Saturday, February 9, 2013

New Year’s Baptism!

 

As the waves from the Atlantic crashed ashore along the estuary in Libreville on the 30th of December 2012, five believers from a new church in the Libreville area obediently followed the example and instruction of Jesus (Gospel of Matthew 3:13-17; 28:16-20).  A beautiful start to 2013!

 

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7:30AM!  The shore side was pretty quiet… however, a recent rainstorm had washed some trash out to sea and then back ashore- a typical occurrence in Libreville.

 

 

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The Kids were on break from school- Great to have them with us!

 

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Our friend and local church pastor, JeanMarc, asked me to assist him with the baptism.  It was a great honor.

 

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Some young (and very cute) church attenders!

 

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Each candidate for baptism had been through a class and interview regarding this sacrament.  One young man still had an interview to complete, so JeanMarc and I took care of that prior to the service.

 

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As the church sang and danced on the beach, each candidate was baptized.

 

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In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit!

 

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Dead to sin…

 

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ALIVE IN CHRIST!!!

 

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Later, with more singing and dancing back at the church, each baptized believer was given a certificate and welcomed to embrace their roles in the local faith community.  Blessed by their Creator God, through Christ, to be a blessing to others!

 

What a great start to 2013!

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