Heaven was truly rejoicing at City Harvest Church’s recent water baptism services, held on February 28 and March 1. The sun blazed over the roof garden and rooftop pool of the church at Jurong West Street 91, as 227 candidates decked in white were water-baptized — making a powerful and symbolic gesture of dying to their old ways, and becoming a new creation in Christ.
The services began with rousing praise and worship by those to be baptized and their supporters. The candidates were then led through a declaration of their faith, which they proclaimed with sincerity of heart.
Finally, the baptism pastor stepped into the pool and one by one, the new Christians entered the pool. Loud cheers and applause filled the air as supporters witnessed their family and friends being immersed into the water, and emerging again as a victorious man!
This important rite of passage in every Christian’s life is one worthy of great celebration — and celebrate these new Christians did.
As the freshly-baptized exited the pool, they made their way to a circle of proud cell group members for the next step of the City Harvest water baptism tradition. The candidates held lit candles and jars of salt, some even swallowing a huge dash of it, signifying that they are now the salt and light of the earth. They were presented with an apple, which symbolized their position as the apple of God’s eye. Then they were challenged to eat their apple in record time!
Radiant smiles and laughter marked a new beginning and inconceivable hope for these new Christians. Stephanie Liu, 14, cried jubilantly, “I feel so relieved and refreshed…a huge burden in my heart has left me!”
Sherry Ong said, her face glowing, “I believe this day is the first step towards my family’s salvation!”
It was also a star-studded baptism ceremony. Among the new Christians were former singer-songwriter Allan Moo, the brother of Eric Moo (巫启贤), Miss Singapore International 2006 Genecia Luo, and actress Foyce Le Xuan. It appears God is doing a tremendous work in the entertainment industry!
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| PHOTOS: Daniel Poh, Jason Lee & Irene Sunaryo Lie |
The act of changing this world and redeeming it for God happens one person at a time, one family at a time, through the various sectors of the marketplace. Every new creation is now rid of past sins and defeat, and shines like a light in the darkness of this world.
To all those newly baptized, congratulations from the City News team!
