Baptisms are always a special occasion, a worship service highlight. This outward expression of one’s spiritual commitment to Christ brings much joy. Some are more memorable than others.
One of my most unique ministry experiences happened one bright fall morning several years ago. The story actually began the previous fall when a man named Andy visited my office and I had the privilege of leading him to receive Jesus Christ as his Savior. When we finished praying, I asked him how he felt about being baptized, the next step of obedience that follows the salvation experience and demonstrates we’re serious about following Jesus.
Andy was excited about being baptized, then said, “I have a favor. Will you baptize me in the Chattahoochee River?”
“Sure!” I replied.
“Where?”
“At Jones Bridge. My uncle used to take me fishing there, and one day we were fishing and I saw a man in a suit and tie walk out into the water, and another man in a suit and tie followed him, and I thought, ‘What are they doing?’ He baptized him right there. And I thought, ‘That’s where I want to get baptized.’” The weeks passed, and we finally got our schedule together and locked in a Saturday at Gwinnett County’s Jones Bridge Park in northeast metro Atlanta, about 50 miles from our church in Peachtree Corners.
The 30-acre park is nestled against a scenic bend in the river and features a large children’s playground, a sand volleyball pit, soccer fields, pavilions for cookouts and gatherings, and plenty of parking.
So, we gathered at the river, and I admit I was a little uneasy about the river since I’m not much of a swimmer. As strongly recommended before getting on the Chattahoochee, I called the Buford Dam Army Corps of Engineers number to see when they were releasing water.
Their release schedule was 8:55 p.m., so we didn’t have to worry about quick-rising, fast-running waters.
We stepped in and I was surprised at how cold the water was. The water near that bank was calm and fairly clear.
We walked out about waist deep as family and friends stood on the bank and smiled as I lowered Andy into the water and then as he stood back up.
It was a special moment for Andy, and for me, and I believe God was smiling, too.
The sun was bright, the nearby playground was full of children laughing and squealing, a family was grilling nearby, a fisherman was casting his line, two kayakers were paddling around the bend, and rippling water made beautiful background music as it ran over the rocks. It was a good day to be on the water.
And a good day for a baptism.
-Contributed by David L. Chancey, pastor at McDonough Road Baptist Church in Fayetteville. For more information and to see online worship options, visit mcdonoughroad.org. See more of Chancey’s writings at davidchancey.com.