Seventh Day Baptist Pastor Announces Conjoined Twins’ 16th Birthday in Congregation Sermon

The story of Charity and Kathleen Lincoln, formerly conjoined twins from Lacey, highlights the resilience of a family navigating extraordinary circumstances. Born with ischiopagus tripus, a rare form of congenital twinning, the twins were joined at the pelvis and abdomen. Their condition, which occurs in about 5 of every 1 million births, presented significant medical challenges from the outset. The Lincolns, who learned of their daughters’ condition early in Vaneice Lincoln’s pregnancy through ultrasound, sought support from their community, including their church, the Church of God (Seventh Day).

The family’s faith played a central role in their journey. Greg Lincoln, the senior pastor of the Church of God (Seventh Day) in a rural town near Eugene, moved his family to the area in 2012 to serve as the congregation’s leader. The church community rallied around the Lincolns, with members fasting and praying for the twins’ health. Karen Lebitty, a member of the congregation, recalled the emotional impact of the news, saying the church family “just all cried for them because we love that family so much.” Such communal support reflects the role of faith in times of uncertainty and hardship.

The twins’ survival and eventual separation marked a medical milestone. At just 7 months old, they underwent a complex, nearly 30-hour surgery at Children’s Hospital in Seattle. The procedure, involving multiple specialists and advanced imaging technology, was a testament to the medical advancements of the time. Their survival was not only a medical triumph but also a testament to the family’s perseverance and the community’s faith.

As the twins grew, their journey continued to be a source of inspiration. Last Saturday, Greg Lincoln shared the news of their 16th birthday with his congregation, emphasizing the role of divine care in their lives. “God is good,” he said, acknowledging the challenges the family faced. The congregation’s response — applause and a chorus of “Amens” — underscored the significance of their story within the church community.

The Lincolns’ experience also highlights the broader challenges faced by conjoined twins and their families. While most sets of conjoined twins do not survive, the Lincolns’ case represents one of the rare instances where medical intervention and family support enabled a positive outcome. Their story, rooted in faith and medical progress, offers a glimpse into the intersection of science, spirituality, and human resilience.

The Lincolns’ journey is a reminder of the importance of community and faith in overcoming adversity. Their story, though unique, resonates with the themes of mercy, accountability, and care for the vulnerable. As the twins continue to grow and find independence, their family’s experience serves as a testament to the power of hope and the enduring strength of faith.

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