#18 Celebrating our Daughter’s Baptism

On Being a Disciple and decoding discipleship stories

I hold the incredibly niche claim to fame of being the first person to be baptised in a newly constructed baptismal pool at the back of a church in Leicester circa 1991.

You might even say that I helped christen their baptistry (though that doesn't quite sound right now I think about it).

Baptism in water symbolises inward transformation, a physical expression of spiritual truth. It has always been central to the Christian story. Early Christians depicted secret images of baptism in Roman catacombs, underscoring its swift and profound significance in the birth of the Church.

This weekend, I had the privilege of witnessing my youngest daughter, Sienna, take her own step of obedience by being baptised at our local church as part of this age-old tradition.

The baptism process in our church involves asking the person who wants to be baptised to share their journey to faith. They also invite a person who has significantly influenced their faith to share a "Bible Promise" to encourage the believer on the day.

As part of sharing her testimony, Sienna talked about one of her earliest memories where God was present for her in a tangible way:

"When I was 3 years old, I was bitten badly by a dog on my face and had to undergo surgery. While family and friends prayed for me, this was the Bible verse that was prayed over my life:

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14

God healed me, restored me, and now I'm not scared of dogs!"

I love the simplicity of her child-like faith. She went on to share about her growing faith in Jesus:

"At Easter camp this year, I had an encounter with God, and I knew that I wanted to follow Him with all my heart. I wanted to take this next step in my journey with Jesus and get baptised in water."

As a proud dad, I had the opportunity to share Sienna's "Bible Promise." I spoke about the fact that we had three generations of our family watching the baptism service and what that meant to me.

"On my 18th birthday, my father gave me this scripture that I am going to share with you. I have also written it in the birthday cards of Nyah and Joel when they turned 18. Like most things with the youngest child, you get it early!

I went on to explain how Proverbs 3:5-6 helps us keep trusting God in everything we do.

Baptism testimonies are powerful reminders that people take little steps towards Jesus before they take big steps with Him.

Listening to the testimonies of how people have come to Christ not only helps us decode the discipleship journey but also teaches us how to disciple others.

I am always fascinated by the markers that define a person's spiritual walk before they decide to follow Jesus. Some people start their journey after a significant conversation with a Christian mentor, a relative, or a friend. Sometimes, a moment of crisis brings a wake-up call, or an answered prayer comes in the midst of a storm. Often, it is the little things that make a difference.

Everyone has to take little steps towards Jesus before they can take big steps with Him.

God at work through presence

Finding an answer to prayer amid loss, pain, or crisis, is often part of the story of those who come to faith. During the church baptism service last weekend, I heard people recount things like:

"I began to pray as we fought for his life in special care..."

"I asked God for a sign, and He gave it to me..."

"When I woke up in the hospital and the Doctor said, 'You're lucky to wake up - there must be someone watching over you.'"

God's grace in times of crisis can become a marker of His presence in our lives that helps shape our spiritual formation.

"Throughout my life, even when I didn't know Him, Jesus has been faithful to me... I'm not saying there haven't been dark times, but He has undoubtedly been my strength through it all.”

Yet, even after people have had an initial encounter with God, it can sometimes take a while before they fully commit to Christ. This is why we need to walk with people on their journey to faith.

Sienna with her Grandparents

God at work through people

All of us have a complex timeline of God intimately weaving His hand through our unique and diverse lives. However, one common factor in all the testimonies last Sunday was that, from the youngest to the oldest, they all had at least one consistent person who walked with them on their journey to faith.

"In 2007, I responded to an invitation from my friend to go to an Alpha Course..."

"My friend prayed a lot for me..."

"I had almost given my life to Jesus while listening to J John a few years earlier, invited by a friend."

"I became a Christian last year, but I used to go to church with my Nan as a child."

"God has put special people in my life over the years, being there for me, loving me, and supporting me."

"I was given a Bible from a lady I worked with who wanted to help me find faith again. That was the moment I started saying prayers in His name loud and proud."

At every stage, the work of God is often done through people committed to walking parallel with purpose and with people.

This is discipleship in action.

As I listened to the awe-inspiring stories of Jesus working in the lives of ordinary people, I couldn't help but feel immense gratitude for a God who intimately knows each of us. I was also proud to see my daughter boldly share her faith in public. Yet, above all, the day served as a profound challenge to continue actively participating in discipling others. May you and I become catalysts in someone's journey as they take their own steps toward Christ…

PS: If you're interested, you can watch the Baptism Service on the link below.

SIENNA'S BAPTISM

Sienna's baptism begins at exactly 1 hour and 5 minutes.