When Abigail needed a friend the most … she met Brian.
She told me … “When I met Brian, it was like God sent me an angel.”
She believes meeting Brian was a moment of “divine intervention” (her words) in her life.
I agree … and I will tell you why.
I don’t know all of the story … don’t know all of the dates … but I know that on Wednesday, May 28, Brian and I got to open the Word and learn about Jesus. It was obvious that he wanted to follow Jesus – even then – but he needed some time to think … and to talk to his fiance, Abigail.
He would come back from time to time … to visit … to ask another question or two.
Last night (Tuesday, November 18) … he brought his wife, Abigail, with him. They both had some questions. The first (and most important) question was, “What do you have to do to go to heaven (and not go to hell)?”
We opened our Bibles … and let Jesus answer that question. We discussed several things … but in the end we just looked at the answer Jesus gave those Jewish religious folks in Acts 2, and that Jewish terrorist fellow in Acts 22 … when they all asked the same question, “What shall we (I) do?”
Once Brian and Abigail read what Jesus had to say, they decided to listen to Him. So … they got up and were baptized, washing away their sins. (That is what is promised in Acts 22:16.)
Brian was baptized by my friend and brother, Bart. Then Brian baptized Abigail.
As they hugged each other … still dripping wet … I thought of what she had told me about when they first met, ” … God sent me an angel.” – a moment of divine intervention. I agree. How else do you explain that a girl, needing a friend – finds one that becomes her boyfriend … her best friend … her fiance … her husband … her teacher … and her brother in Jesus?
Please welcome Brian and Abigail to the family of God.
AWESOME!!! Praise God for the new brother and sister – husband and wife! May they lift each other up, and support each other through the rest of their life.
By: Paul Ford on November 19, 2008
at 4:15 pm
That is such a great thing! What a blessing for Abigail and Brian to start their new life (not their married life…but their brand spanking new, clean slate, white as snow, sin washed away life) together! God has been working…we have been praying…and now I have two more folks to thank God for!!
Abigail and Brian…you did good! Keep studying, keep reading His Word. You can never finish learning the things God wants you to learn so keep reading! Remember that God is holding you and will never leave you. He is a gracious, merciful Father that wants you to be with Him.
By: sherryfisher on November 19, 2008
at 9:13 pm
hey guys, welcome to a fun and ever growing family.
God bless you guys.
By: Tim on November 19, 2008
at 10:04 pm
Abigal, I’m grateful that you recognized the “angel” that God sent your way. Sounds like God brought him into your life at a time when he was really good for your heart. Based on your decision last night … you will now get to spend eternity with him.
Brian, I’m so glad that you kept coming back, kept studying, were willing to listen to Jesus. Because of your willingness to not only listen, but to share what you heard with Abigail … you two can spend the rest of your lives … and your eternity … together.
I thank God for reminding me over and over and over again lately, that all we need to do is talk about Jesus. He is the good news.
Welcome to the family you two. Always remember what you KNOW about God and His love for you. It is not an “if” or a “because” love … it is always. His love is there, wrapped around you tightly, even when you can’t FEEL it … KNOW it.
By: cemotosnack on November 19, 2008
at 10:37 pm
that’s pretty awesome! God works in so many ways and always on His time. His timing is perfect and I’m excited to hear that He gave the growth!!!
By: shawn gary on November 20, 2008
at 7:21 am
Welcome to both Brian & Abigail. What a great conversion story. God’s Word still works today when individuals are open and honest about it and this is just another proof of that.
Praise God! And once again welcome to the family.
By: Mark Williams on November 20, 2008
at 11:24 am
Beautiful story. Welcome to the flock!
By: Cheryl on November 20, 2008
at 3:52 pm
God sent two angels to brian’s life as well. Thanks Bart and Tanner for the way God uses both of you to give jobs through your dedication to helping people. Friendship “evangelism” has to be the way Jesus did things in his life. Jesus met people with a compassionate heart like Bart and Tanner do and continue to do. Great examples of angels! WElcome to the family Brian and Abigail!
By: benji on November 20, 2008
at 8:46 pm
Congratulations and Welcome Brian and Abigail.
I am so happy for you, and look forward to getting to know you better, and worshiping our Lord and Savior with you.
May God richly bless you and your life together as you serve Him.
By: Celia on November 20, 2008
at 9:08 pm
I am really glad I got to meet you both! It is obvious why you are so special to the Kelleys. Know that you have a home with us at the open and that God has brought you to this place for a reason! CONGRATS!!!!
By: Sarah on November 20, 2008
at 10:23 pm
I love it! I have had a pretty tough week down here dealing with staff and children and just being in another culture…it is always so refreshing to know that God is still working in a place I love so dearly…I would have loved to watch Bart baptize Brian and then to watch Brian baptize Abigail…what a wonderful thing that must have been to witness.
You are both in the right place…rest…learn…grow so that one day you can “be an angel” to another person by introducing them to the one who has given you the hope of heaven!
God bless you both on your journey!
By: Dennis Wilson on November 20, 2008
at 11:59 pm
Welcome to the family Brian & Abigail….your story is beautiful.
I would say to Abigail to always remember that God sent you an angel when he sent you Brian. Never take God’s gift lightly and never forget to be thankful for “the gift”. There are days that he might irritate you and there will be hard times, but on those days…weeks…months always remember that Brian is God’s gift to you! Take care of your gift….nurture and love him, and Brian will take careof, nurture and love you in return…..never forget that God has given you the two most valuable things one can have…..salvation through Christ and Brian….your angel….your salvation here on earth!
Love the Lord….honor his word….love each other….honor each other….take care of each other and you will stand firm through life’s ups and downs….you will not be shaken. (Psalms 15)
Once again…Welcome….God loves you so that settles it….we love you too!
By: mothergoose on November 24, 2008
at 10:27 am
Wonderful story of love…how good it is to hear such a story and be reminded that God is still moving in love to rescue lost souls like He did centuries ago when He whispered to an angel…who whispered to a preacher…who went on a journey and “luckily” happened on an Egyptian treasurer to whom he whispered (or spoke) the saving story of Jesus. And when that man was baptized God whispered sweet peace to him that carried him through his long journey home and through all his life. Isn’t it amazing what God has done and who God has used to bring us home? He keeps devising way for exiles to return. He did it for me…and I praise Him that he did it for Brian and Abigail too…and for all who’ve been willing to listen…to let their hearts be opened by the greatest love story of all. God bless you with an undying love of Jesus Christ.
By: oakesclan on December 4, 2008
at 11:51 am