Baptism

Yesterday I had the opportunity of baptizing some of our students here at Shore.  It was really awesome to see in the past 8 months how far these students have came in their journey through life with Jesus Christ.  The ups and downs, the are you kidding me moments and the victories, they all paled in comparison to seeing those students stand before our congregation and publicly say they want to follow Jesus.  WOW!  As I was baptizing them I couldn't help but just think of the potential that they have, and the talent that they posses, and their circles of influence.  Honestly, with just the students that were baptized they could easily reach 30 more friends for Christ. Many of these students who were baptized were brought by other students in our ministry and a couple of those students decided to give their lives Christ and be baptized.

As a young Pastor these are huge milestones in my 8 months into ministry.  It is definately a time that has been etched in my heart and mind and now I am forever connected with these students.  It is an encouragement to see that God is still visibly working in the hearts and lives of our students here at Shore.  I know sometimes I get a little down and wonder if anyone is listening to the message that God is trying to speak through me, or if they even care.  It is really cool when God gives you a little encouragement and tells you to keep on truckin' and not to get discouraged, because the fruit will come.  Keep on planting! Keep on watering!  What an amazing feeling, seeing the people that God has called you to fall in love with Him and follow Him.

Another cool thing about this was the fact that we do this in the public.  So, anyone walking by can hear the testimonies of these students and how Christ has changed their lives.  How awesome is that?  Talk about not being ashamed of the Gospel!  So, we walked out into 3-6 foot waves right in the middle of the beach and the congregation gathered around the take pictures and cheer on each participant.  Just a totally humbling and awesome experience to be a part of, go GOD!