Samantha Nelson – Cody, Wyoming … Sometimes it seems as though our labors for the Lord are in vain. Other times, we see the fruits of our labors and rejoice exceedingly. Steve Nelson, head pastor at the Cody Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cody, Wyoming, and his wife, Samantha Nelson, witnessed the fruits of their labors as two of the youth they’ve been studying with and mentoring were baptized and another youth was dedicated to the Lord at the Sabbath service, September 21.
The children in the James family, twelve-year-old Josiah, ten-year-old Sage, and five-year-old Syrus, have been part of local Pathfinders club as well as Steve’s weekly kids’ Bible study group for a few years now. “They have grown immensely in their love for the Lord and in Bible knowledge,” remarked Samantha.
Josiah James, the oldest of the children baptized, commented, “Being baptized is getting closer to God, learning and applying even more than you already did.”
Sage James, who participated in the Cody Church girls’ youth trip this past June, said, “It is a big deal when you get baptized. You are making a forever commitment to having Jesus in your life and showing others your plan.”
Syrus James, who was dedicated to the Lord rather than baptized due to his young age, said, “[The dedication] made my heart feel nicer and more loving. Jesus is with me. I feel Him.”
The Cody Church family eagerly welcomed each of them into fellowship and membership and celebrated the joy the kids had as they publicly committed their lives to Jesus.
—Samantha Nelson writes from Cody Adventist Church where her husband is a pastor. Photos by Samantha Nelson.
