11 Dec Ignited By God’s Overwhelming Love

30th November 2014 was a glorious Sunday for 3:16 Church. We celebrated the baptisms of our seven church family members. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as they stood in the waters of baptism with Jesus. All ready to make Jesus known in Singapore!

It was an unforgettable day for me as it was my first time baptising somebody. At 3:16 Church, we believe that every believer is commissioned by Jesus to make disciples and to baptise them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I was ecstatic when Marcus and Eleanor asked if I could baptise them. It was such a privilege to baptise them with my husband, Pastor Ian.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18 – 20 NIV

The Ever-Joyful Aunty Catherine
The first to be baptised was Aunty Catherine. She was always one of the first person to be in church every Sunday. Her infectious smile had brought so much joy to 3:16 Church. She loves Jesus! It meant a lot to me to see my parents-in-law, Toh Ser Nguang and Baozhen baptised Aunty Catherine, the oldest person in 3:16 Church. It was especially so because they had a unique calling from God to love and reach the elderlies in Singapore. Everyone who was present could see the special bond they enjoyed in God. What a significant moment for both the baptisers and Aunty Catherine!

Joash and Jennifer, The Mother and Son Team
We were so overjoyed to see Jennifer and her son Joash, baptised together on the same day! They are precious fruits from the ministries of Clement, Iris, Amy and Cheryl through The Love-Aid Project. When Joash was emerged from the water smiling ear to ear, I was reminded that God is still igniting families with His overwhelming love! It was so good to know that God is reaching families around us!

Thine, The Lady from the Pearl of the Orient Seas
Thine (pronounced “Tin”) is a young Filipino lady who left her hometown in Kagayan Valley to work in Singapore in hopes of providing a better life for her family back home. Life was so tough for Thine. Thine was surprised and blessed when her employers, Alex and Amillie, introduced Jesus to her. She was so overwhelmed with tears of gratitude of God’s love for her. Now, she knew that she could now rest her future in Him who knows all things, no matter her circumstance.

Oona, The Fearless French Teenage Girl
Oona, a sweet and spirited French teenage girl, came to know Jesus through her friend Harry, who had extended an invitation for her to come to 3:16 Church. I could still remember her confident proclamation, “YES! YES! I believe in Jesus! That is the reason why I am here to be baptised!” Praise God for her unashamed declaration of her love for Jesus. Go, Oona!

Marcus and Eleanor, The Newly Wed
Finally, there is no better way to conclude the baptism than to baptise a pair of one-day-old newly married couple, Marcus and Eleanor, with my husband. I was very touched to hear of how thankful Marcus and Eleanor were to God for their parents. Many tears were shed in the congregation as they testified of God’s goodness in their lives. Eleanor wanted to continue to be the light of Jesus shining in their marriage; their workplaces, their family and everywhere the Lord will bring them! God will definitely answer Eleanor’s prayers.

Lastly, I would like to say this to everyone. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you are ready to be baptised. You do not have to wait any longer. It is just like a bride and groom showing others their love by wearing the wedding bands. Your baptism is your opportunity to show others that Jesus loves you and you are now His. We believe we are going to see more people in Singapore baptised in Jesus through 3:16 Church! Amen? Amen!

Lilis Toh