Back to News

In Christ You are a New Creation!

Posted on Mar 09, 2010

Submitted by Michelle McAdoo, Prison Ministry secretary

 

Then Peter said, "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." (Acts 10:47)

Surely this is one of the most joyful moments a Christian can experience when a fellow believer claims his faith to others by following Jesus' example in baptism---outwardly proclaiming their belief in Jesus as their Savior.

 

Several members of the Arden church's prison ministry team had such an honor on October 30, 2009 at Craggy Correctional Facility in Buncombe County, North Carolina. Tommy Ware and John Burney, who had been attending the Friday morning Bible study with volunteers from Arden church, expressed their desire to be baptized to teal leader Jim Wetmore. Following discussion with Arden's pastor Jim Hakes, details and logistics were worked out with the prison staff, and the two were baptized in a portable baptismal, just large enough to accommodate the inmate. Along with the prison ministry volunteers, other witnesses included fellow-attendees from the Bible study and workers from the Chaplain's office.

 

In contrast to the setting of institutional buildings, where wire and fencing bring a somber reminder of the realities of prison life, were the faces full of peace that emerged from the water. All were humbled and elated by the testimony witnessed that day. Such a joyous occasion provides a moment of warm reflection for believers who are willing to reach out to those in need as an example of Christian love.

 

Tommy Ware (front center) and John Burney (front right). There are pictured with prison ministry leaders and other inmates.