13 Mar 2026, 11:22Blandine Damtse; edited by SM CommunicationsGlasgow, Glasgow City, Scotland, United Kingdom
Lives Transformed as Nine Publicly Commit to Christ in Glasgow
A day of joy and commitment as members of all ages take steps of faith and embrace new life in Christ.
On 28 February, Glasgow Church held its first baptism of the year, during which nine individuals publicly dedicated their lives to God. Six were baptised by immersion, while three joined through profession of faith, joyfully affirming their membership in the Adventist family. The service was marked by heartfelt testimonies, inspiring music, and a thought-provoking sermon entitled “Simple Faith.”
The sermon, inspired by the story of Naaman in 2 Kings, reminded the congregation that faith is not measured by status, knowledge, or human strength. Just as Naaman humbled himself and followed God’s simple instruction to wash in the Jordan River, believers today are invited to trust God wholeheartedly. The message, shared by local pastor Claudiu Popescu, emphasised that salvation is a gift of grace, and that even a small step of faith can lead to profound transformation.
Discovering Biblical Truth
The candidates, having attended months of baptismal classes led by Pastor Claudiu, shared journeys marked by prayer, study, and the pursuit of biblical truth. Alex Baguma’s search for truth began with Bible discussions with an Adventist landlord in Manchester. Though previously baptised in another church, continued Bible study led him to embrace the teachings of the Adventist Church. After moving to Glasgow, he deepened his understanding through regular Bible study and found a spiritual home there, where he hopes to raise his children in the faith.
Tatenda Chikwozi and his wife, Yeukai Gwanzura, described a journey of discovery after years of attending another church. Through study of Scripture, they came to appreciate the biblical teaching of the Sabbath and felt led to publicly commit to following God within the Adventist Church.
From Routine to Relationship
For the youth of the congregation — Sylvester, Chelsea, and Natasha — baptism marked a transition from routine participation to a committed, personal faith. All three had been dedicated as babies, attended Adventurer and Pathfinder clubs, and had been actively involved in various church ministries. However, they realised that mere attendance did not equate to a relationship with Christ. Through reflection and study, they each deliberately chose to follow Jesus, embracing a faith that was genuinely their own.
Their favourite Bible verses guided and strengthened their decisions. Sylvester Odiagbe, inspired by Psalm 37:23, found assurance that as he walked with God, his steps would be directed and his life shaped according to His will. Chelsea Ndlovu drew confidence from Isaiah 54:17, trusting in God’s protection and guidance as she cultivated her personal walk with Him. Natasha Ncube, inspired by Isaiah 14:16–17, embraced her faith wholeheartedly. She described how a call to baptism during a Pathfinder camp in Hungary helped her decide to commit her life to Jesus and place Him at the centre of her spiritual journey.
Back to the Altar: God’s Faithfulness
One of the most moving testimonies came from Sophia Vanessa Maquengo, who shared how God delivered her from profound depression and past trauma. Through prayer and surrender, she experienced God’s peace for the first time, inspiring her to publicly commit her life to Christ.
Her mother, Adelina Cravide Vila Nova, spoke of God’s faithfulness through life’s challenges. Having once lived apart from church life and embraced a secular lifestyle, she sought God’s guidance as a young mother. After years away, her search for a spiritual home brought her to Glasgow Seventh-day Adventist Church, where she now grows in faith alongside her daughter.
Kedine Joseph, originally baptised in Haiti, has long been a faithful servant of the Glasgow church. Her consistent dedication and quiet devotion reflect the perseverance of someone who has walked closely with God for many years.
A Day of Celebration
After the testimonies, families and friends gathered around the baptistery as each candidate entered the water, symbolising new life in Christ. The congregation celebrated by singing their favourite hymns. The ceremony was led by Pastor Claudiu, alongside pastor-in-training Geanina Rusu and student pastor Allan Zukowski.
The event concluded with photographs, heartfelt congratulations, and a fellowship meal during which members shared and reflected on God’s faithfulness. The day served as a vivid reminder that when hearts respond to God with trust and surrender, heaven rejoices, lives are transformed, and choosing Christ wholeheartedly inspires others to walk faithfully in His ways.
A day of joy and commitment as members of all ages take steps of faith and embrace new life in Christ.
On 28 February, Glasgow Church held its first baptism of the year, during which nine individuals publicly dedicated their lives to God. Six were baptised by immersion, while three joined through profession of faith, joyfully affirming their membership in the Adventist family. The service was marked by heartfelt testimonies, inspiring music, and a thought-provoking sermon entitled “Simple Faith.”
The sermon, inspired by the story of Naaman in 2 Kings, reminded the congregation that faith is not measured by status, knowledge, or human strength. Just as Naaman humbled himself and followed God’s simple instruction to wash in the Jordan River, believers today are invited to trust God wholeheartedly. The message, shared by local pastor Claudiu Popescu, emphasised that salvation is a gift of grace, and that even a small step of faith can lead to profound transformation.
Discovering Biblical Truth
The candidates, having attended months of baptismal classes led by Pastor Claudiu, shared journeys marked by prayer, study, and the pursuit of biblical truth. Alex Baguma’s search for truth began with Bible discussions with an Adventist landlord in Manchester. Though previously baptised in another church, continued Bible study led him to embrace the teachings of the Adventist Church. After moving to Glasgow, he deepened his understanding through regular Bible study and found a spiritual home there, where he hopes to raise his children in the faith.
Tatenda Chikwozi and his wife, Yeukai Gwanzura, described a journey of discovery after years of attending another church. Through study of Scripture, they came to appreciate the biblical teaching of the Sabbath and felt led to publicly commit to following God within the Adventist Church.
From Routine to Relationship
For the youth of the congregation — Sylvester, Chelsea, and Natasha — baptism marked a transition from routine participation to a committed, personal faith. All three had been dedicated as babies, attended Adventurer and Pathfinder clubs, and had been actively involved in various church ministries. However, they realised that mere attendance did not equate to a relationship with Christ. Through reflection and study, they each deliberately chose to follow Jesus, embracing a faith that was genuinely their own.
Their favourite Bible verses guided and strengthened their decisions. Sylvester Odiagbe, inspired by Psalm 37:23, found assurance that as he walked with God, his steps would be directed and his life shaped according to His will. Chelsea Ndlovu drew confidence from Isaiah 54:17, trusting in God’s protection and guidance as she cultivated her personal walk with Him. Natasha Ncube, inspired by Isaiah 14:16–17, embraced her faith wholeheartedly. She described how a call to baptism during a Pathfinder camp in Hungary helped her decide to commit her life to Jesus and place Him at the centre of her spiritual journey.
Back to the Altar: God’s Faithfulness
One of the most moving testimonies came from Sophia Vanessa Maquengo, who shared how God delivered her from profound depression and past trauma. Through prayer and surrender, she experienced God’s peace for the first time, inspiring her to publicly commit her life to Christ.
Her mother, Adelina Cravide Vila Nova, spoke of God’s faithfulness through life’s challenges. Having once lived apart from church life and embraced a secular lifestyle, she sought God’s guidance as a young mother. After years away, her search for a spiritual home brought her to Glasgow Seventh-day Adventist Church, where she now grows in faith alongside her daughter.
Kedine Joseph, originally baptised in Haiti, has long been a faithful servant of the Glasgow church. Her consistent dedication and quiet devotion reflect the perseverance of someone who has walked closely with God for many years.
A Day of Celebration
After the testimonies, families and friends gathered around the baptistery as each candidate entered the water, symbolising new life in Christ. The congregation celebrated by singing their favourite hymns. The ceremony was led by Pastor Claudiu, alongside pastor-in-training Geanina Rusu and student pastor Allan Zukowski.
The event concluded with photographs, heartfelt congratulations, and a fellowship meal during which members shared and reflected on God’s faithfulness. The day served as a vivid reminder that when hearts respond to God with trust and surrender, heaven rejoices, lives are transformed, and choosing Christ wholeheartedly inspires others to walk faithfully in His ways.
