131 Baptisms!

I have been to baptisms before, even baptisms were maybe three of four people have been baptised in the same service. This is the first time though (and probably the last) I have seen 131 people baptised in the same service! No typing error there, I really do mean one-hundred and thirty-one.

The service took place at Safe Haven School site, open air, next to a fish pond which was used to for the baptism. Tim conducted the service with Chomno alongside, David and myself had the privilege of sharing in the service with Bible readings. Tim used the opportunity to really explore baptism further and explained what is means to all those who were being baptised. At this stage, we were still not sure how many of the congregation were being baptised. We then made our way to the pond, where Tim and Chomno entered the water on a newly constructed platform.

The candidates made their way into the water, two at a time for Tim and Chomno to baptise. Seeing them both in the water side by side was a fantastic visible reminder of what the Connected Church partnership is all about and those of us who were there will never forget the experience.

The candidates were a range of ages and I am sure they have all travelled different spiritual routes to get to here today, but were united in their desire to make a public statement of faith. It soon became apparent that most of the congregation were there to take part rather than observe. 131 in all were baptised by Tim and Chomno, (Tim using his best Khmer). A truly memorable occasion for those who had the pleasure of being there and even more so for those who were baptised.

Matt.