Today is a special day for several people throughout the country. Ten men and women went into the waters of regeneration and gave their lives to Christ on this day in 1993 — two in Monongahela, PA, one in Lorain, OH, and seven in Palm Harbor, FL. Nine were young people, and one was young at heart. Some were born and raised in the church while others were not; regardless, each answered the same call.

Since that day 24 years ago, we’ve experienced marriages, kids, ordinations, missionary trips, and more. Although I don’t see these brothers and sisters as often as I’d like, when I do see them I’m reminded of the story of Alma and the sons of Mosiah. After 14 years of being apart — Ammon and his brothers evangelizing the Lamanites in the land of Nephi, while Alma stayed back to lead the church and govern the Nephites — they ran into each other while traveling back to the city of Zarahemla. My favorite verse of this story is Alma 17:2.

“Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.”

Every time I talk to or see one of my fellow brothers or sisters who share that important birthday with me, I think of this passage. I’m grateful to see them, but more importantly, I praise God they are still standing fast and true in the Gospel of Christ. So, to all those spiritually born on this day 24 years ago, and anyone else on the same date before then or since, I wish you a very happy spiritual birthday, and may there be many more!

Just for fun: Post a comment with YOUR spiritual birth date, and see if you share yours with another Gospel Blog reader!

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.