James Neely, 83, takes plunge of faith

When it comes to baptism, age is never an issue.Neither is a medical condition. Just ask 83-year-old James Neely.Neely, who is confined to a wheelchair, was baptized Sept. 24 at Crestview Baptist Church.James’ health might not be the best and he might be hard of hearing, but he realized it was time to make peace with the Lord at a recent singing at New Hope Baptist Church in Heath Springs, said his wife, Jackie Neely.The Neelys have been married for 60 years. “He told me on the way home that he almost went down to the altar at the end of the service that night,” she said. “He said that the way the world’s going, he wanted to get right with the Lord.Given his condition and age, Jackie knew that he couldn’t make it to the altar by himself. When he’s away from home, he depends on the wheelchair a good bit. While he can walk slowly on his own, it’s only for short distances. Jackie said her husband is usually rolled into the church in his wheelchair and lifts himself out to sit on a pew. She told him to let her know when he was ready and she would help.Then one Sunday – at the end of the morning worship service at Crestview – while the congregation was singing a hymn of invitation, James decided it was time. Jackie said while she was looking at the song lyrics on a video screen, James stood up on his own. By that time, Jackie realized what was happening, James had already walked some four rows ahead of where they were sitting.“I couldn’t decide whether to go to him or let him try alone,” she said.Then before she could do anything, she said her husband got everyone’s full attention.“James tends to speak loudly because his hearing in a little impaired,” she said. “He shouted, ‘I’m ready’ and his voice rang out all over the church.” The Rev. Scott Robinson, Crestview minister, met the Neelys and helped them to the front pew where he led James in a prayer of salvation.“Statistics will tell you that an 83-year-old man isn’t going to change, but with God, anything is possible,” said Robinson, who has been leading the flock at Crestwood for about two and a half years.“I won’t ever forget that day as long as I live,” said Robinson. “I looked up and he was walking down the aisle. Whenever you see somebody who’s in a wheelchair get up and walk, it has a way of getting everybody’s full attention.”Robinson knew it was a given that immersing James Neely in the baptismal pool wouldn’t work. After he prayed, he sought advice from fellow ministers and talked with Crestview’s deacons about coming up with a safe way to baptize the church’s most recent convert.Finally they decided that James could stay in his wheel chair wearing a towel around his neck. Robinson would wet a cloth in a basin filled with water and then wring the towel out over James’ head.So, on Sunday, Sept. 24, the church pews were filled with family and friends to support James. As the time drew near, Jackie rolled James to the front of the church and Robinson baptized him. “We did the best we could and I know the Lord honors that,” Robinson said. “Now, James Neely is just as baptized as anybody else.”“Watching what God has done in his life has been a blessing and inspiration for all of us,” Robinson said. Marilyn Roddey, James’ niece, was there. “When Rev. Robinson was conducting Uncle James’ baptism, there wasn’t a dry eye in the church,” Roddey said, smiling. “Everyone was so happy that at this point in his life, he had made one of the most important decisions a man can make.”Jackie said this just shows God never gives up on anybody.“The Lord still works, no matter how old you are,” she said. “You still have something to do for the Lord.”