Blog: Max Dawson
October 10, 2016
A few weeks ago, one of our shepherds at Dowlen Road church told us about his brother who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Larry Hernandez has served as one of our elders for nearly two years. His brother, Oscar, began treatment for cancer just a few weeks ago. Pancreatic cancer can be extremely aggressive. Oscar’s was among the most aggressive. There was not much time left for him.
Oscar was not a Christian.
Larry Hernandez made several trips to see his brother and talk to him about the gospel. Though Oscar’s home is in Asherton, Texas, he was hospitalized in San Antonio. At first, Oscar did not say much in response to Larry’s teaching. But Larry continued to study with him–even over the phone.
Larry emphasized that Christ died for our sins and that He blesses those who obey Him in baptism. Oscar had lots of questions. But, finally, he came to the point about ten days ago where he could say, “I am ready.”
Now, remember, Oscar was hospitalized and dying of cancer. And Larry was not in a position to baptize him. You see, Larry had polio when he was young and has virtually no use of his legs. Larry’s son, Eric, had gone with him to San Antonio to assist him. There were many obstacles to overcome in baptizing Oscar–getting the hospital to cooperate, finding a place to immerse Oscar, moving and handling Oscar during the baptism–there were many obstacles.
Though it took two days to work through the obstacles, Larry and Eric finally baptized Oscar in a Jacuzzi at the hotel where they stayed in San Antonio.
Following the baptism, Oscar sat in the Jacuzzi for about half an hour. Larry said it was the first time he had seen a smile on Oscar’s face in many days. Oscar looks forward to being in a place where there is no more pain or suffering.
A small church near Oscar’s hometown will encourage him in his final days.
THE FINAL WORD
Why so much effort to baptize a person? Because of what Jesus said in .
“He who believes and is baptized shall be saved…”
And, because of what Peter said in . Because of what Ananias said in . Because of what Paul said in .
It is often objected that “you can’t baptize those who are sick or dying.” I have not yet met the person I can’t baptize. Maybe I will someday, but not yet. As long as the mind is there and the spark of life is in the body, faithful gospel teachers will put forth every effort to baptize.
We met a lady in the nursing home almost four years ago; Karen Copeland was her name. She was dying of cancer. We taught her the gospel. She believed it and wanted to be saved by Jesus. It took three of us men to carry her up the 15 stair steps to our baptistery. But we did it because of what Jesus said.
Don’t ever get it in your mind to dismiss what Jesus taught because of difficult challenges and obstacles.
May God bless Larry and Eric Hernandez. May God bless our new brother, Oscar Hernandez.
May God be with you, my dear friends,
–Max