It was cold, so
cold. And murky… The spectrum of greens from the surrounding reeds dipped and swayed about
the small pond. I gasped for breath as I sank to my knees in the water then
gathered in a gulp of air. The cold water became cool and refreshing as I was shoved
under, eyes closed tight. The hands that pushed me under pulled me up again.
Spluttering, I was pushed under again. Seven times, I was immersed. Each time I
came up, the joy of Christ within me increased. As I waded to the side and
hopped up on the concrete wall after my baptism, I felt full of
it!
Yes, I have been
baptized before but it was only by the sprinkling of water and I thirsted to be
baptized by immersion. On Saturday, August 20, 2011, I got the chance in Busia,
Kenya. As I stood on the bank, I felt God leading me to not only be baptized, but also to ask Pastors Steeve and
Ken to immerse me seven times. The reasoning He gave me was that seven is a
biblical number and signifies being whole and complete – God completing me.
Also, Elisha commanded Naaman to wash himself in the Jordan River seven times
to be healed from leprosy and, for me, it symbolized God making me new, healing
and restoring me to Himself.
Anyway, check out
the video from it. Hope you enjoy!
