Jack’s Baptism: A Story of Faith, Family, and God’s Grace

By Sharon Mager

When twelve-year-old Jack, a member of Lexington Park Baptist Church (LPBC), emerged from the waters of baptism, he thanked everyone, held up his hands, and yelled, “Remember everybody, God is on the move!”

He was right in many ways. Jack’s baptism is part of a growing movement. Disability Ministry Consultant Katie Matthews said, “Jack is the fifth ‘Everyone Belongs’ camper to be baptized and the second from Lexington Park Baptist Church.”

Jack emerges from the waters of baptism. (Photo courtesy of Lexington Park Baptist Church)

LPBC Senior Pastor Chris McCombs told onlookers, “Jack was the star at the special needs camp (EBC) this past year. He got up and told them all about sharks (Jack loves animals and knows all sorts of fun facts about them), and he prayed for everyone.”

In the water, McCombs smiled and told the crowd, “Jack already told me there’s only one shark allowed in this water.” Turning to Jack, he asked, “Which one is it?”

Jack quickly replied, “The bull shark!”

McCombs smiled. Addressing Jack he said, “Everybody from the BCM/D who was at camp knows about this baptism, and they told me to tell you they’re proud of you! I’m proud of you, too!”

Later, when asked about the experience, Jack said, “Well, He died for our sins. Our Savior is Jesus Christ, and I got baptized in the name of the Father and the Son (and the Holy Ghost).” After a pause, he added, “I was pretty brave about it.”

Jack loves being at church — especially the singing. McCombs said Jack regularly attends children’s church and Vacation Bible School in the summer. “He’s a joy to be around,” McCombs said. “He comes and finds me after children’s service and says, ‘Let’s pray!’ He grabs my hand and raises his hand to the sky, and prays with me. It’s pretty cool. Jack gets it!”

Jack’s stepfather, Mike Jenner, was moved by Jack’s baptism. Jenner recognizes that God’s abundant mercy brought Jack to the shores of St. Mary’s River, and he reflects on the mercy God showed to himself and how his own conversion not only changed his life but also impacted Jack.

Jenner openly shares his experience. “My walk with the Lord really started a few years ago. I had been battling drug addiction for over a decade, and it almost killed me more than once. It ruined my life. I was in the worst spot. When I finally surrendered to the Lord, that was an awakening. He took that sin away and saved me from it. That was huge.”

Mike Jenner, Jason, Bambi, Kelsey and Jack at a family gathering. (Photo submitted by family)

“My girlfriend, now wife (Bambi), took me to Lexington Park Baptist Church when I was still in active addiction and deep in sin, and I felt an immediate connection with Pastor Chris (McCombs).”

As Jenner grew in his faith, Jack followed his example. Jenner said, “When the seed really started to take root, you could see the growth. It led to things like going to church and praying regularly, and Jack started to catch on. We would always pray together and read the Bible.”

After camp, Jenner explained baptism to Jack. “I told him how important it was — that baptism is the best way to profess our faith publicly and to do what the Bible tells us to do.”

Reflecting on Jack’s baptism, Matthews said, “The Bible is clear that people with disabilities are made in God’s image, and I believe God desires that we do all we can to share the gospel with these families.”

BCM/D Executive Director Tom Stolle added, “I praise God for the ministries to individuals and families affected by disabilities within our BCM/D churches. The fact that five campers attending the Everyone Belongs Camp have placed their faith in Christ is incredible. I am thankful for the pastors, staff, and volunteers who give their time loving and serving individuals affected by disability. There is no greater gift a person can receive than the gift of salvation!”

We’d love to help you start or strengthen a disabilities ministry in your church. Visit our website https://bcmd.org/everyone-belongs/.

Sharon Mager serves as BCM/D stories editor