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On May 24, 2024, the Ecclesiastical District of Hawaii Pacific held a simultaneous baptism on the islands of Oahu, Maui, and Big Island. Would-be members, along with brethren, flocked to the houses of worship of the Local Congregations of Waipahu, Wailuku, and Keaau for the said gathering.
Brother Gem Baitan, the district supervising minister, officiated the holy gathering. Citing verses in the Bible, he taught the candidates for baptism that they are blessed as they are to receive the true baptism. He reminded them to hold on to their divine calling or membership. The “Lord Jesus Christ promised that those who remain faithful until the end will receive salvation,” he said.
A newly baptized, Soseiki Higuchi from the Local Congregation of Kaneohe, feels relief. He said, “Going through all the hardships, and finishing Bible studies is like reaching a milestone in life. I feel contented that my sins have all been forgiven, and my life is now new. Thanks to our Almighty God.”
Jerry Ruiz, also newly baptized from the Local Congregation of Kapolei, said in an interview, “Other religions give self-interpretations in the Bible but the Church Of Christ highlights only what the Bible teaches. I am so thankful that now I am a Church member. I have now the right to serve the one true and living God,” he said.
After the baptism, the newly baptized members, together with the brethren who became instrumental in their conversion, attended a short program.
“I am happy and I feel good,” said the newly baptized Christian Navarro, from the Local Congregation of Wahiawa. He remembers when he started listening last year in August, “Being in the military where I come up, I have a lot of missions and tasks but I was still able to continue my journey until I receive the baptism.” — With reports from Brian Aniciete of INC News Section
