An elderly patient in hospice care had 1 last dying wish, which was to get baptized, and luckily, when the team of nurses and doctors found out that the man had a last wish, the staff of the hospice care did everything they could to make the elderly man’s dream come true.
The hospital staff helped set up the ritual of baptism for the man, and the video of it has gathered over 227,000 views on Facebook, a social media platform.
Jenis James Grindstaff, who is in his 80s, said he always loved Jesus, but he never had the opportunity to get baptized.
Craig, the son of James, was interviewed by WVFF, an NBC affiliate, and talked about his dad’s last wish.
Craig said, “The rest of his family, his brothers and sisters, have been baptized, and for some reason or another, he just never got around to getting it done.”
Jim, the other son of James, said his father always reads the bible.
A team at the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System arranged an area for Chaplain Terrell Jones, so she could baptize the elderly cancer patient in a medical bathtub.
Because of his severe medical issues, James could not be lowered into a traditional baptismal pool.
Jones, a Chaplain, said, “He wanted full immersion.”
She added, “He said, ‘I don’t want sprinkles.’”
James was transported to a Spartanburg Regional Facility so the ritual of baptism can be performed.
The family of James flew in from all over the country to witness the baptism.
The chaplain read a prayer over James as his nurses stood by, making sure everything was going well throughout the baptism.
Chaplain Jones said, “My beloved son, Jenis James Grindstaff, I now at this time baptize you in the name of the Father, Son and of the Holy Ghost, and in Jesus’ name.”
Jones added, “Amen. Come on and let’s celebrate, family. Hallelujah.”
Talking about granting the wish of James, Jones said their job is all about the wishes of their patients.
The Chaplain said they are grateful to honor the wishes of Mr. James.
James, the elderly man, said he loves to draw and imagine how heaven would look like if he was there.
James described his imaginations as: “Streets of gold and all that.”
An amazing act by the staff and the chaplain.