Sunday, March 23, 2008

Baptism

As the sun rose across the legendary Malacca Straits early this morning, burning off the mist from the mainland mountains, over 200 of us gathered before a bonfire and a makeshift cross. We sang, we prayed, we laughed and we applauded the decision of five students who testified to their commitment to Jesus Christ with the public ceremony of baptism in the ocean waters. It was powerful, listening to each one as they shared their stories and their reasons for this important step. As they went beneath the waters, they all rose to the applause and hugs from the community of faith for their declaration. "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

Later at church, we witnessed the another baptism service - this time ten people, eight of them Nepalese workers who spoke in their native tongue of God's faithfulness to them despite the challenges of working so far from home and family. Thank goodness joy and celebration know no language barriers!

I will rise from waters deep
Into the saving arms of Christ
I will sing salvation's song
Jesus Christ has set me free

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful beginning to your Easter Sunday!

Pam and Gene said...

Congratulations to our 15 new brothers and sisters. Quite a step...literally....the 5 took. Could have been a stinging experience what with the jellyfish that reside in the local waters.
Lovely postings Shauna. Did you pen the He Is Risen verses?
Gene