Simeon Reid looks at the water as he prepares for baptism.

BY GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer

SPALDINGS, CLARENDON:

Sunday night, March 4, will long be remembered by worshippers who crammed the Wishbeach New Testament Church of God in Clarendon and overflowed into the yard. It was the night when members from the six New Testament churches, in the Sanguinetti District of Churches, witnessed the baptism of five candidates.

The five, which included two 13-year-old girls, were in attendance on the last night of the Wishbeach New Testament Church one-week crusade. They and others were invited to the altar by the preacher, Evangelist Ucal Thompson, after he had completed his sermon, which was centred on the theme, 'Take heed'.

Invitation accepted

Kadia Wright is in a reflective mood as she is about to be baptised by Pastor Paul Humes (left) and brother Glendon Young.

Anticipating that persons would accept the invitation to receive their water baptism and show the many witnesses that they are new creations, Rev. Humes had the five testified and then baptised them.

Though some did not carry a change of clothes, the candidates got some and they fulfilled the call of the Lord, while fulfilling the command of Jesus in the New Testament Book of St. Matthew for man to be saved and then be baptised.

Escape judgement

Tracey-Ann Sharpe prays as she prepares for baptism. - George Henry photos

Kadia Wright, one of the 13-year-olds, who was baptised, told THE STAR that she decided to accept Jesus because she wanted to escape the dreadful things that are bound to take place among those who do not know God on the Day of Judgement.

Romeo Campbell, who told the congregation that he was a backslider, said he decided to make the move for Christ during the crusade because he did not see anything good out in the world.

"All I see out there is shame and disgrace and that is the reason why I have decided to start the walk once more forever with Jesus," said Campbell.

As for Tracy-Ann Sharpe, a fire-fighter at the Frankfield Fire Station in Clarendon, she felt renewed since she got saved. She added that God has been calling her for many years and that she had been putting Him off, but that she realised that it was time she surrendered. "I feel very good now that I am saved and baptised," said Sharpe.

Christina Menzie, a 13-year-old, said she was a bit fearful of the water, but that she was happy that she gave her life to God after He has been knocking at her heart's door for a good time now.

"I have now answered the call of God and I would like all the young people to come to Jesus because He is the only answer for the people of the world," stated Menzie.

Similar sentiments were shared by Simeon Reid, who went into the pool with his shoes on to be baptised by Rev. Humes and Bethel Bible College intern, brother Glendon Young.

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