“Breakfast at Night” has now become an annual event in our congregation. On Friday, May 13, the Ocean State church and several friends met up at the CapeVerdian American Community Development center (CACD) in Pawtucket for an evening of fellowship, fun, food and more.

Linda Brown had organized the food. Daniel Gifford, Leo Mella, and Paulo Martins worked hard to set up the portable baptistery. Ivey Mella, Anita Allen and a host of sisters laid out food and drinks. Everyone chipped in and before you knew it, David Sam was saying the prayer to kick off the thrilling night.

A cake for May birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and the baptism was brought out. It read, “Happy Birthday and Congratulations.” Quiche was quickly eaten. And finally, several women stood to speak before the baptism. Jiayin Sperry and Deisy Morales each shared about their Rhode Island College friend.

Then Esther Zleh herself shared of her gratitude for all in the church and to God for this new birth she was about to experience. Esther’s dad, originally from Liberia, had come out to the event in support of his daughter. After her baptism, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” echoed throughout the hall.

Many jumped into the clean-up and, before we knew it, the CACD was returned to its original form. But for a night, God has used this location and mainly the hearts of the disciples to infuse laughter and faith into our lives. May we more and more encourage and love each other, just as Christ has done for His church.