There was great anticipation for what would happen the last Sabbath of July in London, Canada. Youth were preparing special hymns, the sisters were preparing the menu, the church leaders were coordinating to find a place that would allow us the capacity of people that we expected to gather, and the local brethren were looking for a place by a river or lake to confirm the new children of the King in the sacred covenant of baptism.
Finally, the big day arrived. Local members arrived at the place of worship at 9:00 am. We knew it was going to be a great day for everyone! We had the pleasure of having Elder Evald Pedersen and his dear wife Sister Franzisca visit us from Hamilton. Also present with us were Brother Abel Conde, his wife Sister Rosario and Sister Shartery Garcia from Toronto. And also from Toronto we had the delightful visit of Br. Makoto who accompanied us in the music services.
The morning was filled with joy by songs and music on the piano, violin, cello and guitar that Br. Jason Climaco and Br. Makoto Matsumoto were leading out in. Then came the time to study the Sabbath school lesson which was about the covenant between God and His people. The lesson was conducted by Br. Elder Hernández who emphasized the privilege of being called “a holy nation”, a “kingdom of priests” which led them into a deeper relationship with the Almighty, being called His peculiar people. For the Divine Service, Elder Evald Pedersen invited us to think with the right attitude when we face trials, like the apostle Paul did when he was in Rome. He encouraged us to continue having a good profession of faith.
After these beautiful morning services we had lunch. It was like being at a conference, with the happiness of meeting fellow believers face-to-face after being separated by the pandemic. There was a wonderful spirit of fellowship and unity.
When the afternoon arrived, a very special moment for the Lord’s church was about to take place. It was time to witness the baptism of two new believers (Luisa Garzon and Mauricio Beltran) as they made a public testimony of their faith. We travelled in a caravan to the place. It was a beautiful place with the natural beauty of creation.
While we were walking from our cars to the riverside (30-minute walk), between the trees and the beautiful vegetation, the youth group that was walking up front was questioned by some curious people they met who were also walking on the trail. Are you going to have a party or some kind of celebration? Why are you so well dressed in the middle of the forest? Are you going to a wedding? It is not common to see people wearing a suit and tie in a place where people walk under the trees in the forest. “We are going to have baptisms!” Answered a brave young man.
“Ooooh baptisms, very nice!”
“Who is going to be baptized?”
“This couple,” he said, pointing to the couple who will be baptized.
And one man answered, “Congratulations!” And he clapped.
Because the group of young people were up front, the one man ran into us in the final group and asked if we were also going to the baptism. He asked the same question to all the groups of our brethren that he met along his way.
The man told us that a young man with suit and tie informed him that there was going to be baptisms and he kept repeating the words, “Congratulations,” while the adults answered, “God bless you.”
It is wonderful to see how the young people with their good example in dress, and in words, can call the attention of those who do not know the way and testify with their actions.
When we arrived at the riverside, the songs started. After a prayer and some words of reflection about leaving the old life behind and living in newness of life, Elder Pedersen invited the new believers to enter into the water. Two souls were added to the church of the Lord in Canada and registered in the books of heaven that day. This event awakened the desire in two young men to take this beautiful step in the future. It will be the most important decision in their lives. What a joy it is to see two young men desiring to give their lives to the Lord!
Then Elder Pedersen confessed something to us. During this beautiful event, some dark clouds started to threaten our beautiful afternoon. But he told us that he had prayed to the Lord for good weather and this happened. When we were going to the place it seemed that the rain was inevitable, but the Lord held back the rain. Brother Evald’s prayers were answered and I thank the Lord that we were able to perform the baptisms with a beautiful sun and a blue sky. Once more the mercies of the Lord were present and we were able to celebrate this event under the protection of the Lord.
Even in these difficult times, the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is still touching hearts, moving them to repentance, answering prayers and using those who are willing to be used for Him. As the Lord says:
“Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, he may give it you.” John 15:16
May the Lord continue moving our hearts in the right direction and prepare us for His soon coming. Amen.
Elder Hernandez