Updated 1:50 p.m. May 1, 2019
IBSA churches baptized more than 706 people in April, according to reports from congregations around the state. The number is expected to increase as churches share their stories from One GRAND Month, a month-long, statewide emphasis on evangelism and baptisms.
According to initial reports, 260 people were baptized in IBSA churches on Easter Sunday, plus 446 others in April—for a total of 706. Pat Pajak, IBSA’s associate executive director of evangelism, encouraged churches to share their baptism reports and add to the statewide celebration.
“My hope is that this April push, plus the “Who’s Your One?” emphasis, will continue throughout 2019 and we’ll see an increase in salvations and baptisms across the state,” Pajak said. “Who’s Your One?” is an effort across the Southern Baptist Convention to pray for people who don’t know Christ and start gospel conversations with them.
At First Baptist Church in Atwood, gospel conversations happen every Wednesday night among children and students engaged in a new ministry at the church. Through their Ignite ministry for kids and teens, Pastor Lanny Faulkner said the church has seen 24 people accept Christ. Seventeen young people, from age 8 to 22, were baptized in a church-wide service April 24. The church reported 15 baptisms last year.
The May 26 Illinois Baptist will feature a state-wide report from One GRAND Month. To share your church’s baptism stories and photos, e-mail PatPajak@IBSA.org.
Photo: Students baptized at First Baptist Church in Atwood April 24 received certificates, Bibles, and a big round of applause from their church family.