By Miguel Mendoza
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
Matthew 28:19
It was a beautiful and a joyful day as we saw three precious souls—Chantelle, Allegra, and Sabella Batger—make a public confession of giving their lives to the Lord in baptism.
The whole program took place in nature at Lal Lal Falls Reserve. The candidates had family and friends whom they invited for the occasion. We wanted to livestream the whole program, but due to bad internet reception we had to record it and upload it later. See link below for full event. The profession of faith was led by Bro. Nathan Tyler, who delivered a message and asked the three sisters a series of important questions on the principles of faith. A special item was presented by the Maranatha Church choir. Recommendations were made by the members as a token of approval for the candidates to be baptised. After that, we closed with a prayer and got ready to step into the water.
After singing the hymn “O Now I See the Crimson Wave,” we knelt in prayer. Then I read from Colossians 2:10-12, encouraging the candidates who made the decision to surrender their lives to our Lord. Then Chantelle, Allegra and Sabella themselves presented a beautiful musical item. Then we made our way into the water, and the sisters were baptised one by one, in order of age.
Afterwards, the three shared another special item. 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.
Later on, in the picnic area, they were fellowshipped as new members of our church. We had many special items which gladdened our hearts. The three new members were welcomed into church fellowship, and received lots of special gifts, flowers, and a certificate of their baptism. Finally, everyone had the opportunity to greet them at the end of the program.
I think we all were blessed to see them 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 family in our prayers!
A special thanks to 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.
Special message from the girls:
From a young age we were taught to pray and have full dependence upon God for daily needs such as food and money. In New Zealand we experienced miracles in situations which were impossible to get out of, such as when we had absolutely no money and yet God provided milk and bread for us as He did with George Müller. Jesus has done so much in our lives as He died for us, provides us food, shelter, life, an amazing family and so much more! The least we could do for Him was to give Him our hearts that are broken and dirty. After all He has done for us, He still wants to make us clean. He gave His life to give us ours, and now we are free! The least we could do was to publicly declare our love for Him, which lead us to be baptised.
Although we have chosen to be baptised at such a young age, we encourage everyone, whether old or young, to take a step for God. In the Scriptures we are told, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12. Jesus has promised to us that “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 10:32.
Wherever you go, we challenge you to put on Christ for others to see His love shining out of you. If you stand up for Him as Daniel did, He will stand up for you before our heavenly Father. Baptism isn’t the end of your walk with God; it is the beginning of living life through Him. This is the time when Satan wants your soul the most, and it is at this time and forevermore when you have to pray with zeal to your best Friend for guidance. If anyone would like to follow Him “let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23.
God bless you all
Chantelle, Allegra, and Sabella
