When I discovered Saturday that the baptistery heater had gone out, Mr. Breakfield suggested that we postpone it. But I had already put Jonathan’s baptism off once when the pipes froze. I didn’t want to put it off again. So, we did it, and yes, it was cold! Cold, but totally worth it!

Jonathan joined our church the same Sunday that Ms. Paulette did, and I want to take a little time here to help you get to know the both of them a better.

Jonathan

Jonathan has lived most of his life in the 9^th Ward. Today, he lives with his mother and brother while working on a law degree from Loyola University. He did his undergraduate work at UNO and went to high school at Ben Franklin. Jonathan is a young man who wants to make a difference with his life, and I can tell he’s on his way.

Jonathan knows adversity. His mother’s house on N. Miro Street received some deep flooding following Katrina, and his brother was left disabled at the hands of a violent criminal. I asked Jonathan what made him want to give his life to Christ, and he told me that it had to do with adversity. He said that during the so-called “good times” something seemed to be missing, but during times of tribulation, he felt that God was near him. He said that it was time for him to make a commitment to the God who saw him through the hard times. How ever it is that the Holy Spirit draws people to Christ and to His church, we’re very grateful that He brought Jonathon to us!

Speaking of adversity sounds pretty serious, but I’ve learned that Jonathan is a rather easygoing guy. He’s a “gamer”—that means he takes his video game habit pretty seriously—and he loves to sing karaoke to Johnny Cash songs—a man of obvious good taste!

Paulette

I also want to take a moment to tell you about Ms. Paulette. Paulette has walked with the Lord for many years. She lived and worshipped in the 9th Ward until Katrina destroyed her house and her church and forced her out. After years of working on her house on Independence Street, she recently moved back in. Paulette has been a faithful attender to our worship services and to our Wednesday night Bible study group since summer, often bringing her mother Ms. Parker and her little grandson Marvin. She’s been studying the Bible a long time, and she has a mature peace about her (even in difficult times) that makes her a valuable contribution to our congregation.

Please take the time to get to know Jonathan and Ms. Paulette in the months ahead as we “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”