New beginnings and second chances

On Sabbath 26 April 2025, the Grantham and Newark churches joined together to celebrate the baptisms of Abigail Sammy, Evie Shaw, and Senijieli Natale Vuadreu.

The former and current pastors of Grantham and Newark churches each played their part in the preparation of the candidates as well as in their baptismal service. Abigail and Evie, keen Pathfinders and good friends,were baptised by Pastor Solon Kyriacou, with whom they had studied. Dressed in their Pathfinders’ uniforms and walking to the baptistry through the Pathfinders’ guard of honour, they reminded those who were present that it does take a village to bring young people to Christ – the love of their church family, the support of the Pathfinders’ Club, and the work of their pastors.

Senijieli shared his testimony of growing up in an Adventist family in Fiji, serving in the army, and sadly going away from the Lord. In his testimony, Senijieli expressed his gratitude to God for giving him a second chance to turn his life around and to have an opportunity to inspire his daughters to accept Jesus as their Saviour too. Every Sabbath, Senijieli faithfully drives the long journey from Manchester to pick up his daughters and take them to church in Grantham in time for the morning worship service. He studied the Bible with Pastor John Ferguson, who joined him in the baptistry, where he was baptised by Pastor David Rancic.

Pastors George Kumi and Steven George took part in the service and were there to support the candidates. Pastor Kumi welcomed Abigail and Evie into the membership of Newark Church, while Pastor Rancic did the same with Senijieli. After the service, everyone was invited to stay for refreshments. Photos, laughter and fellowship stretched well into the sunny evening.

Abigail, Evie and Senijieli, may your faith grow ever stronger until our Lord’s return.