20 February 2021
It was a beautiful and a joyful day where we saw that 5 souls were going to make the best decision of their lives through the rite of baptism.
Profession of faith – Keilor Park Church.
Due to Covid restrictions, the maximum number of people at Keillor Church was 60—it had not changed as per before the short lockdown, and we had to follow the guidelines to keep electronic attendance records and use face masks.
The candidates for baptism had family and friends whom they invited for the occasion; they were given preference to be in the church building. We livestreamed this first part of the program so that other local church members and visitors would be able to watch it online.
This first part was led by Bro. Nathan Tyler who delivered a message and asked the five souls important questions on the Principles of Faith. A special item was presented by the Keilor Park Church choir. Recommendations were made by the members as a token of approval for the candidates’ baptism. After that, we closed with a prayer and got ready to go to the river.
Baptism Ceremony – Brimbank Park river.
We started our second part, the baptism ceremony, at the Brimbank Park River. At the water, we shared the hymn number 530; then I read the scripture reading from Matthew 28:19. It was a short message of encouragement for the candidates who had made the decision to surrender their lives to our Lord. Then we made our way to the water, and as we got ready, we sang hymns 528, 513 and 512.
Soon the five candidates and I were in the water, and they were ready to be baptised. It was a nice experience to see them making this decision. Everyone was baptised in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost according to Matthew 28:19. “There are three living persons of the heavenly trio; in the name of these three great powers—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—those who receive Christ by living faith are baptized and these powers will cooperate with the obedient.” In Heavenly Places, p. 336.
Then we went out of the water and prayed together followed by a session of pictures with them and their families. It was a unique experience. I felt so blessed to be part of this event, and I give thanks to the Lord for this opportunity. May His name be praised.
Fellowshipment – Maranatha Church
After that, we went to Maranatha Church where we were going to fellowship them as new members of our church. We had many special items, which gladdened our hearts. The five candidates were welcomed, fellowshipped and received lots of special gifts, flowers and a certificate of their baptism. It was just a special moment full of joy. We finished up with a hymn and a benediction. Finally, everyone had the opportunity to greet Victoria, Luiza, Lucas, Danni and Renato at the end of the program. After that, we had a light dinner.
I think we all were blessed with this opportunity to see these beautiful souls publicly declaring that they live now to honour our Lord and Saviour and that they are dead to the world and the things it offers. Let’s keep them and their families in our prayers!
A special thanks to all our interstate visitors who made an effort to be with us for this important event. The new members of the church really enjoyed your presence with us.
You can watch all of the programs on the following YouTube playlist link: