Love and Redemption (Completed)

Washed Clean

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38

There were only a four weeks left at camp and I was beginning to enjoy each day that passed. A couple of nights I had nightmares about the lake, which made the next day hard to go through, but Molly was a constant rock beside me. I attended all the Bible studies I could with her. I felt this hunger in my soul to learn all I could about this wonderful Jesus. He literally saved my life, I wanted to know more.

As the days ticked away Don let my chore list grow smaller until the final week, when I had nothing to do except enjoy camp. Though I was angry at him for most of the summer, I could now understand why he gave me the chores. It was a way to keep me grounded and not run wild. Even though I couldn't see it at the time, I see now how much it did help. 

There was one last large outdoor concert/ Bible study to send off the campers. It was lovely, with food, drinks, and singing praises to God. Pastor Mike was preaching about God's love and his unfailing mercy and grace for us. I was mesmerized by his words, with tears in my eyes, I could feel the Holy Spirit move in my soul. I felt warm and full of a love that I couldn't describe. I felt the pull to step forward in faith, and for the first time in my life, I listened to that still, small voice. I walked through the crowd until I reached Don and Caroline. They both looked at me with a question on their faces.

"I would like to be baptized," I said without hesitation. The warmth in my soul brightened, and I knew without a doubt I was doing the right thing. I felt a lump grow in my throat as the tears began to spill down my cheeks. Don and Caroline looked at each other and I saw their own tears grow in their eyes. 

"Of course," Caroline said as she wrapped me in a hug. When she pulled away she wiped away her tears, "Just give us a moment to prepare. Stay here."

I nodded as she walked off with Don. I waited for a bit while Pastor Mike began to wrap up his sermon. I was standing off to one side of the stage, so I was able to watch. He finished with a prayer and the musicians began to play 'Our God is Greater'. I happily hummed along and tried to commit the lyrics to heart. I looked towards the crowd as they sang then back at the stage. Pastor Mike had left the stage at the other end and Caroline was talking with him. He smiled and nodded before walking off. Caroline came towards me and started leading me towards the lake. As we walked away I could hear Don on the microphone asking everyone to please start making their way towards the lake for a very special event. 

Caroline and I reached the lake first. She took off her shoes and walked in, but stopped to look back at me. I was looking at the lake and I felt that fear begin to squeeze my heart. My fear must have been showing on my face because Caroline gently smiled and came back to me. She grabbed both my hands and held them between us.

"Sweet child, I know you're afraid. Noah told us what happened. Just remember, what you are about to do is shout to the world that you have faith in Jesus Christ. That you know your sins are forgiven and are washed clean by the blood of Jesus, which is symbolized by the water you are about to enter. So don't be afraid. Cast your worries and fears on Him, for he loves you so much. Are you ready to become a child of God?" she spoke gently.

"Yes," I whispered as the tears flowed down my face. She smiled and wiped them away, held my hand as I quickly removed my shoes, then walked with me into the waters. We went about chest deep then stopped. Soon everyone began to gather around the shoreline. The whispers and chatting began as everyone seemed to understand what was happening. Pastor Mike and Don came around, removed their shoes, and entered the water as well. Don and Caroline stood to my right as Pastor Mike came around to my left. He stood slightly behind me, but still within my eyeline.

"Friends and family," he spoke loudly. Everyone began to quiet. Pastor Mike then lowered his voice some to continue talking, "everyone is called at their perfect point in life. What I mean by this- it is all within God's perfect timing. We all stumble, fall, and turn our backs to God. But when we choose to fight the wicked heart that lives within us, God can do amazing things. Our sister here, Chloe, has chosen today to proclaim to all that her life she is giving to Jesus."

He then turned to me and placed a hand on my shoulder, "Chloe, do you believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost?"

"I do," I answered, my voice struggling to come out as a lump appeared in my throat.

"Do you believe that Jesus died for our sins and arose, the mighty Victor?"

"I do."

"And do you accept Him as your Lord and Savior?" Pastor smiled.

"I do," I cried. There was no stopping the tears, "I believe."

"Then I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost."

With his final word Pastor placed a white cloth over my nose and his hand on the back of my neck. He then quickly lowered me back into the water as I grabbed his arm to hang on for balance. Though it was only a small second I was under the waters, I could feel my sins washing away. This time, being under water, I wasn't scared or alone. I felt the Light and it filled my soul and heart. I felt reborn and clean. 

When he pulled me back up I never felt so light. All my burdens felt gone. I wiped the water off my face and Pastor Mike pulled me into a hug. I sobbed against his shoulder, but this time they were tears of happiness. Don and Caroline hugged me next, in turn, and I could hear the cheers and claps from the campers on the shore. We all turned and began to walk back towards the crowd. I couldn't stop the smile that was plastered on my face. Once we reached dry ground I was surrounded by everyone as the congratulations and bless you started mixing together. 

Next thing I realized I was nearly knocked off my feet by a massive hug. Molly wrapped me tight and I could feel her wet cheeks on my neck. She was sobbing uncontrollably and I held her tight. She finally composed herself and pulled back to look at me. Her face was glowing.

"I am, so happy for you!" she beamed, "To be a child of Christ... Amen and Amen." She cried as she pulled me back into a hug. I let her, I couldn't really stop her. I didn't think I could be so happy, and I was finally excited for what was next in my life.

Noah

He watched from a small distance as his sister wrapped Chloe into a massive hug. There was no getting out of that hug either. He smiled, his heart swelling with joy. His feelings for Chloe were growing, and seeing her take the leap of faith and get baptized further solidified the feelings he had. He felt deep in his heart and soul that this girl was meant for him, but it would be in God's timing. And boy was God working miracles today. When Don was making his speech about a special event, he was just as puzzled as everyone else. But of course curiosity is a mighty thing, and everyone went to the lake. When he saw Chloe standing in the water with Caroline, he immediately knew what was happening. His heart leaped for joy and he began to praise Jesus. 

Watching her go beneath the water and arise again, she looked like a whole new person. Her smile finally seemed genuine and real, and his heart reached out to her. He was only able to make some eye contact with her before Molly steered her away, but he saw her mouth a thank you to him. He wasn't sure what she was referring to, but he looked forward to the moment he'd be able to speak with her again.