Currently a lot of evangelical churches are experiencing a real crisis relating to the baptism of new members. Just a few days ago a sister from one of the local churches of our Poltava region shared her deep concern with these words: "Somehting needs to be done, because for two years now we have not had anyone baptized in our church!"  In fact, the path a person takes to God is not simple, it is full of real struggles related to thoughts and desires.  There are many temptations along the way, but through it all, God is leading each one.  But He will not forcefully override a person's will, but instead whisper constant reminders of His presence, until the person's heart submits to him completely.

And that is how it was in the lives of ten people from our city who found the Lord.  For the last three months they went through preparation for baptism in our church.  Once a week we spent an hour together to confirm that they were really born from above and whether they really believed with all their hearts.  For it is written, that "whoever believes and is baptized will be saved" (Mark 16:16).  It was wonderful for me to see that God had granted spiritual rebirth to so many young people.  The stories of their journeys are varied and instructive.  There is certainly a lesson here!  I continue to be excited about how our God loves people and meets them wherever they are.

So, on the seventh of August on the bank of the Vorskla river there was a solemn ceremony - water baptism.  God added ten more people to our family.  Praise him for that!  Most, if not all of those who were in preparation for baptism during the last few weeks went through a spiritual struggle.  Some had doubts concerning what their relatives and friends thought about their decision, how to enjoy their years of youth without the temptations of the world.  But the Holy Spirit gave the strength to achieve victory in the struggle.  Almost all of them were ready on the day.  A few were sick and could not be baptized this time, but we hope that they will be better at the time of the next baptism.

May God abundantly bless each of those who were baptized at manifest His strength and glory in their lives.  And may we, in turn, support them with our prayers.

 

Radislav Tsurkan