When Sisters Encourage Courage
Cheryl’s Baptism – Sister’s In Christ

When I thought about Cheryl’s baptism, I kept returning to one picture: a quiet woman taking a bold step of faith while her Sisters in Christ stood around her. Our Bible study had encouraged Cheryl as she listened to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to be baptized by immersion. She was shy, and stepping into that moment took courage. But she did not take the step alone.

We witnessed Cheryl’s baptism together, on a Monday during our typical community group meeting time, and the atmosphere changed from anticipation to joy. Afterward, Pastor Todd served communion to our class, and we shared a small celebratory luncheon. The meal mattered, but the fellowship around it mattered just as much. We were not simply marking an event; we were celebrating Cheryl’s obedience and the way God had been growing her faith.

One of the most meaningful parts of the day was hearing Cheryl speak about her desire for her family to know Christ and experience the hope she had found in Him. Her joy came from knowing she had obeyed Christ, but it also came from a growing intimacy with Him and a deeper love for Him. Her testimony reminded me that faith often moved forward one obedient step at a time, even when that step felt difficult.

I saw God’s work in more than the baptism itself. His Spirit had first prompted Cheryl, and then He used our group to encourage her when she felt hesitant. As sisters, we helped her find boldness; as she responded, we witnessed God strengthen her for the next part of her spiritual journey.

Jesus called His followers to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to follow His commands. That mission did not end when someone first came to Christ. It continued as we walked together, encouraged one another, and learned to obey. Cheryl’s baptism gave our group a beautiful picture of that shared journey: one person’s courage, many sisters’ support, and a whole community celebrating what God had done.

Brenda Thorpe,
Sisters In Christ group leader