On October 29, 2023, three individuals affirmed their commitment to God through a beautiful baptism ceremony in the waters of the River Tay in Dundee, Scotland. David and Laycken, a married couple originally from South Africa, relocated to Scotland about four years ago. Both were raised in Christian households, but it was just over a year ago when they felt impressed to begin Bible studies with Pastor Njay Ndlovu.

When asked about their motivation, David shared that they wanted to realign their lives with their purpose and establish a deeper connection with God while discerning His will for their journey.

For David, being baptized in a natural setting was “non-negotiable.” He revealed that it had long been his dream to undergo this sacred rite in a river, following in the footsteps of Jesus. David and Laycken share a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature, and initially, David had envisioned his baptism taking place in the historic River Jordan.

In the days leading up to their baptism, they faced many doubts and challenges. Worries about the rising tide, unpredictable weather, and logistical complexities cast a shadow of uncertainty over the preparations. Pastor Ndlovu emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety and ensured a comprehensive risk assessment was in place to uphold this. However, against all odds, none of the anticipated challenges materialized, and according to David, the water was “not as cold as expected.”

When asked about the transformation in their lives over the past year, David shared how their focus and priorities have shifted, explaining that a renewed sense of devotion and intimacy with God has taken root. Their journey has led them to dig deeper into the Bible in their pursuit of drawing closer to God and understanding His ways.

Pastor Ndlovu expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with the three individuals to be baptized (the third individual requested anonymity). He noted that while he had conducted outdoor-based baptisms in the sunny Philippines, this occasion posed a unique challenge due to the colder climate and uncertain weather forecast. However, as the moment arrived, so did God’s grace. The weather remained tranquil, and intermittent rays of sunlight graced the faces of each person, reinforcing their faith experience and bringing smiles to their faces.

The Scottish Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is delighted that these individuals have committed their lives to Christ. The prayer is that they are blessed in their journey with God, their faith stands strong amid life’s challenges, and they fully embrace the abundant life God desires for all humanity.

The original version of this story was posted on the Scottish Mission website.