Two baptism services were held by churches in Shandong and Shanxi provinces.
After a four-month catechism class, Penglai District Church in Yantai City, Shandong Province, held a full-immersion baptism service for 89 believers who later received communion on July 26, said the church.
After being baptized, Song Xilan, an over 70-year-old female Christian, said excitedly, "Although I have difficulty moving, it does not change my faith in following the Lord." An aged male believer named Qiao Jixiu said, "I have died and been buried. From now on, it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me."
Chengqu Church in Jincheng City, Shanxi Province, conducted its annual baptism service on July 28, reported the municipal TSPM. During the Sunday service, Pastor Ma Xinfang preached a sermon titled "The Way of Baptism."
He spoke about how baptism is God's command, the apostolic tradition, and the covenant with God. Through baptism, believers are united with Christ, passing from death to life and becoming a new creation.
This year, a total of 54 people were baptized, including 13 males and 41 females. Some received baptism by immersion, while others received it by pouring.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
