“It’s never too late to make a decision for Christ” is a sentiment that rings true for Margie Armstead, who, at 93 years of age, was baptized by profession of faith at Normandie Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church on March 20, 2021.
Armstead first became acquainted with the Normandie church, located in Los Angeles, California, United States, in 1999 through a seniors’ group. Soon, Armstead began serving as a pianist for Sabbath School and in other ministries that didn’t require church membership.
Armstead served faithfully at Normandie for more than 20 years before making a decision for baptism. Over the years, questions about her membership and baptism had sometimes arisen from Normandie or her previous congregation at another Christian church. When asked why she waited so long, Armstead, who had been praying for wisdom all along, simply said, “I was waiting for the Holy Spirit to guide me.”
That moment of clarity came at the beginning of March, when Armstead was preparing for the annual Day of Prayer conducted by Normandie’s women’s ministry. “I heard the Holy Spirit say, ‘It’s time to go.’ That’s the confirmation I was waiting for,” Armstead shared. “I didn’t have to ask, ‘Go where, when, or how?’ ” She immediately acted on this call and informed the church of her decision for baptism.
Head elder Keith Bradford said he was particularly moved by Armstead’s journey, as he also was previously a member of another Christian church. “When the Lord reveals new light and truth,” Bradford said, “it’s on us to accept it and move forward.”
Throughout the pandemic, Normandie has been without a pastor. Bradford said he recognizes that “God has blessed our church in a special way.” The congregation keeps growing. Armstead was baptized along with three other individuals on the same day, totaling 12 baptisms this year so far.
“My hope is simply that Margie will continue to be faithful to God, that her testimony and witness will inspire others to make that decision — both young and old,” Bradford added. “It’s a wonderful testimony even at 93 years old that the Lord is still using her.”
“I’m just so happy, thankful, and full of gratitude at being a part of Normandie for 21 years,” Armstead said, “and being accepted wholeheartedly.”
The original version of this story was posted on the Southern California Conference news site.
