It was an exciting time in my life. I was 20 years old and working long hours at Applebees as a closing server in the smoking section. I sold a lot of alcohol and had many opportunities to share Jesus with my co-workers.
It was an exciting time in my life. I was 20 years old and working long hours at Applebees as a closing server in the smoking section. I sold a lot of alcohol and had many opportunities to share Jesus with my co-workers. Most of them were party people who drank and lived loose lifestyles. Often the Lord would give me dreams or prophetic words which would touch their hearts.
Stephanie was one of my managers. Many a midnight she and I would be the last two people in the restaurant. I would be rolling silverware as she had her last smoke of the night. We would talk about God, healing, angels and demons. One day she gave her heart to Jesus. Elated, I proceeded to encourage her to come to the church where I was attending. She never came and I assumed it was some kind of “rebellion” in her heart. The idea of starting a church around her never even crossed my mind. I never thought about how scary it might have seemed to Stephanie to leave her own friends to integrate herself into “my” church.
Then one day she said, “hey, I wanna get baptized; couldn’t we just do it in my sink?” I enthusiastically promised her that my pastor would baptize her if she came to church. I could tell she was disappointed but I was convinced I had done the right thing. She needed to submit to the authority of the church before she could get baptized, right?! Besides, well-meaning leaders would deem me as being very presumptuous if I went so far as to baptize her myself, in a sink nonetheless! Who was I to do such a thing? That is the job of pastors and trained clergy, wasn’t it?
Shortly after our conversation about baptism I left Applebees. We kept in touch for awhile but then Stephanie moved and changed phone numbers so we lost touch.
I’m heartbroken that I allowed that opportunity to pass by. I know that God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love him, but I hope to never make that mistake again. Perhaps my story can keep others from making similar mistakes.
Stephanie, wherever you are, tearfully I want to say that if you still have a desire to get baptized, I would love to baptize you in your sink.
4 Responses
I love the story Elisa! Thanks for sharing this so we can all learn from it!
And Lord, find Stephanie and let your Presence be known to her. You’re faithful to finish what you began.
Amen!
Amen to that Katie!
Wonderful of you to share your faith. Wish I had the same opportunities. My biggest problem I’m weak and keep backsliding. I was saved in 2007 and wad doing oh so well until I returned home to the UK. I have yet to be baptized. Maybe you could guide or help me in this. I have no mates since I don’t want to involve myself with my old associates. It’s nagging away at me not getting baptized yet. Thanks. God bless you and everyone.
Mark
Wow how do I become this faithful?I’ve recently started reading my old bibles(I finally read the story of Adam and Eve,for the first time!)and I have a desire to be baptized,but my family members are not as faithful as I am,my father is well,abusive to my older brother,sister and I) and I feel awkward about asking to be baptized,and I can’t go by myself because I’m 11.Can anyone help me become faithful,and I don’t know what surrendering myself to The Lord God means but I want to.
Bless you,
Wesley J. Burkes