16 May 2019 | Limassol, Cyprus [Marica Mirilov]
Limassol has a glorious beach. Most people go there to sunbathe or swim, but for over 150 participants at a Day of Fellowship in Cyprus on Sabbath, 11 May, their visit was to witness the baptism of five new members.
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Wilma spoke of the miracle of God preserving her life as a newborn baby, and the role of her roommate who passionately spoke about salvation that Jesus offers.
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Ruth shared how, on coming to Cyprus, she wandered far away from God. She was tempted in many different ways, but God in His mercy called her back home.
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Newly married Elizabeth testified how God used the preaching of a lay-pastor to impress on her heart the truth and the love of Jesus.
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Eftim spoke emotionally about how, while reading the Word of God, he felt God tapping on his shoulder for his response.
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Ignati shared how, against all odds but with the help of God, he got married the previous day. After making one life commitment he was equally ready to make another one for eternity.
Coming from different cultural backgrounds, and speaking different languages, these individuals represent both the local and international family that provide a warm welcome at any Adventist congregation in Cyprus.
That warmth was demonstrated by the fact that while there are just one hundred members on the church books in Cyprus, over 150 people came to the baptism, making it the largest gathering to date of the church in an island with a population of just over one million people.
A seafront hotel was the perfect venue for the Limassol congregation to host the day of fellowship for the church communities from Nicosia, Larnaca, Paphos, Mitsero and Limassol.
A tone was set for worship early in the day with a welcome by Thimios Arsiotis. He shared his personal experience of searching for God and committing his life to Him in baptism only six years previously.
Dr Branislav Mirilov, President of the Cyprus region, introduced the Adventist Volunteer Service couples who work on the island. This includes a new couple, Melina and Elias Orland Eim from Argentina who serve in Larnaca; and a new addition to Kseniia and Bogdan Osadchuk’s family with their newborn baby Danil. The Osadchucks hail from the Ukraine and have been serving in Paphos for over a year.
Mirilov then addressed the congregation with a challenging message, “Enter through a narrow gate, and travel a narrow way!” As everyone listened very attentively to both the sermon and then the baptismal testimonies, they matched their own personal experience with the inspirational testimonies. The baptism that climaxed the day in the calm Mediterranean Sea marked a new beginning for five, and for some a firm decision to follow their example at the next scheduled date for baptism.
tedNEWS Staff: Victor Hulbert, editor; Sajitha Forde-Ralph, associate editor
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