Sunday, January 2, 2011

Baptism, December 31, 2010

Baptism and Birthday

On December 31, 2010, we had the opportunity to have Jeffrey, Jason, and Emily baptized. We had been seeking an opportunity ever since Beth got baptized when she was visiting Eric and Shari in the summer of 2009. The family we babysit for, the Browns, were having Hope baptized at her 8th birthday party to which we were invited. We asked if our children could be baptized too. Hope was excited about it and willing for us to join in the baptism as well as the birthday part of the evening. Her grandpa, Tom Phillips, who is the Vice President of Evangelism Training for Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, was very willing to include our three in Hope's baptism. Tom came over to our house and visited us and talked about baptism. Our children gave their testimonies. The baptism took place at a motel in Loveland, CO in an indoor pool on the coldest day of December!
Before the baptism, Tom gave a message from the Word about salvation and baptism.

Hope with her grandpa, Tom Phillips, just before being baptized.

Rowen, Jeffrey, and Tom

Rowen, Jason, and Tom

Rowen, Emily, and Tom

After the baptism, Hope opened gifts and then we had pizza, veggies, and dessert.
Hope's siblings, Faith and Lincoln, on the left

Cara, Hope's mother receiving the pizzas from the delivery lady.

Hope being silly after blowing out her candles.

Matt, Hope's dad and Faith, Hope's sister

Hope's grandma and grandpa Phillips

We were blessed to be included in this occasion and are very thankful to have the opportunity to have our children all baptized and living for the Lord. Matt and Cara are our family doctors and we have been blessed to babysit for them for almost 3 years! They are like family to us.