Stirred Waters~Greg's Baptism

(if you are new here, Greg is my homeless friend I befriended over a month ago and have witnessed an amazing transformation. . .you can check out previous stories below the typewriter, bottom right of the blog, ex. . ."Praising God" and "Voice of the Homeless~Greg"


August 23. 2011, Greg repented of his sins and invited Jesus Christ into his heart.  August 28, 2011 Greg entered into the baptistery of my church and stirred the waters mightily with his big frame of a body and his enthusiasm of a changed heart; a saved heart.

While we were waiting for it to be time to change for the baptism, Greg spotted one of our charter members, Ms. Francis and made a beeline out into the hallway.  I stayed behind and just watched.

 They obviously new each other. They both seemed genuinely pleased to see the other.  They were both smiling big.  She was so gracious to Greg and rejoiced over the fact that he was getting baptized in our church in just a few minutes.  After a few minutes, I entered the scene and Greg told me had met Ms. Francis at Hotel, Inc. awhile back when she worked there. It had been quite some time, and yet they each remembered the other. 

Greg had been so nervous about the bigness of our church and ALL the people in it.  Wasn't it so gracious and loving of our Father that of all the people there, Greg spotted one he recongnized and knew from years ago.  I think this put him at a little more ease.

Keith, Greg and I sat in the prayer room waiting for it to be time to get ready.  Greg kept thanking us for being his friend, for talking with him and sharing without being judgmental of him.  "That goes a long ways" he said.

Greg was nervous but also very excited.  We had prayed for peace, and when Greg left to put on his baptismal robe, he said he was feeling full of peace.  

I sat in the pew right in front of the baptismal waters so he could see me.  God placed sweet friends with me on that same pew to hold my hand and rejoice right along with me.  I don't think any of us were breathing and tears of joy were flowing.

SO many blessings to list from the week, so here I go. . . 

park benches in the shade

being thanked just for listening

on bended knee with husband in prayer

cord of three strands not easily broken

the privelege of praying the sinners prayer with my friend Greg

younger son beside me witnessing a soul being saved

friends willing to go with me to interview the homeless

testimony sheets filled out

friends in church pew with me holding hands and hugging

seeing peace all over the face of one who had only known chaos

the pictures will say the rest. . .

buried the old life and raised into a new one!

Keith and I were also so proud of our church.  Greg had been going to a church of maybe 30 people.  We probably had over 600 people in this service.  Thinking of the crowd that would be there made Greg so nervous, but after praying with him, peace filled him up.  Our church could not have been more friendly to him and made him feel more welcome. The standing ovation, hooping and hollering and clapping wasn't so bad either!  Someone gave him the devotional, Jesus Calling and someone else brought him a brand new backpack filled with things.

The generosity overwhelmed him but he was all aglow with appreciation and joy.

He said he didn't realize there were so many good Christians in one place.

He's in a different world now.

Before the baptism Greg said to us,  "I've had an amazing week.  I normally don't think like

that.  All year I might have had a good day ~ but I've never had a good week."

Greg got in our car after the service and said "This will be a day I will never forget."

He also said later in the car, "This is the way to live, people need to live for Jesus."

We talked about what our pastor said in the service, that we believers are commanded

to go tell.  Greg shook his head in agreement.  He is going to go tell.

We have wanted to offer him things at different times, and he has always said "No, I just want you to

keep doing what you've been doing, just keep being my friend."

"You've got it Greg, we'll be friends forever"

And he's got a friend forever in Jesus

He may be homeless on this earth for now, but he has a mansion waiting

for him he can call home for eternity.

Thank you Father!

linking with