Nov. 19, 2016, the Sabbath before Thanksgiving, was a day the Bethel Adventist Company had much to give God thanks for. One of our local high school teachers, Aiden Keller, and his fiancée, Deonna Graham, made the decision to demonstrate the committing of their lives to the Lord and His ministry through baptism. But this baptismal ceremony was not an ordinary one because it was done at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Regional Aquatic Health and Safety Center. It was not only a public demonstration but an act of ministry to the Bethel community.
A few months ago, Keller, previously a teacher in Hong Kong, and Graham moved to Bethel. They expressed their desire to be members of the church. Consequently, they were engaged in Bible studies in preparation for their baptisms. As there is no baptistery at our church, we started arrangements for the baptism to take place at the Anchorage Korean Adventist Church. Because of financial challenges, plans were changed, and God opened another door so the baptism could be done at our local public pool.
On the Sabbath of the baptism, God led a number of visitors to church, all of whom needed transportation to witness the baptism. With the church van and two other personal vehicles making several trips, all were transported to the pool. Once everyone was settled, songs, Scripture, and the bold declaration of Keller and Graham responding to their baptismal vows was heard. The swimmers stopped swimming and joined the members and visitors to witness Keller and Graham being immersed and coming out of the water with their faces glowing, expressing new life in Christ. God’s presence was felt all through the fitness center.
Our newly baptized members have joined the force to be witnesses of the hope we have in Christ. Keller is assisting in the newly formed Pathfinder club. As Keller and Graham plan to be married in June 2017, please keep them in prayer. Please also pray for our Bethel Church as we continue to minister to our community. There are many challenges here, but we thank God for the opportunity to serve.
