A Homeless Man Gets Baptized
On Sunday, April 14, 2024, during the second service, I (Andy Basham) had the privilege to baptize my friend, Jeff. Allow me to introduce him to you.
Jeff and I met about 2 years ago when he was homeless living in the woods just north of Westerville. Jeff has had a very difficult life, a rough childhood, and has been homeless since the age of 19, that’s 14 years of being homeless.
Only a few months after Jeff and I met, he unfortunately got into some trouble and was locked up in jail for a year. We lost contact for about 6 months when he was transferred to a different correctional facility. I would pray and think of him often, wondering if he was out of jail and even where he was living.
Just a couple months ago, out of the blue, I received a text from Jeff that he was out of jail and on a bus headed to Columbus, Ohio. I was super excited to hear this and was looking forward to seeing him again.
I helped Jeff get connected with a program here in Columbus called The EXIT Program, that provides housing and supportive services for those who have been formerly incarcerated and homeless. Jeff is actively looking for employment so he can save up enough money and get a place of his own.
I started bringing Jeff to church with me and talking with him about Jesus. Last week Jeff told me that he was ready to accept Jesus as his lord and savior and he wanted to get baptized. My heart was overflowing with joy when he told me this!
Standing alongside Jeff in the water just before the baptism, I introduced him to the congregation. At that moment, I was overcome with so much emotion that I could barely speak. God was adopting Jeff into His family and he was receiving God’s precious gift of eternal life. That would be the most important moment in Jeff’s life.
I want to encourage you to boldly share the message of Jesus with those around you. I've discovered that the most effective way to lead others to Christ isn't through debates over facts or politics, but it’s talking to them about how Jesus changed you and showing them so much love, that they can’t help but to see Jesus through you.
You may be familiar with the phrase WWJD, which stands for “What Would Jesus Do”. Well, a couple years ago I came up with a new phrase that I use daily in my life, it's WWYDFJ. It doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, but I promise it will change you if you put it into action. It stands for “What Would You Do For Jesus?” You and I would go to the ends of the earth for Jesus. That’s easy, but would we do that for someone we don’t even know? I believe that is how Jesus wants us to demonstrate our love for Him.
Do you know that warm feeling you get in your chest when someone you love gives you a big hug? That’s the best feeling in the world!! I believe Jesus feels that same warm feeling in his chest when we demonstrate our love for Him toward someone else.
Matthew 25:37-40 (NIV)
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Do you know someone who is in need or hurting? Consider another way to read WWYDFJ. What would you do for Jeff? And who is your Jeff? There’s someone out there that needs what you can give them. Namely friendship. Specifically Jesus – seen through you.
I love you and may God bless you as you seek him,
Andy Basham
http://www.andybasham.com