Laynes' Line

     WOW! What a tremendous weekend. We were invited to a deaf emphasis weekend in Lewisburg and then to stay over for Sunday services. We started Saturday with 17 deaf showing up for a devotional, meal and then games. We had a terrific day and couldn't wait for Sunday.      Sunday was just as surprising as Saturday. All but one couple who came from Charleston were there for the Sunday services. I taught SS and interpreted the morning service for the pastor. They took wonderful care of us and the deaf promised to come back for the evening service. All 15 returned for the PM service. For both services, the pastor and the deaf department prepared a very impressive program that featured and used the deaf in the services and in the DVD presentation. The evening service featured a testimony by one of the interpreters as to how the deaf ministry started, followed by the deaf leader leading the entire congregation in prayer. I preached about Christ healing the deaf man. The special music

     What a wonderful day last Sunday! It all started with a regularly scheduled report to a supporting church. However, the Sunday before, nine people had expressed interest in becoming baptized. The regular morning service was shortened, the whole church made their way to the boat ramp at a local lake, and all (along with a few fishermen and a park ranger) witnessed the baptism. Following that, the church had a church-wide picnic at the nearby area. As one father obeyed the Lord's command, his little son happily yelled out, "Way to go, Dad!" I think that even after 45+ years in the ministry, witnessing nine obeying the Lord  in believer's baptism is very near the excitement of seeing them trust Christ. What a blessed way to begin the Lord's day!      The evening service at another supporting was as exciting as could be, as we have known and loved these folks since the beginning of our call to the field. I would normally say the church was nearly full, but not