Still Talking

I introduced Empee some time back, but haven’t written about her since “Let’s Talk” in January, 2010.  We’ve met for lunch several times since then, the latest on Monday. We met at our usual spot, Armend’s in Southlake (they remember us and as soon as one of us walks in, the garlic cheese bread goes in the oven!)  Not our usual day – we both like their Tuesday special best – but our schedules didn’t match for the last week, finally working out for Monday.  We had a lot of catching up to do!

Empee travels a lot in her job, missing her nine-year-old son.  Going to church as a family is important to her, and at our last meeting she was telling me about her son asking when he was going to be baptized.
For those not familiar with Baptist baptisms, let me explain.  We believe baptism by immersion occurs after a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  It is not a part of salvation, but an outward sign of an inward change, and doing so is an act of obedience. 

So, it is very important that a child understands and is not responding to family or peer pressure.  This happens, and later on some find that their baptism preceded their understanding and their faith.  But, those are separate stories.  Today we’re focused on Empee’s boy.

She and her husband had several discussions with him after that, and during one he asked how old she was when she was baptized.  “Nine,” she replied.  “Was that your early nines or your late nines?” he asked.  He was very interested as to when it should happen for him.  That took more explanations, which was the last I heard, before Christmas.

The first order of business Monday was her telling me of his decision to make his public profession of faith.  Yes, he knew when it was time for him to go forward.  He spent time with their pastor, too, being certain he understood this also meant church membership.  It is a rather big deal!

It was for me, too, hearing of this child who asked so many questions, prayed about his life and where he would be spending eternity.  And, there was joy in heaven.

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth,… (Luke 15:7a KJV)

There is a man in our church who came to Christ in the middle of his life and now prays that his father will come to understand, before the end of his.  They will be together this week at a Men’s Retreat.  Family and friends are in prayer for this trip, that a son might lead his father to the Lord for the same reasons a mother led her nine-year-old.  That they might share eternity. Please join with us in this prayer.

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:13 KJV)

Thanks for sharing with me.  Praying to see you there, too.