| Sunday 3 July
2005 We were delighted to share in
the baptism and testimony of David Cole, David Foster
and Zoe Simmons, in the
morning service.
David Cole
David told us in his testimony
that he grew up in a non-Christian family, and was first challenged
years ago by Billy Graham at Mission England. Later, at a University
mission he made his initial prayer of commitment. Since then he had
been just waiting 'for the right time' to be baptised. He had
recently been becoming convinced of the bible's command to 'believe
and be baptised', and his recent election as a deacon convinced him
that now was the time to obey God's command.
David Foster
Mike Elcome had preached on
baptism as our badge of membership of God's people. David declared
that he was ready for that symbol of membership. He has come to
baptism through a process of realisation, and told us that baptism
is not earned, that we are not good enough, but that our only hope
is God's mercy.
Zoe Simmons
In her testimony Zoe told us
that she came from a non-Christian background. In her late teens she
had lifestyle problems, but she left that period behind quite
suddenly when she met Paul, who was a practising Christian. She was
still having none of this Christian thing however, but went along to
an Alpha course, mainly as a way of gathering more information to
argue against Christianity. To her surprise she discovered that
Jesus is a historical figure and that she was wrong. As a result she
committed her life to Jesus. She didn't get baptised straight away
though, as the thought of giving her testimony scared her stiff! But
she discovered that God is always present, and gives us many gifts.
Through using her gift of singing in the church singing group she
found that standing up at the front was not so bad, and now
she was ready to be baptised. She challenged us with Acts 22:16
"What are you waiting for? Go and get baptised!"
 
Find out More
Mike Elcome is planning to start a new series
in preparation for baptism in the autumn. Speak to him or contact
the office if you are interested in finding out more. |
