Six baptisms at North Swindon Baptist Church (NSBC) in December, led to a reflection on the past few years of God’s work there.
Planted out of Swindon Evangelical Church in what proved to be an excellent partnership with The Association of Baptists for World Evangelism around 15 years ago, the first pastor came in 2009.
In the early years, God really grew NSBC with 35 baptisms and many professions of faith. Because of his gracious work they outgrew the school in which they met and so, prayerfully, 30 of the congregation were sent out to plant Cornerstone Church as a congregation of North Swindon Baptist.
There were no more baptisms for more than two years, membership started to decrease (having lost more than ten members in two years for various reasons), and, most painfully, very few came to faith from the community. The church began to feel discouraged at times.
God taught NSBC that he had been quietly working during this period and that Jesus continues to build his church.
The six baptised all have different lives, but one precious Saviour and all are growing in him.
Shayne and Lisa, a couple who joined NSBC recently, shared how through the trials of Shayne’s poor health God had made himself very real to them. Harry and Eloise both shared how Christ had saved them in their early years and now they desire as teens to live for him. Harry and Eloise’s step of obedience into baptism was an example of how God has been at work even when it felt as if the church was in a lull.
The Lord drew her near
Josiah, a teen who has Downs Syndrome, loves Jesus and clearly spoke of his faith in him*.
Finally, Hayley, who a year or so ago was suffering from severe mental health struggles, shared how the Lord had drawn her near to himself. Now she is not only healing well over time, but also has a fervent desire to share him with others.
The week leading up to the baptisms had some real challenges for some – but courage and faith were given by the Holy Spirit and each one went through the waters of baptism. What an awesome Saviour we have – all glory to him!
* Watch his testimony here
