A great time of celebration took place recently at Shepparton Baptist Church as four people confirmed their faith in Jesus through baptism.
The candidates were aged from teens to one person in her 80s, and they were baptised outdoors at the church followed by a fellowship meal. Senior Pastor David Van der Putten said the witness of those being baptised had prompted some others to consider taking this step. “It was a very encouraging time for family and friends, and it has stirred on other members of the congregation to have conversations about baptism and faith journeys. The church has been invigorated – it’s like they’ve got a new spring in their step! It was a beautiful day for everyone involved.”
Two of the candidates, who were under 18, had grown up in the church and had felt God drawing them to Himself during their teen years through the testimonies of other people and through their school. Their grandfather felt privileged to be able to baptise them. “It has been beautiful to watch these young people develop into who God created them to be,” David said.
Another candidate who is in his early 20s had been thinking about baptism and, when the service was announced, felt that it would be the right time. Through relationships built, and attending church, his relationship with God has flourished. His father was thrilled to baptise him.
“The lady who is in her 80s has been part of the church community and women’s ministries for a number of years,” David said. “She felt she had just been going through the motions when attending a church in the past, but recently Jesus has become alive to her and she felt she needed to take the step of baptism, which was wonderful to see.”
The church will continue encouraging these people to grow as disciples through fostering community and relationships, encouraging faith discussions, and through the various ministries of the church.