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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Christian Baptism (10/18/07)
Being John


The water was cold. The rocks were slippery. The smell of pine was strong in the air. The stars with their brilliance shone upon us as we gathered by the lake. The moon seemed to be watching and listening. The night birds sweetly sang their lullabies. We were in the midst of God’s peace. We were about to reenact one of the most precious Bible stories, the baptism of Jesus. The setting was perfect. The wind was calm. The crackling of the fire kept us in perspective of where we were in real time while our spirits were somewhere in the realm of God. He was teaching our souls. He was giving us gifts to carry on with us when we left the camp that summer.

I can remember it as if it was yesterday. I played the part of John the Baptist. We woke campers up from their cabins as we beckoned those who wanted to be a part of history to meet us at the water. I was honored to be chosen yet felt unworthy at the age of fourteen to be reacting the baptism of Jesus. Yes it was just a play, but the feelings which arose from the act are undescribable to someone who wasn’t present. I felt something that night I have never experienced before.

As I stood shivering in the water clothed in heavy white sheets I reflected on what might actually have happened when Jesus stepped into the water beside John. The honor John must have felt along with the unworthiness. Who was John to be baptizing Jesus, the savior of the world? The fear he must have felt. Can you imagine for a moment being John? Here is the King of all Kings standing before you wanting to be baptized, what do you say? How do you react? God had such faith in John, He knew he was the one to baptize His only Son. Isn’t it true God has the same faith in us?

I spoke my lines and baptized Jesus whom was being portrayed by one of the pastors present at the camp. The surge of joy I felt as I baptized this pastor no words can ever express. I was filled with something. Something bright and holy. I felt God was happy about what we were doing. I felt He was blessing all of us present and smiling on our act of sharing the Gospel. After the scene of the baptism of Jesus the pastor asked if anyone wanted to come forward and be baptized. I rose my hand and began a long line of campers willing to advance into the cold dark waters of the night. I am sure the angels were singing and Jesus was dancing as one by one all campers present came forward.

That night will forever be with me. I know I wasn’t really baptizing Jesus, however, just by reenacting the scenes from the Bible, my spirit was awakened. The rest of the camping experience was pretty much a blur, but Lake Louise Church Camp will always mean something special to me in my walk with Christ. Showing our belief in a higher power by being baptized in water amongst other believers is really what baptism is all about. Showing by faith we will follow Jesus all of our sins are truly washed away. Let baptism be an outward visible sign for you too.
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This article has been read 1239 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Seema Bagai 
10/26/07
Great story. Thanks for sharing it.
Carol Shaffron
10/26/07
Great testimony of God's working in your life-I assume it's your testimony. I can almost see myself there and feel the holiness of the moment.
Donna Powers
10/26/07
Very vivid descriptions and a wonderful testimony. Well written and captivating.
Paula Titus 
10/28/07
Your story touched my heart and I thought you communicated very well how deeply the 'play' touched your heart also. Great piece.
LauraLee Shaw
10/30/07
This was so moving. It is just like that when you are trying to get into character for a role. If you're good at acting anyway. I can only imagine how that must have affected you. Well, I don't even have to imagine since you did such a good job of describing it. Would you consider changing the "higher power" to one of the other descriptions of Jesus if you ever publish this elsewhere? Not necessary, just a little suggestion since I live right in the middle of a bunch of new age churches. I know what you meant, though. REALLY beautiful piece.
Linda Roth
11/07/07
You did an excellent job of setting the scene on this.