After missionary training in Colorado, Mark stepped back into his "pastor" shoes and led Joshua through his membership vows on August 7, 2011. On that same day, Joshua took his first communion with the friends and families he'd grown up with. Ironically, it was his last Sunday morning with them before our family left for the mission field.
Sovereign Grace has been Joshua's home church since the day he was born. In fact, he came into the world just hours after Mark was ordained as the pastor. Everyone at the service knew I was in labor, thanks to a well intentioned announcement, and I pasted on a smile for most of the evening. Early the next morning, Joshua was born into a quiet, semi-lit hospital room to the sound of Mark lovingly singing my favorite hymns. At one point during labor, a nurse came in to check on us and said she felt like she was interupting something sacred. Eleven years later, Joshua professed his faith and joined the church on our last day of worship at SGCC. Just a few weeks ago, he participated in his second communion, "La Santa Cena," this time in a Spanish speaking church here in Costa Rica. The glass cups filled with grape juice (vino) and sweet flat bread (pan) was different and yet the same. On the cement wall, the pastor projected the Scripture, illustrated with photos, so we could all easily follow along in the service.
That was a pleasant surprise for us!! Glad we were there!
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