Complimentary Story
It was a scene that warmed my heart as a grandparent. My 8 year old grandson, Mathias, was being baptized by his father in the church that he pastors in Dayton, Ohio. This was not a “sprinkling” baptism but a complete immersion in the water of the church 4x6 baptismal pool. When asked by his father why he wanted to be baptized, Mathias boldly told the church congregation, “Because I gave my life to Jesus and now I want to make it known to the public.”Few things in life give me greater satisfaction and joy than watching my children and grandchildren grow in their faith. Mathias’ desire to be baptized was not because of family prompting, but rather a result of his early and steadfast Christian family upbringing.
This past summer I spent 3 days with Mathias and his 11 year old sister, Julia, at the Sugar Creek Grandparent/Grandchild Bible Camp in southern Wisconsin. Sharing the camp experience with them, meeting new friends, participating in the camp talent show together, and singing Christian songs around the evening camp fire made that weekend experience the highlight of my summer.
What did Mathias and Julia like most about the Camp? “The childrens Bible studies in the outdoor amphitheater!” they both exclaimed.
Did the 3 days we spent at the Bible camp help Mathias grow in his walk with Jesus leading up to his desire to be baptized? Probably. Christian Camp settings like those at Sugar Creek have helped many of my family members grow in their spiritual walk with Christ.
Our life’s journey is a sequence of events and experiences; some causing us to stumble, others enriching our journey. Watching my 8 year old grandson commit his life to our Savior was one of life’s precious milestones that I will long cherish, another spiritual nugget to add to my growing treasure chest of family memories.
We don't know where God will take Mathias on his spiritual journey, but we do know God’s promise in Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart...”
It will be exciting to watch God’s plan unfold in the life of my young grandson and the additional spiritual moments that will continue to enrich our lives.
