On Friday, June 30th I baptized my mother on her 75th birthday!
What a landmark moment for a couple reasons: she is the oldest and longest-living person in our family (Mom's side) and she wanted everyone to know that she is a God-lover, a sinner saved by grace. It was an incredible privilege for me to lead her through this decision and public testimony of her faith in Christ.
Those present were her three children: Randy, Belinda, and Barbarah as well as Darlene + Jake (Randy's family) and Kent (Barbarah's boyfriend). At least those were the visible witnesses because I know there was a "cloud of witnesses" present as the angels rejoiced in her public declaration of salvation.
My mom is so brave and wise; she is a wonderful example to each of us in our family. My nephew put it well: we are thankful for the hope she has - it has touched and changed each of us, like an undercurrent of faith to rest upon. My prayer is that she will live out her years gracefully, faithfully, and joyously. Please pray with me that her physical condition would improve so that her current daily pain (from fibromyalgia and arthritis) would subside.
I'm enjoying a few more days stateside until I return to Holland. This, too, is a gift!
Blessings,
Belinda
