Celebrating God’s faithfulness in the waters of baptism

Towards the end of August I was invited to share in two outdoor baptisms. As a pastor, one of the greatest gifts I have experienced in ministry is witnessing the transforming work of Christ in people’s lives. The sister in Christ who chose to be baptized, invited friends from church, family members, and colleagues to witness her baptism. She shared a beautiful testimony of God’s grace and leading in her life up to this point and the reason she desired to be baptized. It was deeply moving to hear her give witness to this diverse group about the saving grace of Christ in her life. Pray for our sister in Christ, her family and for her roots to grow deep into the grace of Christ.

Six year ago I had the joy of meeting the Kuruvilla family when they began attending the church where I was pastoring. Nathan, their oldest son was a young boy at the time and I had the privilege of watching him grow up in the church sharing his gifts in the youth and music ministry. It was beautiful to hear him share his testimony and his desire to be baptized into Christ. Though the water was a little chilly there was such joy in his family on this special day.

Pray for Nathan as he continues to grow in his relationship with Christ and for God to provide Christian fellowship in the new city where he is studying medicine.

Another pastoral opportunity this summer was to be invited to preach and share in leading the Lord’s Supper with one of the churches we connect with. St. Peter’s church is part of the Uniting Church, our sister denomination, and has a wonderful outreach to our homeless neighbors in Stockholm. Pastor Jenny has been serving this congregation for the past five years and is a dear friend and colleague in mission.