Angels rejoiced on June 23 as the Grants Pass Church celebrated seven baptisms. This high Sabbath reminded the congregation to remember to "set your minds on things above, not on earthly things" (Colossians 3:2, NIV).
Duane and Beverly Gleason were led to Christ after watching Better Life Television. Beverly is a retired child care worker, and Duane is a retired cook. Their simple message to Jesus: "Thank you. I love You."
Linda Cole was led to baptism after visiting her son, Michael Blurton, following his conversion. The "rebel" son was no more, leading her to ask, "Where is my son?" Cole then began Bible studies with Blurton.
Andrew Kainer, the 11-year-old son of Perry and Lori Kainer, is in sixth grade at Grants Pass Adventist School (GPAS). Following some personal changes in his life, Andrew dedicated his life to Jesus.
Stacy De La Torre found out about the Grants Pass Church while doing an Internet search. Her message to Jesus: "Thank You for loving me [and] giving Your life for me. I love You, my Savior."
A.J. and Madison Smith were baptized simultaneously with the assistance of pastors Marvin Clark and Christian Martin. A.J. is in sixth grade, and Madison is in fifth. They both answered a call to baptism by Martin at GPAS.
Ellen White says, "Christ made baptism the entrance to His spiritual kingdom. He made this a positive condition with which all must comply who wish to be acknowledged as under the authority of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Those who receive the ordinance of baptism thereby make a public declaration that they have renounced the world, and have become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King" (God's Amazing Grace, p. 143).
Grants Pass Church celebrates as seven people are baptized.
