Lake Region Conference Youth Director Earl Baldwin is pictured speaking to Ruth Murdoch Elementary students during their bi-annual week of prayer.
In keeping with the theme from Micah 6:8 ‘Walking with God,’ Baldwin who serves as Youth director for Lake Region Conference decided to teach the students what he calls “The 5 L’s.” Monday was instructing the students to ‘Look for God.’ Tuesday was focused on ‘Listen for God.’ Wednesday was based on how students can ‘Learn from God.’ On Thursday, Baldwin wanted the students to ‘Let go and let God.’ Lastly, on Friday, he wanted the students to ‘Live for God.’
Along with his messages, he encouraged the students to give 21 minutes to God every day. “I challenged them to have seven minutes of prayer, seven minutes to study the Bible and seven minutes of quiet time for listening and reflecting on what God has to say.”
By the end of the week of prayer, 72 students decided to give their lives to Christ.
Second-grader Ezra Jean-Baptiste was one of the students in attendance. “I loved it! Every day I wanted to go, and I didn't want to miss a second!”
Principal Evelyn Savory said, “The kids were at a place where they were really ready to receive Jesus and so it was a wonderful experience to just see them engaging in the singing, the music and the actions, and finding the scriptures in the Bible was just electric. It was just so beautiful to watch, and by God's grace we hope to keep them all closer to Him.”
When Baldwin received the news of the large number of baptismal requests, he was shocked. “I was like ‘Whaaaaat!’ I couldn't believe how many responded. Anytime to be used by God in that way is always humbling. In ministry it is easy to question, ‘Am I doing the right thing?’ In the meantime, God shows up.
“We all go through difficult patches, and I just came through a difficult patch. I believe God did this to affirm that He has His hands over my life, and I can be used by Him if I simply leave myself in His hands.”
Nicholas Gunn, Andrews University freshman
