Baptism…Baptist. It’s in our name. It’s what we’re known for, right? It’s something we should be talking about and doing. Here’s what Annaias said to Saul in Acts 22:16 – “What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord.”
We’ve been hearing from churches where baptism are happening. It’s very exciting!
Our #3K43K campaign is taking off. This God-dream of seeing 3000 people baptized in one year is gaining traction. But we know it won’t happen by our own power but only by God’s spirit moving through Atlantic Canada. We need you to pray for this – sign up here: https://atlanticbaptist.ca/3k43k.
Here are a few of the churches we’ve heard from:
Timberlea Baptist Church (Rev. Louise Knowles): Baptized = 6. April 1, 2018 (Easter Sunday).
East Preston United Baptist Church (Rev. LeQuita Porter): Baptized = 3. June 10, 2018.
Perth-Andover Baptist Church (Rev. Mike Fredericks): Baptized = 5. “We have a Father’s Day tradition of baptisms during our church picnic on the beautiful Tobique River in Northwestern NB. This year was no different, with 5 braving the chilly waters to publicly declare their love for Christ. It was a special one for me as a pastor, because I had the privilege of baptizing my daughter – the best Father’s Day present yet!” June 17, 2018.
Midland Baptist Church (Pastor Sarah Garnett): Baptized = 1. June 17, 2018.
Digby Neck Baptist Church (Rev. Linda Demone): Baptized = 2. June 24, 2018.
First Baptist Church Dartmouth (Rev. Martin Zwicker): Baptized = 4. “On June 24, Believer’s Baptism was held at FBC Dartmouth with four candidates publicly declaring their faith and desire to follow Jesus!” June 24, 2018.
Atlantic Community Church (Rev. Brandon Thompson): Baptized = 2. “Over the Canada Day weekend Atlantic Community Church hosted a family camp at Camp Tulakadik outside of Saint John. We capped off a great worship service on Sunday afternoon by baptizing two people from our church. It was a great time to celebrate together as a church family.” July 1, 2018.
The Point Church: Bathurst Campus (Rev. Kurt Parks, Campus Pastor): Baptized = 7. “Thanks to everyone who came out to support our seven baptism candidates in Bathurst! What a great day celebrating this important decision to not only follow Christ, but to make a public declaration!” July 8, 2018.
*Added
Bear River East Baptist Church (Rev. Fred Bigelow): Baptized = 8, June 24, 2018.
Bedford Baptist Church (Rev. Heather Mitton): Baptized = 7, April 1, 2018.
Hillsborough Baptist Church (Rev. Geoff deJong): Baptized = 3, April 1, 2018.
Oromocto Baptist Church (Rev. Dr. Perry Hanley): Baptized = 4, April 1, 2018.
New Horizons Baptist Church (Rev. Dr. Rhonda Britton): Baptized = 3, April 1, 2018; Baptized = 3, June 17, 2018; Baptized = 1, June 10, 2018 – “Sis. Carolyn Ann Sampson was ill and could not attend the baptism service on Father’s Day (June 17). With her delicate immune system, she could not be immersed in the pool. So with family and friends gathered, we baptized her in the hospital. She was so overjoyed, she wept.”
New Life Community Church (Rev. Darren Millett): Baptized = 3, June 10, 2018.
Kemptville Baptist Church (Rev. Dr. Jim Rhyno): Baptized = 4, July 22, 2018.
New Tusket Baptist Church (Rev. Quincey Collins): Baptized = 3, June 18, 2018.
Bayers Road Baptist Church (Rev. Greg Drummond): Baptized = 1, June 24, 2018.
Windsor Baptist Church (Rev. Rob Heffernan): Baptized = 1, July 1, 2018.
South End Baptist Church (Rev. Michael Vlahos): Baptized = 1, June 24, 2018. South End Baptist Church held a joint service with Lifebridge Community Church at Birch Cove Park on Lake Bannook, Dartmouth where we would celebrate baptisms from both congregations…however, rain that morning moved us into the sanctuary at South End, but that did not dampen our spirits as South End Baptized Joseph Hubbard and Lifebridge baptized 3 of their own that day culminating in a wonderful fellowship meal.
Wilmot Baptist Church (Rev. Julia Howard): Baptized = 1, June 24, 2018. Lynda Baker has been attending our church for almost 2 years and after being taken through the baptismal/membership course knew that baptism was her desire. It was to be held outside in a nearby lake, but the spring has been too cold. We approached Nictaux Baptist Church to use their baptismal tank and church, and on July 1st this wonderful lady was baptized. On July 15th she was welcomed into membership!
Second North River Baptist (Pastor Robb Hunt): Baptized = 5, July 15, 2018.
East Preston Baptist Church (Rev. Dr. LeQuita Porter): Baptized = 4, July 1, 2018.
Centreville Baptist Church (Shelburne) (Rev. Luuk Geerligs): Baptized = 3, August 19, 2018.
Midland Baptist Church (Rev. Alden Crain): Baptized = 2. August 29, 2018. Due to a breakdown in communication, we found ourselves 2 days before the scheduled baptism of Sean and Carter Waddell, and not having held any sort of baptism classes. However, as we heard at Oasis, desperation is the “fertilizer” of innovation.
In what seemed like an act of desperation, We asked that grandparents, parents and other close family members arrive at the lake early. We included some church members. When they all arrived we had the boys sit at the head of a large circle. Then each person shared with them their baptism story. Some were children. Others faced real opposition from family. All testified that baptism solidified their decision to follow Jesus. Interspersed were reflections on scripture and the meaning of what these young guys were about to do. Finally, opportunity was given to pronounce a blessing on Sean and Carter. Lots of tears. Soon the larger crowd arrived. Dad, Michael, led his boys into the lake. A few remarks were made by the pastor. Then those ancient words, “Upon your profession of faith, I now baptize you I’m In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” I cant remember another baptism class when I felt the essence of baptism was better communicated. I went away wondering if how we do baptism in the future might look very different from our recent past, but maybe a little closer to an ancient past.
Oromocto Baptist Church (Rev. Dr. Perry Hanley): Baptized = 2, September 9, 2018.
Lancaster Baptist Church (Rev. Wayne Murphy): Baptized = 3, September 9, 2018. Today we witnessed the baptisms of three people. Two students Chris and Luc who have been involved in our youth group for a couple of years and made decisions to follow Jesus at One Conference. As well Eric took the step of being baptized after following Jesus for over 30 years. It was a great day at Dominion Park Beach. #3K43k
Kennebecasis Baptist Church (Rev. Brian Stockford): Baptized = 7, September 9, 2018.
Cornerstone Community Church (Rev. Dennis Smith): Baptized = 3, June 17, 2018.
Northwest United Baptist Church (Rev. Dr. Randy Crozsman): Baptized = 1, September 2, 2018.
Murray Harbour Baptist Church (Rev. Scott Herring): Baptized = 4, September 9, 2018.
Waterville Baptist Church (Pastor Christina Bigelow): Baptized = 3, April 1, 2018. Every year has been special. We have had 26 baptisms in 8 years. God has been good. This year our Fire Chief Wayne Johnstone was baptized with two others Bubby Slaunwhite and Sylvia Rafuse. Easter Sunday was an amazing day for a Baptism. God has been so faithful to us. We are so blessed.
New Horton Baptist Church (Rev. Scott Herring): Baptized = 1, September 9, 2018.
Northwest Baptist Church (Rev. Randy Crozsman): Baptized = 1, September 2, 2018.
Regal Heights Baptist Church (Rev. Jason Cole): Baptized = 4, September 16, 2018.
Wolfville Baptist Church (Rev. Dr. Frank Guinta, Interim Pastor): Baptized = 2, May 2, 2018.
If you do the math, between 34 churches there were 118 baptisms!
Have a recent baptism story and pictures to share? Use the form here: https://atlanticbaptist.ca/3k43k.
