Ever since last December when I stood next to my father at his baptismal reaffirmation service, I felt that I needed to be baptized again, myself– this time as an adult with the responsibility of making my own decision. Some may not see it as that big of a deal but to me, being baptized as an infant doesn’t represent a choice to die to myself and live in Christ, which is what the entire ceremony is about! To me, an infant being baptized is more like a promise to that infant from those in his or her life to raise them under God’s wing. Again, that’s just my opinion.
With that opinion, though, I am excited to announce that on September 27, 2010, I made the choice to be baptized by Jim Moriarti, our ministry contact this month in Ireland. Jim has become a great mentor to many of us here this month. He has an uncanny ability to turn any verse of scripture into a thought-provoking, hour-long devotional and I think it’s only fitting that I had the honor of being baptized by “Pappa Jim.” Julian Sutton, another man on the race with me, was in the same position I was in as far as wanting to choose into it as an adult, so we went through the process together with James Woodley, one of the team leaders, helping Jim.
Of course I wish my friends and family were there to support me but this was something I wanted to do to give God the outward symbol of who my heart is centered on. It had nothing to do with those who were there to witness, really. My declaration: I BELIEVE JESUS WAS THE LAST AND PERFECT SACRIFICE. HE TOOK ON THE BURDEN OF ALL THE SINS CARRIED BY ALL THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN HIM AND I AM ONE OF THOSE BELIEVERS! THANK YOU, JESUS! PRAISE YOU, GOD!
Not many get the opportunity to be baptized in the ocean these days but there we were, on the shore of the Irish Sea at the end of September looking into a purple and blue sky over 45-50ish degree water. Below are several pictures! You can see more on my Photobucket site: www.photobucket.com/kjwrbaptism.
