Oh, man. It is always interesting when we hit a new milestone or type of event. After blogging for almost the past 20 years (over 1300 blog posts), you think you have talked about all the things – vacations, births, deaths, vacations, silly moments, everyday moments, etc. But this is one I have not. Madison’s faith journey began before she was formed (Psalm 139:16). We worked to continue to build on what God had started and would continue by being her earthly representation of Christ. She was dedicated to the body of Christ at Salem with Grandpa Ediger officiating and again in our (then) church at Westerville. Her faith grew as we whispered to her from the Jesus Storybook Bible and created a rhythm for life with nightly prayers and songs of praise. Weekly, her Sunday school teachers fostered growth and knowledge through the lessons and crafts. Junior high and high school youth group have continued to build the foundation. Extended family offered examples of love in conflict, stories of praise, transition to commitment through baptism and testimony, and steady rocks of prayer at meals, intentional sharing around the table and gatherings, and the reminder of Christ’s story within the hub-bub of Christmas and Easter.
And yet… with all that, it was still her choice. I think that is what makes this the miracle it is every time it happens. We, as parents, make so many choices for our kids – where they live, where they go to school, what foods are in the house, if they have a pet, sometimes friendships are formed in early childhood playdates, if they go to church, etc. But this choice – whether they will follow Jesus and commit to a life of walking in His footsteps… that is their decision. And I am so glad to know that Madison choose this for herself. That her desire is to know and love Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior.
At Salem, the youth interested in baptism attend a catechism class to understand God’s plan for salvation, the (brief) history of Anabaptism, and church membership. They are paired with a mentor (one from a list of people they have thought of) from within the church body to meet with and serve with during this process. In the end, they can decide how to proceed with their faith journey. If they choose baptism, they prepare a short testimony and are immersed (or sprinkled with) in water.
Madison’s mentor was Beth Gerber, who coincidentally was also my baptism mentor. She stood with her as she gave her testimony. Then, spoke words of affirmation and encouragement.
They youth then served communion to the congregation and received communion for the first time. (This was all a little backwards since typically they are baptized first, but this was kinda a mixed up service because of the changes made to the outdoor weekend worship service… not really important, but sometimes I forget things.)
Baptism was inside with a borrowed baptismal pool, officiated by Pastor Kevin Himes. Tessa Daniels, our ministry intern for the summer, also was a part of it.
Madison walked through catechism and was baptized alongside Mason, Grace, and Thea (already baptized, but was in catechism).
And her “church” (and life) friends were there to celebrate with her.
I honestly didn’t think I would be struck by it in such an emotional way. But I underestimated myself. This was touching and beautiful and deeply honoring to what God desires for our lives. I cried. Jeremy cried. Madison cried.
Then…we talked to Christi Michaels…. She wanted to tell us that it was the most amazing thing because while Madison was giving her testimony there was a bald eagle circling overhead. Jeremy thought he had heard its call, but didn’t look to locate it. Christi said it circled until Madison was done, and Beth stepped up to share, and then it left. The significance to us is that the eagle was Maynard’s God thing – some of his favorite verses in the Bible were Isaiah 40:30-31, “Even the youth grow tired and weary , and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, and they will walk and not be faint.” We truly believe this was God reminding us that Maynard and Gloria were there with us celebrating Madison’s step in her faith journey.
Then, we all were bawling. It was awesome!
Grandma and Grandpa came over later to give her a gift of a journaling Bible and a gift card to enjoy those moments of reading with a fancy drink at Midnight Readers.
We love you, Madison, and will continue praying for you.
