EDITOR: Celebration Sunday was a very unexpected blessing for
me. I sat and watched the 100 plus people step foward to
acknowledge their belief in Christ. One of those people was my
daughter Shaylene.
EDITOR:
Celebration Sunday was a very unexpected blessing for me. I sat and watched the 100 plus people step foward to acknowledge their belief in Christ. One of those people was my daughter Shaylene.
During the first service baptisms, I witnessed many, many people being baptized. One couple, Ron and Kathleen Wallace, were two such people. I have had the privilege of becoming friends with them; they are in our 40 days Group and it was great to see them step in faith together as husband and wife. This brings me to my story.
I could not help but reflect over the last 40 days as I witnessed the procession of God’s people stepping out in faith at South Valley Community Church. As Pastor Eric Smith mentioned regarding the 3,000 in one day, I was set in awe that when God moves in the hearts of his people, mountains can be moved.
From the 7 year old to the 74 year young Louis, I was weeping in joy for each and everyone’s story. I suddenly realized that the most significant part of the past 40 days was happening that day, Celebration Sunday. My daughter was one of many kids that stepped out of their parents’ shadows to embrace their Heavenly Father. From the moment I held my new born daughter, I knew she was a miracle, a precious stone God had entrusted me with during his time on earth. God created her; God loves her and God protects her in all aspects of her life.
My heart is filled with joy as I realized one of the most important missions I have on this earth is my children, Shane and Shaylene. I realized that God has given me a great commission: To walk through life’s journey, preparing them for a life in Christ.
Seeing her baptized reminds me of her brother, Shane, when he was baptized. I realized that this just one step we take as parents, bringing our kids closer to their Heavenly Father. I understand the verse “I must decrease, while he must increase.” This day, my role had changed from a loving parent to a fellow servent in Christ with my daughter. She has a very tender, merciful and giving heart. She has her father’s heart and loves unconditionally.
One day I will give her hand to a young man that God has already been preparing. At that day my role will change once again as I watch the two become one. For as long as I live, one part of my mission is to point my children to the Heavenly Father. Knowing one day I will leave this world and they will need to embrace a loving, and true, father in Heavan. My son is not following Christ right now, but I have the promise of my father that he, too, will some day return. Until then, I wait for God to move the mountain in his heart.
Over the last 40 days, I have seen and witnessed God move in the hearts of his people. I thought about each response as it was read to Pastor Nichols and I could not help but think about the men of God that have a burning fire for these kids: Pastor Mike, Pastor Mark and all the silent servants that God has called to minister to these young people. I thought of the gentlemen who had been prayed for over 30 years: all of the workers who silently serve; all the parents who must be thinking the same as my wife and I this day; and all the tears that were wiped away this day.
My attention focused on God, who I praised for touching so many people this day, who is loving and forgiving, who takes great pleasure and joy as his children celebrate life in His Son. I focused on each purpose as I witnessed each one fufilled this day. I focused on how much joy our Father in Heaven had as he watched his children take so much pleasure in him by worship, and by not forsaking the fellowship of the saints by gathering in celebration.
I witnessed the discipleship to those who came to watch, who came hurting or wondering if they should make a commitment. I witnessed the ministering to the needs of the saints and evangelizing to those who are still asking the same questions: “What is my purpose?” and “What am I here for?”
So maybe I should have started this letter simply: Dear Dad, thank you for being who you are and loving us no matter what.
John Lorenz,
Morgan Hill
