Baptism Wow

Today, Amy was to be baptised. The service was going along great, Brian's message was on having a healthy fear of God and obeying, and the time neared for everyone to move over to the kiddie pool font. Sunlight was streaming through the windows and the steam rising from the water was evidence of God's provision earlier this year. Amy gave a brief testimony about how when, during a baptism last autumn, Brian asked if there were any others who wanted to be baptised. She said that she almost hopped into the pool right then and there. Today, she got to give a public profession that she's into following Jesus whatever the cost.

After emerging from the water and praying, Brian didn't let the opportunity pass by and asked if there were anyone else that wanted to be baptised. Immediately, almost every child raised his hand! "Okay, anyone over the height of Duncan want to be baptised?" was Brian's chuckling response (I trust that the parents of these children are quite aware of the children's readiness). Then after a few seconds another hand went up. It was Allison's! She had been indicating readiness for something like this for a few months, but hasn't been around enough for us to pursue this question. No matter, she was ready, NOW.

Someone offered a shirt to be worn in place of her jumper, a new towel was quickly retrieved, then she took off her shoes, and got in wearing her normal trousers. In amazement of God's movement, we looked on as Allison indicated she was ready to make this decision, that she was convicted by the message, and felt she needed to do it today. She was baptised.

This was definitely one of the best moments in Re:Hope history. We were all pretty excited. The decision was made to leave the pool filled for the evening service in order to offer the opportunity to those guys. No one took it, but Brian was ready, standing up front with his jeans rolled up.