Franklin County, Nebraska

For Another Day

A few weeks ago I wrote of my childhood memory of baptisms in the Coal River, Boone County, WV. Recently I stood on the bank of another river and observed a Franklin County Church baptism. Oh, how that half-hour took me home and how I wished you could have been there. Though its been 50 years since I stood by the dogwood bushes lining Big Coal River and watched the people say “I believe,” and be submerged in the summer water, I was amazed. Not much had changed in river baptism, in that span of years, except the style of clothes and maybe a little more relaxed atmosphere.

On this day I was invited by my two dear friends to attend their baptism in the Republican River at Bislow’s Landing. My heart was totally touched by this experience. First we had a nice service and dinner at the Missionary church in Franklin, where I enjoyed the company of many wonderful people. Then we all drove out of town and down to the river one by one, cars in a row, leaving a trail of dust behind. The river was murky and moving at a fast rate as Pastor Bryan Balasa, in his black slacks and white dress shirt, stepped down into the water of the rushing river. The first one to be baptized gave a wonderful testimony of how he came to know the Lord. I was so proud of this person for I know this wasn’t easy for him to say these words. Each took their turn stepping down into the cool river water. Some people gave speeches and some choose not to. Eight people said, “I believe,” at the Republican River.

I stood on the bank among the well wishers and applauded each of them as they climbed up the bank out of the water in the hot 100 degree heat. I was sweating in my Sunday clothes until they were wet. I hugged my friend and said, I was touched by her faith, her wet clothes felt good and I noticed they were in no hurry to leave the river site for they were as cool as could be.

As I watched each of them cross their arms on their chest and layback into the water with the pastor’s help and blessing, each one of them looked so peaceful and calm. I have never seen faces so at ease. They were eager to be dipped beneath the water and feel the rewards it brings.

I wanted to feel that peace. I was on the verge of shooting out, “baptize me.” I thought, now if Pastor Balasa asks if there are any others, I would do it. But, he didn’t ask if there were more willing to take the step, after all he couldn’t have known my thoughts and I didn’t have the nerve. I failed to say what was on the tip of my tongue, I couldn’t do it. I still haven’t grown enough in my faith to over come the childhood fear of this kind of baptism, even though I know in my heart and soul it’s the right thing to do.

I am a descendent of preacher grandfathers. I am quite sure each of them was baptized in the rivers of Boone county, W. V., along with all their families. That’s just the way they do it back in the mountains. My father told me he was baptized twice, once in Big Coal river in West Virginia with my mother, and again in the Purgatory River at Trinidad, CO. I was baptized by sprinkling at the Presbyterian church at the mouth of Joe’s Creek, WV when I was twelve years old at confirmation time. We had moved from the berg of Maxine, which was right on Coal River, to Joe’s Creek so we no longer attended the Baptist church that believed in river baptism. It was a relief, because of my fear of submersion, that baptism in the Presbyterian church meant water was sprinkled on the head. But all my life the doubt still lingers. Was that good enough? All my life this fear lays at the base of my spine.

Sometimes when I am weak and know that I am growing older it surfaces to put a fear in my soul. I guess it’s what each person is comfortable with. Up bringing has a strong bearing on that decision and my upbringing tells me that gathering at the river is the way it should be. My grandparents that raised me were strong believers in the Lord and waited for his return all their life.

I told Pastor Balasa how I was impressed with the service and how I almost said, “me too.” He said “Its not too late. Let’s go.” But it was too late. This time! I will work on this goal and pray the Lord continues to bless our family as he always has, even if I am too weak to take the walk. I’m trying Lord, I’m still trying. Please don’t give up one me.

To these eight people who took the humbling walk into the river I say, you are much stronger than I am and I see you and all who have stepped into the water of any river and said, “I believe” as the most valued people of the Lord. The special glow on your faces tells me you shared a very special experience that hot July day. I am glad I could witness this wonderful occasion in your lives. God bless each of you.

After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the spirit of God descending like above and settling on him and a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, and I am very pleased with him.” Matthew 3:16

Rena Donovan, For Another Day.

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