AT THE BAPTISMAL POOL

On our arrival home, an exciting event was ahead of us - a baptism on 19 January. “Why don’t you invite your parents to come? This might be very important for your mum.” Branislav encouraged me to call mum and dad. “I can’t do that. I don’t think mum is fit to travel. If anything would happen to her my sister and brother would keep me responsible.” was my definite answer.

It was Thursday morning, the phone rang. “Good morning. Dad and I are locking up our place. One of you will have to meet us at Stuttgart bus station tomorrow morning.” We couldn’t believe mum’s words; all of us were thrilled with the news.

On Saturday afternoon our family with happy grandparents were among the first ones to arrive to the hired church where the baptism was to take place. As we entered the church I remembered mum’s dream, a white church. The church was decorated in white with white-cream marble tiles. We walked up to the very front to find our places. Everyone was happy to see mum and dad. As mum talked to some friends, dad and I were in a deep conversation about the baptism.

“I could never get baptised. I’m not a man who can keep his word. You know how hard and how many times I tried to bring and keep my life in order. I always slid back. Every time I was so disappointed with myself. Imagine I promise God to live a Christian life and disappoint Him.” I could see dad was struggling with hard thoughts. My father was an alcoholic and a smoker. I knew all about his struggles, how hard he tried and failed to keep himself free from addictions. It made me cry to see desire yet weakness; conflict going on in the soul of my father.

“Dad there is a secret of Christian living. All of us are just like you, even with the best intentions we fail. However, God has promised us the power of the Holy Spirit. It is God who changes and gives us power to live worthy to be called His followers. It is by His power that we live not by ours.” Dad listened carefully as I spoke and kept silent. Our gaze was focused on the baptismal pool filling with water.

Branislav was preparing the baptismal candidates for this special ordinance. I knew how much it meant to my parents and I remembered how much it meant to me when I got baptised. It’s a matter of life and death that goes beyond our limited lives on this planet. It is belonging to the everlasting kingdom. Baptism gives you the right to be a citizen of that Kingdom of God.

27. “I’M GOING AND YOU DECIDE FOR YOURSELF”

The birth of children has always amazed me; excitement, expectations and uncertainty of pregnancy mingled together with the miraculous end product. Spiritual birth and development to the point of baptism is like a pregnancy; it’s always inspirational. No wonder that baptismal services are very touching.

The churches Branislav pastored have always prepared special baptismal programmes. Appropriately chosen biblical texts that encourage commitment to following God are complemented with uplifting musical items. Old Christian classics like ‘Just as I am’ just speak to the hearts of people as well as modern and new composed songs for the particular occasion. Baptismal candidates share their experiences or biblical texts and the sermon aims to encourage people to recommit themselves to faithfully follow God’s leading. The actual act of baptism, following the example of Jesus, is the culmination of the service and always brings tears to many eyes. The baptism of 19 January 2002 was no exception. Furthermore, Branislav did something he believed the Holy Spirit prompted him to do.

After baptizing the candidates Branislav stayed in the baptismal pool. He addressed the congregation: “While I am still standing in the baptismal water I want to invite all of you whom the Holy Spirit is moving to make the same step in your life as our newly baptized brothers and sisters. Come around the baptistery and I want to say a special prayer for you.”

That very moment my mother stood up, turned to my father and gently but with utmost determination said: “Franz I’m going and you decide for yourself.” At those words my father turned to me and asked: “What shall I do?” “Dad, if you are ready, stand up and go I’ll come with you.” Dad stood up and we joined mum at the baptistery together with other people moved to make this pivotal step in their lives. Branislav said a prayer and you could feel the presence of God among us.

As soon as we returned to our seats, Miriam and Natasha rushed to us with big smiles and whispered to their grandparents, “We are so proud of you.” They summed up my emotions too. After the service many friends came to my parents to congratulate them and to encourage them.

Excitement of the baptismal service continued at home. Mum and dad called for a family meeting. Dad spoke with so much happiness and resolution: “Our son-in-law you are our pastor now. We made our first step in the service today and we want you to prepare us for baptism. We don’t want to go home without being baptized.” Mum continued: “When I told my sister and brothers that Franz and I were planning to come to Stuttgart this time they were discouraging me. They were saying that I was going to die here, but we came here to find life. Teach us and help us to understand how to follow God as He ordered in His Holy Word.”

Date: 2015-12-24; view: 656