrace our newest members. Yesterday was a high day. The days ahead belong to all of us in living out our purpose as a church, as Christians, as fellow disciples! We are all on the journey together, and by embracing our purpose, the best days are ahead.