20 Feb 2025, 13:50Blandine Damtse / SM CommunicationsGlasgow, Glasgow City, Scotland, United Kingdom
Glasgow Celebrates Six Baptisms
This article highlights the baptism of six individuals in Glasgow and shares their testimonies.
On February 1, the Glasgow Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrated a momentous event as six individuals publicly declared their commitment to Christ through baptism, marking a significant milestone in their spiritual journeys.
The sacred ceremony was led by Pastor Claudiu Popescu, with assistance from volunteer missionaries Samuel Matheus and Allan Zukowski. The service was filled with uplifting music, and Pastor Popescu delivered a powerful sermon titled "Conformed or Transformed," which resonated deeply with the congregation.
The highlight of the service came when each candidate stood in the baptismal pool, surrounded by their favourite songs performed by the church, before being immersed in the water. Following the baptisms, the newest members of the Glasgow SDA Church were warmly welcomed and assigned spiritual mentors to guide them in their faith journeys.
Testimonies of Faith
Before their baptisms, the candidates shared their personal stories of faith and transformation.
From Hinduism to the Cross
Unlike the other candidates, Neeruta was unfamiliar with Christianity, having been born into the highest caste of Hinduism in Nepal. Her search for truth led her to question her faith. She initially visited a church but did not return, feeling unwelcome. However, after meeting her husband, who shared his Christian faith with her, she found a welcoming home at Glasgow SDA Church. "We feel at home here," they shared. Neeruta joined the baptismal class and embraced Jesus, committing her life to Him. The young couple, who married in November, expressed their gratitude and asked for prayers as they continue their spiritual journey together.
Recommitting to God’s Love
Having been baptised at a young age, Lisa distanced herself from God during her early adulthood but always felt His mercy and grace. A turning point came when her father passed away just days after she had arrived in Scotland. “I was here all alone, far away from home. God was with me all this time, and that was when I started to pray more than ever before and asked Him to help me get through life,” Lisa shared. She thanked God for the opportunity to recommit her life to Him.
A God of Possibilities
Angela, raised in a pastoral family, has known Jesus from a young age. She felt the need for a fresh transformation in her life and re-dedicated herself to Christ through baptism. “Knowing Jesus from a young age has been a blessing. I recommit myself to God and continue to uphold the teachings instilled in me,” Angela said.
A Grateful Heart
At just 17, Blessing, the youngest candidate, expressed his thanks for God's grace in his life. His testimony of faith is reflected in his favourite hymn Does Jesus Care? (SDAH 181), which reassures him that Jesus cares, no matter the circumstances.
A Journey of Faith
Shaquille, 19, grew up in the Glasgow SDA Church and was actively involved in its activities. Describing himself as a stubborn person, he acknowledged making some poor choices in his life but expressed gratitude for his parents, who had raised him according to Proverbs 22:6. At the age of 16, Shaquille felt a strong desire to discover the true nature of God and to understand the purpose of his faith. He gathered a group of friends, and together they started a teen Bible study group. As they studied and grew in faith, they realised they were ultimately responsible for their own spiritual journeys. Shaquille viewed his decision to delve into the Bible as 'a leap of faith,' aimed at strengthening his relationship with Christ and inspiring other young people in their pursuit of salvation. His testimony serves as a reminder of the transformative power of God’s love and the importance of choosing a path of faith over the distractions and temptations the world offers.
A New Beginning
After losing both parents, Chiedza drifted away from the church, but God's persistent love led her back. "God continually drew me back to Him and made it clear that I cannot navigate this life on my own," she said, quoting Philippians 2:13 as a declaration of her commitment to realign her heart with Christ. She expressed gratitude for finding a loving family at Glasgow Church. “Glasgow Church has made me feel welcome. The people, the music, and the teaching all resonate with me, creating a profound sense of belonging.”
After the ceremony, Pastor Samuel Matheus reflected on the experience: "It was an incredibly special day in my journey as a volunteer missionary in Scotland. I felt God’s presence in a profound way during the baptisms, and it is a privilege to have guided these precious souls through Bible studies to help prepare them for this meaningful step."
Pastor Popescu also expressed his gratitude to Pastor Samuel for his dedication to the spiritual growth of the candidates in his absence during sabbatical. He reminded the new members, "Baptism marks the beginning of a new journey, not the endpoint. True disciples are not just good starters; they must also be good finishers. Perseverance and discipline are key."
As these six individuals continue on their spiritual journeys, they stand as a testament to the power of faith, transformation, and the welcoming love of Christ.
This article highlights the baptism of six individuals in Glasgow and shares their testimonies.
On February 1, the Glasgow Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrated a momentous event as six individuals publicly declared their commitment to Christ through baptism, marking a significant milestone in their spiritual journeys.
The sacred ceremony was led by Pastor Claudiu Popescu, with assistance from volunteer missionaries Samuel Matheus and Allan Zukowski. The service was filled with uplifting music, and Pastor Popescu delivered a powerful sermon titled "Conformed or Transformed," which resonated deeply with the congregation.
The highlight of the service came when each candidate stood in the baptismal pool, surrounded by their favourite songs performed by the church, before being immersed in the water. Following the baptisms, the newest members of the Glasgow SDA Church were warmly welcomed and assigned spiritual mentors to guide them in their faith journeys.
Testimonies of Faith
Before their baptisms, the candidates shared their personal stories of faith and transformation.
From Hinduism to the Cross
Unlike the other candidates, Neeruta was unfamiliar with Christianity, having been born into the highest caste of Hinduism in Nepal. Her search for truth led her to question her faith. She initially visited a church but did not return, feeling unwelcome. However, after meeting her husband, who shared his Christian faith with her, she found a welcoming home at Glasgow SDA Church. "We feel at home here," they shared. Neeruta joined the baptismal class and embraced Jesus, committing her life to Him. The young couple, who married in November, expressed their gratitude and asked for prayers as they continue their spiritual journey together.
Recommitting to God’s Love
Having been baptised at a young age, Lisa distanced herself from God during her early adulthood but always felt His mercy and grace. A turning point came when her father passed away just days after she had arrived in Scotland. “I was here all alone, far away from home. God was with me all this time, and that was when I started to pray more than ever before and asked Him to help me get through life,” Lisa shared. She thanked God for the opportunity to recommit her life to Him.
A God of Possibilities
Angela, raised in a pastoral family, has known Jesus from a young age. She felt the need for a fresh transformation in her life and re-dedicated herself to Christ through baptism. “Knowing Jesus from a young age has been a blessing. I recommit myself to God and continue to uphold the teachings instilled in me,” Angela said.
A Grateful Heart
At just 17, Blessing, the youngest candidate, expressed his thanks for God's grace in his life. His testimony of faith is reflected in his favourite hymn Does Jesus Care? (SDAH 181), which reassures him that Jesus cares, no matter the circumstances.
A Journey of Faith
Shaquille, 19, grew up in the Glasgow SDA Church and was actively involved in its activities. Describing himself as a stubborn person, he acknowledged making some poor choices in his life but expressed gratitude for his parents, who had raised him according to Proverbs 22:6. At the age of 16, Shaquille felt a strong desire to discover the true nature of God and to understand the purpose of his faith. He gathered a group of friends, and together they started a teen Bible study group. As they studied and grew in faith, they realised they were ultimately responsible for their own spiritual journeys. Shaquille viewed his decision to delve into the Bible as 'a leap of faith,' aimed at strengthening his relationship with Christ and inspiring other young people in their pursuit of salvation. His testimony serves as a reminder of the transformative power of God’s love and the importance of choosing a path of faith over the distractions and temptations the world offers.
A New Beginning
After losing both parents, Chiedza drifted away from the church, but God's persistent love led her back. "God continually drew me back to Him and made it clear that I cannot navigate this life on my own," she said, quoting Philippians 2:13 as a declaration of her commitment to realign her heart with Christ. She expressed gratitude for finding a loving family at Glasgow Church. “Glasgow Church has made me feel welcome. The people, the music, and the teaching all resonate with me, creating a profound sense of belonging.”
After the ceremony, Pastor Samuel Matheus reflected on the experience: "It was an incredibly special day in my journey as a volunteer missionary in Scotland. I felt God’s presence in a profound way during the baptisms, and it is a privilege to have guided these precious souls through Bible studies to help prepare them for this meaningful step."
Pastor Popescu also expressed his gratitude to Pastor Samuel for his dedication to the spiritual growth of the candidates in his absence during sabbatical. He reminded the new members, "Baptism marks the beginning of a new journey, not the endpoint. True disciples are not just good starters; they must also be good finishers. Perseverance and discipline are key."
As these six individuals continue on their spiritual journeys, they stand as a testament to the power of faith, transformation, and the welcoming love of Christ.
