New in Christ

Today was the big day! Tim and I were baptized at our church in El Paso. What an experience. The group started out in the church where we received our baptism certificates and a rundown of how the ceremony would work, as approximately 70 members of the church were to be baptized. It was exciting to see how many children had accepted Christ and were preparing for this monumental event in their lives. Once that was complete we walked outside to where the families and friends were seated by the baptism pool (which was a glorious 84 degrees). We were directed to wear dark clothes or bathing suits; my maternity selection didn't provide me much choice. One of the pastors began with a prayer and then two pastors alternated baptizing on each side of the pool. Out of the two of us, they baptized Tim first as he is to be the spiritual leader of the family. It was moving to see him accomplish this step in his faith. I followed Tim and the pastor said I was the first pregnant woman he had ever baptized. It was a true blessing to have our daughter "with us" today on such a beautiful occasion. After several people went, the El Paso Chief of Police gave his testimony and was then baptized. It was a sensational moment to witness this figure in our community be completely open and vulnerable. And the last baptism was a young girl who read her testimony as well. Then the pastors closed in prayer and several people in the audience gave their lives to Christ. Quite a day! Below are some pictures one of the pastors took for us--click to enlarge.