The Adventist church in Mare and the New Caledonia Mission celebrated a special day on May 9 with the ordination of three elders and the baptism of five people.

The elders were ordained during the morning Sabbath service, followed by communion. Then, the baptismal candidates—Arlette Roine, Charles Roine, Evelyn Waheo, Tom Wright, and Edmond—publicly gave their hearts to Jesus in the afternoon.

Each person baptized had an inspiring story to share.

In particular, Mr Roine’s baptism sent shockwaves through his community. As chief of the Thogone tribe in the north of Mare, he was serving as a deacon in a Protestant church until an Adventist evangelistic meeting in Thogone in late 2019. Now, his village is organized as an Adventist company, which has resulted in four baptisms.

In addition, Edmond was baptized after the Juvenile Court of Noumea sent him to an Adventist home for recovery from behavioral issues. There he became interested in the Bible and Jesus and soon expressed his desire to be baptized.

It was a high day for all involved. Everyone in attendance prayed for the new members and elders, and praised God.

This article was originally published on the website of Adventist Record