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Believer’s Baptismal Service We
have regular Baptism Services here at Bethel, here is a report from just one
of them The first Sunday in
January 2009 saw the morning service dedicated to the most moving believer’s
baptismal service, where 7 people - Jacqueline, Michael, Kim, Amy, Alice,
Angela and David - went through the waters for full immersion, to stand as a
witness for their faith in Jesus Christ.
Two of the people baptised - Amy Nicholls
and Jacqueline Gough gave their testimonies.
Amy’s was read by her friend Emily Dunn, and Jacqueline bravely read
her own. Here are the two testimonies printed, as
they were both so good, that no-one should miss out on their encouragement: Here’s
Amy’s testimony: “I've
heard it said that when God created each one of us our outcomes and destiny's
were always predetermined. Our life was already planned out for us, like an
unopened book just waiting to be read. I kinda like this way of looking at it
and have always gone by the term "even if the destination is
predetermined, it's the journey that counts..and what a fun journey I'm
having so far. I
also believe that we are sent to earth with a set birth and death date. God
knows what is going to happen at each and every turn of our life and we
through him must complete whatever we were sent to earth to achieve, then
once completed, he calls us home. I
also like this way of looking at life. I
also know now what my mission on this earth was - mine was to face a big battle and show
people that even in the face of such hardship and adversity, with a boat loud
of courage, strength and a smile on your face you can get through anything,
achieving many other goals, aspirations and having a damn good time along the
way. Oh and not forgetting putting 100% of your faith and trust in the Lord,
knowing He is there walking beside you every step of the way! That's
my mission, that's my goal and this baptism? It's just another page in the
book of my life. I hope you enjoy sharing this page with me today.
You see to me; life
is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a
pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, totally worn
out and proclaiming, 'WOW, WHAT A RIDE!!!'“ NB Amy skateboarded into heaven on Monday 9th February
and we held a most inspirational and uplifting service here at Bethel on
Wednesday 18th February.
Amy had chosen the elements of the service herself and everything that
was said or sung simply reinforced her faith to us that she had done all that
God needed her to do, that he had taken her home and that we would all meet
again. Her recommendation that we all
put 100% of our faith in the Lord really is one of the greatest gifts she
left us all. You can read about Amy’s journey in her own words on her blog
page – click
here And here’s
Jacqueline’s: Good
morning Church. For those here today
who don’t know me, I’m Jacqueline and as today is a very special day for us,
I’d like to share my road to the tub in front, and this white dress!
As
a child I lived quite literally next door to a small Evangelical Chapel in
Birmingham. Mu mum encouraged me to go
to Sunday School and later a group for teenagers - “The Covenanters.” It was idyllic. Sunday School, Bible
stickers, singing, summer outings and Prize Giving. But then came boys, and they were much more
interesting. Need I say more? Then followed a big gap in my Church life
until about 17 years ago when my friend Jo gently introduced me to
Bethel. First of all it was Summer
Fair, Easter Breakfast, Christmas and special services. I’m glad she didn't
drag me in, sit me down with a hymn book and leave me! At first I used to think, “faith? What id that and how do I get it? Des it appear when you really need
it?” The idea of belief to believe was
unclear. To me, “believe” means you
are not sure. So how could I get a bit
of what others had got? I was a bit
jealous. Would faith and a real
feeling of belief float down from heaven as a mist? So, keep singing and wait, I decided. Or I could try praying, but I always fell
asleep! So
then began the bargain: “Lord, if I promise never to miss Church will you
heal my friend?” Or, “God, please send
me a sign tomorrow and I will believe from then on in.” Oh dear. All this time He was silent, but not
totally it seems. Other Christians
pulled or pushed me along. I learned
that belief is a decision you make.
Repent and commit your future to Him.
HE will deal with the sins of the past and be there with you in the
future. Faith grows and deepens with
time. By the time I had married Alan,
I had got it!! Thanks
to Church, family and friends, I am baptised today in very fortunate
circumstances. Please help us all
celebrate. Thank you for being Bethel. God
bless. Jacqueline
Gough |
