On the journey to Newmarket on Fergus SDA Church, in Co. Clare, on Sabbath November 12th the trees showed off an array of Autumn Colours, which reminded me of the opening lines of a poem written by my mother when 90 years old.
The leaves are gently falling
I watch them one by one
They start with a little flutter
‘Till every leaf is gone
The days are getting shorter
And the trees must now prepare
To face the Chill of Winter
When all its boughs are bare
The signs of Winter may be with us in nature, but inside the church it was the story of new beginnings. On that special Sabbath four third level students gave their hearts to Jesus in Baptism and another lady was rebaptised. Sisters Erika and Elva Hakizimana along with Angelina Kurnala and Thande Dube are all gifted singers as is Selena Boateng who requested rebaptism.
These young students have studied all through Summer and Autumn with Sinead Galvin, Pastor Tony O’Rourke and Youth Leader Omari Norman.
The students desired to be baptised prior to the Communion Service so that they could participate in the service as voted in members of the Newmarket Church.
For me the most striking moments were when each girl came out of the Baptismal Pool and their mothers embracing them, clinging to each other knowing this was the most important day of their lives.
The Church members also celebrated as they have nurtured and supported the girls since a young age and all promised to continue this support in the months and years to come.
“ Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” Proverbs 22:6.
Mol an Oige agus tiocfaidh si ( Praise the young and they will flourish) An Old Gaelic piece of Wisdom.
Submitted by Betty O’Rourke
