4 July | Nottingham, UK [Patrick Herbert, Ikechi Ekpendu, Michael Baker, Paul Millin, Paul Jayaraj, with tedNEWS]
As part of the North England Conference (NEC) evangelistic strategy, the month of May was designated as a special period when all pastoral districts were encouraged to participate in a unified evangelistic drive. Evangelistic campaigns, seminars and special Bible studies were held in preparation. As a result, at the NEC Camp Meeting, on Sabbath, 1 June, NEC church leaders joyfully announced that 90 people were baptised, and another three joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church through public profession of faith.
“Much good work was going on in our Conference even before our unified evangelism drive, and much is happening now afterwards,” commented Patrick Herbert, NEC Personal Ministries and Evangelism Director. “But we wanted to set aside a time when all our churches could come together and witness how the Holy Spirit would move… God be praised for the 93 souls added!” Herbert exclaimed.
Baptisms at Leicester Central and West
“Jesus Never Fails” was the theme song of the recent week of revival at Leicester Central and West Adventist congregations. The campaign, led by New York-based evangelist Pastor Alban Francis, ran from 18 to 25 May, deeply moving attendees as the Word of God was shared. The Sabbath programme culminated in a double celebration as Pastor Francis had the privilege to dedicate his six-month-old nephew, Theo, in the morning, and baptise four new members in the afternoon. During the baptismal ceremony, ten more people expressed their desire to be baptised, leading to the organisation of another baptism in July. “We thank God for using Pastor Francis and all participants involved… We believe there’s even more to come, because His Faithfulness NEVER fails,” reflected local pastor, Michael Baker.
Baptism at Longsight, Manchester
On a bright and joyous Sabbath afternoon on May 25, the church community gathered at Manchester Longsight Seventh-day Adventist Church to witness the baptism of four new members. The ceremony, led by Pastors Ikechi Ekpendu and Thando Mlalazi, was a heartfelt event marking a significant spiritual milestone for the participants. Each of the four individuals, dressed in blue robes symbolising inspiration and freedom, stepped forward to the baptismal pool with reverence. As the pastors gently lowered them into the waters of baptism, the congregation joined in hymns and prayers, creating a profound sense of unity and celebration. The newly baptised members were warmly welcomed into the church family, where they will continue their journey of spiritual growth.
Baptism in Middlesbrough and Darlington
Months of Bible study preceded the NEC conference-wide baptism month. On May 11, two candidates from the Darlington Seventh-day Adventist Church were ready to commit their lives to the Master in a moving service. The candidates, who had been worshipping with the church community for some time, were warmly welcomed into the fellowship.
Similarly, on 25 May, nine wonderful young people from the Middlesbrough Seventh-day Adventist Church said ‘yes’ to Jesus. In the presence of their peers, families, and the wider church family, they were baptised in a rather emotional ceremony. “It is always heart-warming to see our youth committing to walk with Jesus publicly in such times as these,” commented local pastor, Paul Millin.
Baptisms in Sheffield and The Manor New Start
Four people were baptised, and one joined the Church through profession of faith on 25 May at the Sheffield and The Manor New Start Seventh-day Adventist churches. “I’m delighted to share this good news. God be praised!” expressed local pastor, Paul Jayaraj.
Baptisms in Leeds and York
After a two-week online series entitled “A Revelation of Hope”, led by district pastors Frederick Nti-Mensah and Sergio De Sousa, a baptism was held at the Leeds Central Church. With special participation of the NEC President, Pastor George Kumi, and Herbert, the baptism ceremony was a moving celebration as 21 people gave their lives to Jesus. Among these were several Pathfinders, and the NEC Pathfinder director, Pastor Ikwisa Mwasumbi, along with the British Union Conference (BUC) Pathfinder director, Pastor Kevin Johns, were present to welcome them into the fellowship.
[Photos: courtesy of NEC Media]
