One of the coolest things about Motel Church is when a member decides to get baptized. We don’t go to a traditional church and baptize them there. No, we throw a celebration and baptize them right in the motel pool. It becomes quite a party as guests invite their friends and people cheer with each person who rises out of the water.
As a location leader there is really nothing more exciting or fulfilling than baptizing someone from your congregation. In this case Baptism is not only a public display of faith. For Motel Church volunteers, it often becomes a major milestone – a symbol that they helped make an impact on someone’s life.
Heather and Ron got to experience this firsthand when they baptized Jimmy at the Grand Inn.
Jimmy, like many guests, arrived to the Grand broken and in need of support. A lifetime of addiction had left him hurting and feeling hopeless but God was not done with him.
Each week incredible and caring volunteers began to befriend and encourage Jimmy moving him closer toward a relationship with God. On the day he was baptized Heather and Ron were in the pool but the entire place was packed with people who contributed to that epic moment. As Jimmy popped up out of the water the place erupted with a cheer but we know it was nothing compared to the loud cheer in Heaven.
Jimmy is currently working his way through a rehab program to treat his addiction. His struggles are very strong but he knows his God is stronger. Even while in rehab Jimmy gets support and encouragement from the team of volunteers at the Grand. They believe nobody is just a guest. Jimmy is family, their brother in Christ and they aren’t going to let him out of their site.
Please join us in continuing to pray for Jimmy while he continues in his recovery.