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Crieff Church Celebrates a Baptism on Global Youth Day

Crieff Church Celebrates a Baptism on Global Youth Day

Reporter: Ruth Arthur // Editor: Hellevi Walker

On March 18th, Crieff church Head Deacon Andrew Logan and Head Deaconess Eleri Dutton had willingly opened and prepared the baptistry for a young person, Nicole Mphande. She initially made her decision to follow Jesus during 10 days of prayer in her homeland Malawi, SE Africa. Then the family moved to Scotland as her father is presently sponsored by the Malawi Government to study for a Ph.D. degree in Economics.

Nicole soon met Cedrene Botha, the Scottish Mission Children’s Ministries Co-Sponsor, and also wife to Pr Jimmy Botha, the Scottish Mission President. They started studying the Bible together via Zoom during lockdown and continued for many months. Nicole then requested baptism. The special service was taken by Crieff minister Pastor Njabulo King Ndlovu (fondly known as Njay) and Head Elder Pastor Paul Tompkins (now retired but still very active!). Nicole plays the flute and loves to sing. Along with her friend Miah, they chose the hymns and led in the congregational singing. She also gave her testimony and expressed her vows to Cedrene and the church family that “Because of my love for God and my devotion to my personal Saviour Jesus, I will ask for spiritual guidance every day throughout my life. I promise to dedicate my efforts, my money and my talents to God and His work.”

Cedrene accompanied Nicole down into the water where she was met by Pastor Njay who was suitably dressed in uniform, to baptise a Pathfinder on Global Youth Day.

Afterwards, Mthoko & Buntu Ndlovu harmoniously sang, “The Goodness of God”, specially chosen by Nicole.

For his sermonette Pastor Njay chose the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch found in Acts 8:26-40. He appealed to all listeners to “Stop our own chariot (v 38) - our chariot of distractions - and take our next step for God, seeking His goodness to guide us in our daily challenges and thus find new possibilities in our lives.”

At the conclusion of the meaningful service, Nicole was welcomed into the fellowship of believers by the Ministers and Elders. She was hugged by her parents. Then the youth, along with three invited school friends, eagerly came forward to greet their friend.

It was a wonderful Global Youth Day celebration!