"You Will"

Dennis Betts is a long-time, active member of Celebration Lutheran in Chardon. He does not come from a long line of Lutherans or even an early history of religious training.

If fact, as a child Dennis had no religious training and therefore knew very little about God. When he was married at age 23 he promised his wife he would attend church and their children would have a religious upbringing. Dennis was true to his promise and even became an active member of his congregation. However, he still did not feel close to God or really have much faith.

All of this changed dramatically during Lent of 2010. As Dennis sat alone in the sanctuary after a Wednesday evening worship, he saw what appeared to be Jesus and his disciples at the last supper. Jesus walked through the pews to him, kissed him on the forehead, and whispered in his ear “You will.” Dennis has absolutely no doubt that he saw Jesus that evening.

After Dennis’ encounter with Jesus, he acted and truly believes differently. He then and now believes he is a true disciple of Jesus. He tries to do the things that Jesus wants him to do. He admits that he sometimes fails in this but is confident that Jesus forgives him. Dennis now freely talks about his belief in Christ and is truly a disciple of Jesus. He now makes, wears, and hands out small wooden crosses, as an easy way to begin the conversation about his faith.

While we may not have an encounter with Jesus as dramatic as Dennis did, Jesus shows up every day in our daily lives.

Our congregations of the Northeastern Ohio Synod are holy grounds where God meets us in the waters of baptism and at the table. They are also places where God shows up in the comforting hug of a friend, the joyful noise of music, and the quiet moments in the sanctuary. We are grateful for the ongoing and life-giving ministry of our congregational partners here in the Northeastern Ohio Synod. Thank you for the ministry you provide to people like Dennis.