I met Iron Mike through my friend Dave. Mike told me that he was interested in studying the Bible, even though he had not read the Bible before. Dave had known Mike for a long while and prayed for Mike regularly because Mike is one of Dave’s “Top Five”. So Dave and I asked Mike to join us for breakfast each week. We read a few chapters of the Bible over and over during the week and discussed what we were reading at breakfast.
Breakfast around the Bible has become one of my favorite hours of the week. From the beginning I could see that Mike was an earnest believer in God, but he did not have a personal relationship with Jesus. He was not sure what he believed about Jesus. We read and discussed the gospel of John, verse by verse and chapter by chapter. By the time we discussed Jesus’ death on the cross and his resurrection, Mike’s faith grew to the point of trusting in Jesus as the God-man who came to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. Mike came to believe that Jesus died to pay the price for our sins and was resurrected to prove who He is and to promise us eternal life. I asked Mike if he was ready to let the whole world know that he is a follower of Jesus. Without hesitation he said, “Yes, I am.” So we planned for Mike to be baptized on July 19.
I was bummed when I heard that Iron Mike had pneumonia, not just because he was sick, but because I knew he would not be able to share his story on video for his baptism. But Mike was determined to be baptized in spite of being sick, and he was willing to share his story live.
On Sunday, July 19, we experienced a moment together in the 10:00 AM service at Egret Bay. Others were baptized and their stories were powerful. Then I held my microphone in front of Mike while he sat in the waters of baptism and he started talking. And you had to have been there to fully appreciate what happened in the room, but the attached video of Mike’s baptism will give you a taste. Before you watch it, I want you to know, I am so grateful to be part of a church that acts like this.
Breakfast around the Bible has become one of my favorite hours of the week. From the beginning I could see that Mike was an earnest believer in God, but he did not have a personal relationship with Jesus. He was not sure what he believed about Jesus. We read and discussed the gospel of John, verse by verse and chapter by chapter. By the time we discussed Jesus’ death on the cross and his resurrection, Mike’s faith grew to the point of trusting in Jesus as the God-man who came to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. Mike came to believe that Jesus died to pay the price for our sins and was resurrected to prove who He is and to promise us eternal life. I asked Mike if he was ready to let the whole world know that he is a follower of Jesus. Without hesitation he said, “Yes, I am.” So we planned for Mike to be baptized on July 19.
I was bummed when I heard that Iron Mike had pneumonia, not just because he was sick, but because I knew he would not be able to share his story on video for his baptism. But Mike was determined to be baptized in spite of being sick, and he was willing to share his story live.
On Sunday, July 19, we experienced a moment together in the 10:00 AM service at Egret Bay. Others were baptized and their stories were powerful. Then I held my microphone in front of Mike while he sat in the waters of baptism and he started talking. And you had to have been there to fully appreciate what happened in the room, but the attached video of Mike’s baptism will give you a taste. Before you watch it, I want you to know, I am so grateful to be part of a church that acts like this.
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6 comments:
Stories like this make me proud to be a part of CCCC where your past doesn't define you and we are all united in the belief that Jesus Christ came to wash away our past, present and future sins as well as give everyone the opportunity for eternal life.
Beautiful.
WOW.. I was so sad that I had missed this.. thank you so much for sharing. When we arrived last week everyone walking out of that service had a glow about them and all i could hear was Iron Mike made me cry! I know him via AA.. and what a testimony he gives..and tells how I felt of the not fitting in .. thank you again for sharing this!!!!!
AMEN BROTHER!!!! My name is Cathy Lopez and I just wanted to say that you really touched me as well as my husband Xavier. We have visited this church off & on for 6years now and your testimony had the biggest influence on both of us and we are so happy for you!! We live in LaPorte and my husband stated he would like to meet you.PLEASE if you or anyone else that knows you reads this and you don't mind, e-mail me at cathyb_tx@yahoo.com with your contact info.Thankyou for touching our lives in such a special way and GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!
Words are such powerful things when spoken frankly and honestly. Thanks for your testimony Mike.
Don Palmer
There is nothing more beautiful than to watch someone be baptized and hear their testimony. It is so full of love and hope. And yes, Mike belongs. :)
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