After my husband left us (see story on separate page), I was lead to a lively Bible believing church. As I learnt how to walk with God, I became aware that I needed to get baptized, in obedience to God's word. I had been christened as a baby, but I was not aware at the time, let alone making a conscious choice to invite Jesus to be Lord of my life. To me, baptism was symbolic of burying my old sinful nature and rising in my now new life in Christ, forgiven, cleansed and empowered by His Spirit to overcome sin. It was also a public witness declaring my faith (in the heavenly and earthly relms). I was warned that I may encounter a spiritual battle, opposing this step, as it would set me free from opposing powers.
The day arrived, and I had chosen baptism in the sea. I was shy and felt very self-conscious and plagued with doubts, not wanting to make a spectacle of myself. I'm ashamed to say I was even afraid of being recognised and being judged as some sort of religioug 'nutter'. The battle had began, which I recognised as between my sinful prideful nature and my new spiritual nature. Luckily I had been forewarned.
The church gathered on the beach, on that sunday afternoon, singing, playing a guitar and joyfully supportive. It was a clear spring day; September. The sea had a southerly swell and the wind was cold. It was also spring tide, which fortunately meant I didn't have to walk out into the water very far, as the surf would be big enough. Others were being baptised also that day, so I wasn't alone in my experience.
My turn arrived and I walked out to my pastor and an elder who was assisting. I was determined to go through with it, as I sensed it would be now or never! The water was lapping just above my knees. I prepared myself for the cold chilling plunge and stood waiting. Pastor asked me to confirm my understanding of why I was choosing baptism, and I confirmed my faith. Pastor and his assistant waited for a wave, then gently lay me back so the wave washed over me totally. My sins were washed into the bay. I was surprised to experience the emcompassing Presense of the Lord as I was lifted upright again. I sensed God smiling down on me, wrapping me in His comforting warmth and the gentle words imprinted on my mind were "this is my beloved daughter whom I am well pleased". I was blessed for my obedience. Pastor felt it too because he joyfully said to me "the Presense of the Lord is sure warm isn't it?".
As I drove home in the car I felt I wanted to sing. When I sang, I could hardly recognise the beautiful sounds that came out of my mouth. I then wondered if this is what is mean't by being filled with the Holy Spirit. This was confirmed to me in the evening service, when I found another language joyfully bubbling up at will, when I went to pray. That night, in the privacy of my home, I prayed and prayed in my new language, knowing I was transparent before the Father and His Spirit was praying through me, for me, with wise words that I didn't know how to say any other way. It was so empowering and fullfilling, like being in a refining fire. My new life had began.
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