God Showed Up At Our Baptism

Kim has been on a faith journey. It culminated on September 11 with the baptism of her and her husband Jeff at a beach in Goderich - an amazing experience for all who were involved.

Melanie and Joel, who are walking alongside Kim and Jeff in their journey, were an important part of this ceremony. Early in the day, Melanie noted the unsettled weather, felt a little anxious, but prayed that rays of sunshine would break through the heavy clouds. Melanie relates, "It was sunny when we left our home in Clinton at 4:30. As we drove towards Goderich, we could see the black clouds over the lake. I was getting very nervous. At 5:00 we were heading down the big hill in Goderich towards the beach and it was the most beautiful sight - thick, dark clouds, but the sun was peeking through and the rays were just like I had imagined them."

Kim also noticed the dreary rainy weather but thought, "Perhaps I'll get a rainbow for my baptism" and she said a prayer asking God to reveal himself with a rainbow.

Kim, Jeff, Melanie and Joel, along with Tim Doherty, pastor at Zurich Mennonite Church, gathered at the beach. With members of Zurich watching from the beach, they stepped into the cold, rough lake water just as a big bolt of lightning came from the sky.

Kim says "We all marched out in faith. The water was tumultuous and cold, but at the same time felt so comforting. As each of us were baptized, the crowd on the shore clapped and cheered. It was awesome."

"When I came up out of the water," she continues, "I looked to the sky, hoping to see my rainbow, but it wasn't there. I felt disappointed for a moment, but let it go, because it was still such an amazing experience. We all walked to shore and were welcomed by hugs and blessings from all our friends. We all piled into cars and headed to our home to share stories, celebrate and have dinner. Just as we pulled away from the beach it started to pour ... like God pouring out His love (at the perfect time)."

Kim could hardly believe what came next. "Just as we were about to head down the bridge out of Goderich, I saw my rainbow. I gasped and said to Jeff 'Do you see that - that's my rainbow! I prayed for that today.' Then I looked closer, and saw that there were actually two, one right on top of the other. And I said 'Wow, look at that there's two. He gave you one too!' As we drove down the bridge, the rainbow arched right in front of us. I thought we would drive right under it. But as we got closer, it moved away until it landed RIGHT OVER OUR HOUSE!! I felt like one of the wisemen following the star to Bethlehem! Man it was cool! I was absolutely thrilled to receive my very own miracle. What an awesome blessing."

Kim, Jeff, Melanie and Joel along with Brian and Bonnie, and their families, have been commissioned by Zurich Mennonite Church to a church plant in Clinton called Kingsfield-Clinton. Tim Doherty, his wife Monica and family will give oversight leadership as this new church emerges. Please keep these four families and Zurich Mennonite Church in your prayers as they extend the peace of Jesus Christ to their community.