βαπτίζω
i grew up in a southern baptist church. they baptized peeps in a pool above the choir loft with an unrealistic picture of the river jordan as the back drop. it is where i was baptized actually. i need to note that i am not bashing this style of baptism but i can not recall a time when we had a baptism sunday where it was a true celebration.
in august (this blog is way overdue) we had a baptism at a pool in the neighborhood across from the church. there were six people being baptized this sunday. over 100 people crammed into the backyard some sitting on the edge of the pool moving their feet back and forth playing in the water, others standing to the side holding small children. the six people made their way down the steps into the clear water. each of these six people accompanied by one or more close friends who have been on this journey with them. you see, at ucf we don’t believe it has to be an ordained pastor etc who says the words and dunks you under. we want it to be the people that have been there, that know the story, that have prayed and cried with you, that have rejoiced more than anyone else with you. friends through the journey.
today i was able to be apart of that journey. one of my students while driving in her car, thinking about an old bracelet. faded and dull in color while her new one vibrant and radiant had given her life to christ.
one by one we stepped to the center of the pool and between them and us friends THEIR story was told. each soaking wet clinching their friends in their arms and wiping tears from their eyes. you could see and feel the joy that spread through each persons heart. seeing this joy three more people decided to have life that day. cheers, yells, claps, etc. its exciting.
afterwords everyone stays around and talks and swims. its joyful, its a CELEBRATION. we are a community of believers who are trusting jesus. we care for one another. we rejoice with one another. we don’t just go on about our busy day in moments like this. its incredible to be part of love like this.
great to see a blog from you! I’m one to talk though. Its been quite a while! Why is it titled that?
grrrrrrrr, i had this big long comment to leave you about baptism and how cool what you guys are doing sounds and the greek “baptizmo” and all this but when i went to submit it it got deleted. so maybe we can sit down and talk more about it someimte! great topic! just stop by the house for supper sometime.