Pictured left: Pastor Mike and Kelly Bailey, Pool Director, Steuben County YMCA. Pictured right: Baptism of Steve & Jan Smith by Pastor Mike Wise.
That flyer would catch the attention of Steve while he was getting his hair cut at the salon. He took it home and showed it to his wife Jan. They had some knowledge of Adventists from YouTube and other online presentations by Pastor Doug Batchelor and others. They faithfully attended the meetings and at the conclusion of the seminars, they made the decision to be baptized into Christ and His remnant church.
But this decision presented a good problem. The Angola Church does not have its own baptistry and uses the baptistry facilities of surrounding churches such as Wolcottville, their sister church. Their baptistry sprang a leak during Sabbath services the day of the planned event. The news and need to postpone the baptism was shared with Steve, Jan and the Angola Church family during announcements. Steve and Jan received the news with calm disappointment.
Not knowing how long the repair might take, a church member sent the pastor the contact info for Kelly Bailey, pool director of the Steuben County YMCA. After explaining their situation and need, Pastor Wise asked if the Y’s pool was available for baptisms. It was—but with strings attached. The church could use weekends or evenings for a fee. Then, Kelly made another offer. The church could have the baptism during a certain window of time during the week when the pool was not normally open, and she was willing to volunteer her service as lifeguard, all at no cost!
“God provided!” exclaimed Pastor Wise.
Steve and Jan were baptized together at the Y with church family, friends and Kelly present on the afternoon of December 30. Welcome to the family!
Herald staff with Michael Wise, who pastors the Angola Church.
