Baptism in the Pacific Ocean!

I was blessed yesterday to baptize a young sailor in the Pacific Ocean!

My shipmate Preston was already a believer, but had not been baptized since his profession of faith. After reading scriptures (on his own), just like the Eunuch, he said to me, “Is there a reason why I shouldn’t be baptized today?”

Of course not! However, because I had never baptized anyone before, I had some insecurities about doing it. But when Preston said,
“I don’t think I can go another day without being baptized.” That settled the matter. Once we got to the beach, still in our church clothes, we waded out to chest-deep water.

I turned to Preston and said, "Do you believe that Jesus Christ was the son of God?" he said yes. I asked one more question, and then I said, "Preston, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost." Then I dunked him with one hand while trying to take a picture for him with my phone in the other!

This is Preston going under:
It looks like I caught him as a wave was coming over both of us, but I honestly don't remember it too well! Oh, but the joy of it all. When he came back up, he shook my hand, and we turned back to shore.

I prayed with Preston after returning to base. I warned him that Satan would be looking for him while he was on such a spiritual high, so he would need to be careful.

Preston is already talking about ministry opportunities and, in particular, how to share his faith with his family, especially in light of his baptism yesterday.

Please consider commenting below to send a short message of support to Preston.

7 comments:

Steve said...

Dan,

I caught your comments on Rev Mike's blog and see that you had the same thoughts about Phillip and the eunuch!

Great job! I'll be praying for you.

Blessings,

Steve

Steve said...

Oh, he was my original comment.


Dan,
I am also a Baptist pastor, and I can tell you most Baptist churches would be fine with your baptism, so long as it was by immersion. Some churches do require that a licensed minister perform the ordinance in a church.

I refer to Scripture. When Phillip met the Ethiopian eunuch, he said to Phillip, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" 37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." 38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him." Acts 8:36-38 (NKJV)

If your man was saved, and there was water, nothing prevented him from being baptized. Uhh...in my humble, but accurate opinion.

Blessings,

Steve

Rev. Mike said...

Hi Dan,

Great job! Keep up the good work!

Rev. Mike

The Navy Christian said...

Steve,
The story of the Eunuch is exactly what made my buddy decide to get baptized, and exactly why he asked me to do it. I'm so happy to hear that our story of baptism resonates with scripture!
Dan

The Navy Christian said...

Rev. Mike,
Thanks! I've enjoyed your blog and have added it to my reader!
Dan

Stefy Speak said...

As I was baptized almost a month ago myself, congrats to Preston and blessings on you both!
Commitment to the Lord brings many blessings and peace to troubled hearts. My Savior has carried me when I could not lift myself up and He has given me the stength to endure trials I never thought to experience.

The Navy Christian said...

Congrats! Blessings to you on taking that step of faith!