Sue Harding is a baptism rep at St John’s Church in Halesowen, one of our renewal projects. She recently accompanied Team Rector, Hazel Charlton on a baptism visit to a family who had recently arrived from Iran and has supported the Mum in her request to be baptised at the church.
Sue said:
“The home visit was arranged following a chat with her son at church to get to know the family better.
Mum is unable to speak English, but it was a real privilege to hear her story and her journey of faith as told by her daughter. It soon became very clear that she already knows Jesus as her Lord and saviour, as does her daughter. The flat was adorned with ornaments and pictures of Jesus and Mary, and the family was extremely hospitable. She became very emotional as we discussed her favourite Bible stories and passages. She chose Psalm 23 to be read at her baptism service, and we offered for her to read it out at her service in Farsi (her native language) which she agreed to. Her daughter spoke about how loving and kind her mother is and how she likes to live as Jesus did in the community, sharing his love with others.
As we spoke about the Baptism service in detail and discussed the promises and what would happen during the service, to ensure that it was fully understood. We also spoke about having the service translated into Farsi so they could take part fully, which was very well received and they were truly grateful - it was a pleasure to be able to do this. The service was arranged to take place during our regular service in a few weeks’ time.
As a Baptism rep at St John I felt very privileged and humbled to be a part of this encouraging journey and we were delighted that this lady has chosen to be a sister in Christ with us all. As we prayed together and surrounded her with the love of God, tears of joy were shed. God was truly amidst us.
Incredible things are happening at St John and in our local community, with this experience being just one of many. I believe that, as Hazel always says, “relationship before religion (or as well as) is key to all we do and say” which is proving to be so important and effective in our ministry at St John’s Church. We welcome all people into church, regardless of who they are and what background they are from, hopefully portraying the love of God which is surely what Church is all about!”
