28 May 2026, 14:11Marie Lee
A Joyful Call to Baptism
On the 9th of May, all in attendance at Handsworth Seventh-day Adventist Church witnessed more than a baptism service - we witnessed two precious souls answering the call of God.
On this blessed Sabbath, Sister Rosemarie De’Niro Francis and Sister Tennice Antoinette Misheboo Wright stood before the church as living testimonies of God’s grace. They came not in perfection, but in surrender. They came acknowledging that nothing in this world can truly give the peace that only Christ can offer.
As they stood accepting the core beliefs of the church and publicly declaring their faith, it felt as though heaven itself was rejoicing, saying, “Welcome home, My children, welcome home.”
This was not simply a gathering; it was a sacred moment - a spiritual rebirth and a heavenly celebration. A holy union where these precious souls stood before heaven and earth and declared, “I no longer belong to the old life. I choose God my Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
Oh, how heaven rejoiced! Oh, how hearts that know Christ celebrated in awe!
Welcome to the fold of grace!
There is something deeply personal about baptism. It stirs the heart and awakens something deeper within the soul - a quiet yearning, a hunger that nothing in this world can satisfy.
It is the soul searching for peace. It is the human spirit longing to reconnect with our Divine Creator. It is God, through the Holy Spirit, gently calling His children home.
Many of us know that feeling - the moment when the things of this world no longer bring joy, when the complexities of life become too heavy, and the heart begins to yearn for something deeper.
Real transformation. Real peace. Real deliverance.
During the baptismal ceremony, Pastor Liburd’s sermon brought us back to the rich ruler, Nicodemus, as he reflected on the question asked, “Can a man be born again by entering his mother’s womb a second time?”
But Jesus answered in John 3:3:
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
These words are not merely instruction, but an invitation - to leave behind the old life of sin and step into a new life with Christ.
Ready to leave the complexities that rob our souls of perfect peace - pride, fear, shame, bitterness, and the heavy burdens of the past.
Now, ready to take on the mantle of Christ.
John 3:5 reminds us:
“Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
Baptism is not just a watery rebirth, but it is entwined with acceptance, immersion, and allowing the Holy Spirit to enter and transform the heart.
Without the Holy Spirit, true change cannot take place. We may try to fix our brokenness, but real freedom begins when we experience God even in our struggles and allow Him to renew us from within.
That sweet renewal transforms the body, mind, and spirit. When the Holy Spirit truly fills a person, everything begins to change.
During the service, Pastor Liburd reflected on the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
These are the marks of a life touched by God.
They cannot be bought, performed, or pretended. They grow only when the Holy Spirit truly lives within us.
Faith was beautifully described like sitting on an airplane and trusting the pilot, though you have never seen him before.
In the same way, we trust God.
We may not see His hands, but we know He is carrying us.
Faith is walking forward even when the full path is hidden.
Meekness was also powerfully explained - not weakness, but strength under control.
Choosing peace when you have every reason to fight. Choosing grace when pride wants to rise. Choosing Christ over self.
It was especially touching to hear the personal scriptures and hymns chosen by the candidates, reflections of their own faith journey and their walk with God.
Sister Rosemarie De’Niro Francis stood on the promise of Psalm 18, a beautiful reminder that the Lord is our rock, fortress, and deliverer. Her chosen hymn, “Trust and Obey,” reflected the very step of faith she was taking.
Sister Tennice Antoinette Misheboo Wright held close the words of Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God…”- a verse that speaks of surrender, trust, and placing God first above all else. Her chosen hymn, “Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine,” echoed the confidence and peace found only in Christ.
For anyone reading this who feels that quiet pull toward baptism, know this:
That yearning is not accidental. God is calling you.
The heart recognises its Creator, and when the Holy Spirit begins to stir within the soul, it is not something to ignore.
It is for the soul searching for peace.
It is for those who have fallen, but are willing to rise again.
As Proverbs 24:16 says:
“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.”
God is not asking for perfection. He is asking for surrender.
Matthew 28:20 reminds us of His promise:
“Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”
And Isaiah 41:10 declares:
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee… I will strengthen thee.”
What a comfort to know that when we choose Him, we do not walk alone.
If you are reading this now, this is your moment.
Your call. Your invitation.
The Shepherd is still calling.
Come home.
On the 9th of May, all in attendance at Handsworth Seventh-day Adventist Church witnessed more than a baptism service - we witnessed two precious souls answering the call of God.
On this blessed Sabbath, Sister Rosemarie De’Niro Francis and Sister Tennice Antoinette Misheboo Wright stood before the church as living testimonies of God’s grace. They came not in perfection, but in surrender. They came acknowledging that nothing in this world can truly give the peace that only Christ can offer.
As they stood accepting the core beliefs of the church and publicly declaring their faith, it felt as though heaven itself was rejoicing, saying, “Welcome home, My children, welcome home.”
This was not simply a gathering; it was a sacred moment - a spiritual rebirth and a heavenly celebration. A holy union where these precious souls stood before heaven and earth and declared, “I no longer belong to the old life. I choose God my Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
Oh, how heaven rejoiced! Oh, how hearts that know Christ celebrated in awe!
Welcome to the fold of grace!
There is something deeply personal about baptism. It stirs the heart and awakens something deeper within the soul - a quiet yearning, a hunger that nothing in this world can satisfy.
It is the soul searching for peace. It is the human spirit longing to reconnect with our Divine Creator. It is God, through the Holy Spirit, gently calling His children home.
Many of us know that feeling - the moment when the things of this world no longer bring joy, when the complexities of life become too heavy, and the heart begins to yearn for something deeper.
Real transformation. Real peace. Real deliverance.
During the baptismal ceremony, Pastor Liburd’s sermon brought us back to the rich ruler, Nicodemus, as he reflected on the question asked, “Can a man be born again by entering his mother’s womb a second time?”
But Jesus answered in John 3:3:
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
These words are not merely instruction, but an invitation - to leave behind the old life of sin and step into a new life with Christ.
Ready to leave the complexities that rob our souls of perfect peace - pride, fear, shame, bitterness, and the heavy burdens of the past.
Now, ready to take on the mantle of Christ.
John 3:5 reminds us:
“Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
Baptism is not just a watery rebirth, but it is entwined with acceptance, immersion, and allowing the Holy Spirit to enter and transform the heart.
Without the Holy Spirit, true change cannot take place. We may try to fix our brokenness, but real freedom begins when we experience God even in our struggles and allow Him to renew us from within.
That sweet renewal transforms the body, mind, and spirit. When the Holy Spirit truly fills a person, everything begins to change.
During the service, Pastor Liburd reflected on the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
These are the marks of a life touched by God.
They cannot be bought, performed, or pretended. They grow only when the Holy Spirit truly lives within us.
Faith was beautifully described like sitting on an airplane and trusting the pilot, though you have never seen him before.
In the same way, we trust God.
We may not see His hands, but we know He is carrying us.
Faith is walking forward even when the full path is hidden.
Meekness was also powerfully explained - not weakness, but strength under control.
Choosing peace when you have every reason to fight. Choosing grace when pride wants to rise. Choosing Christ over self.
It was especially touching to hear the personal scriptures and hymns chosen by the candidates, reflections of their own faith journey and their walk with God.
Sister Rosemarie De’Niro Francis stood on the promise of Psalm 18, a beautiful reminder that the Lord is our rock, fortress, and deliverer. Her chosen hymn, “Trust and Obey,” reflected the very step of faith she was taking.
Sister Tennice Antoinette Misheboo Wright held close the words of Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God…”- a verse that speaks of surrender, trust, and placing God first above all else. Her chosen hymn, “Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine,” echoed the confidence and peace found only in Christ.
For anyone reading this who feels that quiet pull toward baptism, know this:
That yearning is not accidental. God is calling you.
The heart recognises its Creator, and when the Holy Spirit begins to stir within the soul, it is not something to ignore.
It is for the soul searching for peace.
It is for those who have fallen, but are willing to rise again.
As Proverbs 24:16 says:
“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.”
God is not asking for perfection. He is asking for surrender.
Matthew 28:20 reminds us of His promise:
“Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”
And Isaiah 41:10 declares:
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee… I will strengthen thee.”
What a comfort to know that when we choose Him, we do not walk alone.
If you are reading this now, this is your moment.
Your call. Your invitation.
The Shepherd is still calling.
Come home.
