June 5, 2020|Nevis|Delroy K. Josiah
Amidst the Corona Virus Pandemic, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is still transforming hearts and changing lives. We recently concluded the Power in the Blood Virtual Extravaganza, and what a tremendous blessing it was. For the first time, the South Leeward Conference engaged in virtual evangelism. What was once a novel means of evangelism has quickly become the new norm. Churches across the conference have also made use of streaming through services like YouTube and Facebook Live. The future of the church will never be the same. Thankfully, whether via internet, radio, or physical presence the Word of God is still quick and powerful, able to save.
In Nevis, scores of people tuned into the virtual series and the buzz on the street was that the messages were powerful, timely and just what people needed. Members shared links daily with their friends, posted statuses and stories and even called to ensure that their friends were locked into the series. After three weeks of power packed preaching there were candidates with a desire for baptism. Having received the candidates contact information, a date was secured for their baptism. Unfortunately, Nevis was under twenty-four hour lock down at the time. This meant that we would have to wait for the curfew to be lifted. Another challenge presented itself in that the churches were not adequately equipped with baptismal fountains and the beach was closed to the public.
Not willing that the candidates wait indefinitely, a letter was sent from the church to the COVID-19 taskforce in St. Kitts to seek permission to conduct the baptismal service. After a few days wait, the request was granted, and the way was now clear to conduct the baptismal service. On May 18, 2020 four precious souls were baptized and added to the Kingdom of God.
Accompanied by a few members, the candidates all rose from the water with joy. One of the newly baptized members exclaimed, “I don’t know how to express what I am feeling, I just feel, new!” Certainly, the words of 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) ring with clarity on this joyous note of praise, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”