Prologue – by Laurie Trujillo, Director of Communication and Development
It is a privilege to share the stories of our churches, ministries, and schools. In June, a trend emerged in the reported stories, reminding me of the promises in Acts 1:8 and Joel 2:28-29, highlighting the Holy Spirit’s transformative work among all believers.
This is the second edition (read part 1 here) of three Northern Lights stories highlighting three beautiful stories where the Holy Spirit’s presence was felt: a Women’s Ministry event at the Arcata-McKinleyville and Eureka Churches, a wave of spontaneous baptisms at Capital City Church in Sacramento, and the Youth Ministries’ Summer on the Run event in Stockton.
A Celebration in Heaven
Sabbath began like any other at Capital City Church, but it would turn into a day etched in the memories of many. Before Pastor Damian Chandler took to the pulpit, the congregation witnessed the joyful baptism of four individuals. As the special moment concluded, while still in the baptistry, Chandler asked, “Are there people in the audience wondering if the pool is still warm? There is still time; there is still time!”
Little did anyone know what God had in store. The Holy Spirit moved powerfully over a man who had decided to attend the worship service that day. Witnessing the baptisms, Jeremiah Douglas stood up and proclaimed, “Today is my day, and this is my time.” With tears of joy, he accepted his Lord and Savior and was baptized. As Jeremiah shared his testimony, people could be seen walking up the aisle, ready to make their commitments.
The pastoral team, Damian Chandler and Jason Bulgin, overwhelmed with emotion, watched as person after person stood up and walked to the front to be baptized. Chandler exclaimed, “I’m a witness today that it’s never too late. Three more baptisms to go. The Holy Spirit is stirring the water.”
But the Holy Spirit was far from finished. Salem, a soccer player, shared his heartfelt journey, explaining how he had to “tiptoe through Adventism” to minister to his family and team members. After his friends were baptized, he joyfully declared, “Give your gift to the Lord, and He will use it to His glory. I was afraid until I saw my children get up and not be afraid. I felt the Lord convict me to be baptized today.”
Chandler, moved by the Spirit, said, ” Get out of your seat and re-commit your life to Jesus. You know who you are. I’m going to keep this robe on.” A young girl responded, walking up and saying, “I want to get baptized now. God has called me to an amazing life.”
More people followed her into the baptismal pool, giving their lives to God. One man, tears streaming down his face and mingling with the water from the pool, proclaimed, “I am finally saved, thank you, Lord! I had no faith, but You found me! I was dead, and You found me! You don’t know, but there are nasty places, and I have walked them. And Lord, You brought me back!”
Three siblings committed their lives to the Lord and were baptized. A married couple celebrating their anniversary that day also chose to be baptized. Associate Pastor Jason Bulgin tearfully baptized his adult daughter. A woman named Kimberly, who had been watching the service online, felt the Spirit move her so strongly that she got dressed and then drove to the church to be baptized.
Ricardo Graham, retired Union President, attended with Audrey, his wife, “We were sitting there preparing to hear Pastor Chandler’s final sermon. After the call, so many people lined up for baptism, many teens and young adults. We had never seen anything like that in our 47 years of ministry!”
By the end of this extraordinary day, after spending two hours in the baptismal pool, 30 people had given their lives to the Lord through baptism and the profession of faith.
Raven, a church attendee, summarized the day perfectly: “It was a spirit-filled day. I didn’t realize at the time that my friend had gone up for baptism to re-commit herself – it was a joyful surprise to me and others as she hadn’t planned it. Watching my friend open up about her journey and boldly speak about the life with Christ she desires is inspiring and encouraging to continue uplifting those around us in prayer.”
Featured in Northern Lights, July 25, 2024
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