Monday, June 25, 2012

Baptism and Profession of Faith at New Life


 By Rose Admiraal

On Thursday, June 14, I had the privilege to witness the baptism of 8 men and the profession of faith of 2 more men.  Wow!  After a time of fellowship we were welcomed by Pastor Rick in English and Carlos in Spanish.  We began singing a rousing song of “How Great is Our God” followed by a special number written by one of the men professing his faith.  We came to God in confession and concluded by singing  “At the Foot of the Cross” (the men’s favorite song).  Pastor Rick dedicated our new baptistery/Lord’s Supper table to bring glory to God within the walls of the Newton facility.  Eight men came forward to say yes to God and were baptized by Pastor Rick, each praising God as they came up out of the water.  Then 2 more men came forward to profess their faith in front of the body of believers.   The praise team sang “Fill Me Now” as a special number and everyone sang “You are My All in All”.  You could feel the presence of the Lord in that place! 

Pastor Art Van Wolde (from Calvary CRC, Pella) came up to give the message from Philippians 4:4-7, Rejoice Always?  He shared how we can rejoice in the Lord no matter what circumstances in life that we're facing.  It was Pastor Art's last service at the prison before his big move to Zeeland, Michigan.

Pastor Rick and Pastor Art then served communion to the men and volunteers while Rose and Amy Van Wolde sang a duet, “Oh Lord You’re Beautiful”.  The congregation joined the praise team in singing the “Revelation Song” at the conclusion of communion.  Brother Larry played his acoustic guitar while singing a moving rendition of “I Can Only Imagine”.  After Pastor Rick gave the blessing, the praise team led the congregation in singing “My Redeemer Lives”.  Rose urged the congregation to sing boldly so the men in the hallway could hear their testimony in song.  We praise God for a Spirit filled time of worship!


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