“August 24th, 2024 is a day that I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life. I was so incredibly blessed to be able to share my baptism with many close friends and family as well as my Madison Community SDA Church family. I am forever grateful for Pastor Rowell and Eldinh making the service special and my Pastor Dwight Nelson taking the time out of his busy schedule to travel to Madison to perform the baptism and bless us with his sermon.” Brian Balanis
As Brian said, many friends and relatives came to witness and celebrate his baptism, traveling from out of state, including his dear Mom who flew in from Las Vegas, NV. He met Pastor Dwight Nelson through his wife Sara’s family in Michigan. Brian did Bible studies with Pastor Nelson through 26 Zoom sessions on Wednesday evenings. He knows that Jesus has been working in his life and that his whole life was leading up to this baptism.
Brian chose the closing song, joining the Praise Team on his guitar. Here are some meaningful words from “Living Hope” by Phil Wickham:
The God of ages stepped down from glory
To wear my sin and bear my shame
The cross has spoken; I am forgiven
The King of kings calls me His own
Beautiful Savior I’m Yours forever
Jesus Christ my living hope.
Hallelujah!
We know there is joy in Heaven over Brian’s decision for baptism. We welcome Brian into our church family and pray he will be a mighty witness and disciple for Christ.
Sue Martin, Madison Community Seventh-day Adventist Church
