29 Jul 2025, 09:18Dr Patrick Herbert
Young Men stand Tall for Jesus
St Michael’s Church in Stoke-on-Trent was filled to capacity as family and friends gathered to support three young men who were about to take the celebratory walk through the waters of baptism.
Leon Chanengeta, Daniel Edwards, and Delvin Muzuva made the congregation smile as they responded to the baptismal vows with a deep, resonant chorus of “I do,” as Elder Haroon Khan solemnly led them through each of the Seventh-day Adventist beliefs.
Although Pastor Carlton Douglas serves as the presiding pastor of the Stoke district, this service drew significant ministerial interest. Each candidate chose a different pastor to baptise them, and in attendance were five other Seventh-day Adventist pastors, three non-Adventist pastors, and numerous elders from across the UK.
Before the local pastor’s baptismal sermon, Hannah Khan led the congregation in singing When Death Was Arrested; a song reflecting themes of redemption, salvation, and Christ’s victory over death.
The sheer number of attendees required an unusual measure. Pastor Douglas devised a plan so each candidate’s family and friends could witness the moment in the baptismal pool. Groups took turns entering the hall at the appointed time, ensuring no one missed the joyous occasion.
The first to be baptised was Leon Chanengeta, grandson of Pastor Geoff Smith. The congregation learned that Leon is a fifth-generation Adventist with a strong interest in Pathfinders.
Daniel Edwards was introduced by Dr Patrick Herbert, a close family friend. Pastor Herbert shared that Daniel, even as a child, carefully watched his sermons on YouTube and developed a passion for preaching. Despite his youth, Daniel has already been preaching in Pastor Herbert’s churches for several years.
Delvin Muzuva was introduced by Pastor Ian Philpott, Prison Ministries and Stewardship Director for the North England Conference, who studied with Delvin some years ago. Pastor Philpott was overjoyed to be asked to baptise him.
The excitement of the day was shared by many guests, including 13 teenage boys and two girls from Daniel’s class at Haberdashers’ Adams Grammar School in Newport. Their attendance brought an extra special touch to the occasion, and Pastor Herbert personally thanked them for coming.
For the parents of Leon, Daniel, and Delvin, the day was filled with joy as they watched their sons take a stand for Jesus Christ.
We pray these young men will continue to grow in faith and serve as witnesses for Christ as they continue their Christian journey.
St Michael’s Church in Stoke-on-Trent was filled to capacity as family and friends gathered to support three young men who were about to take the celebratory walk through the waters of baptism.
Leon Chanengeta, Daniel Edwards, and Delvin Muzuva made the congregation smile as they responded to the baptismal vows with a deep, resonant chorus of “I do,” as Elder Haroon Khan solemnly led them through each of the Seventh-day Adventist beliefs.
Although Pastor Carlton Douglas serves as the presiding pastor of the Stoke district, this service drew significant ministerial interest. Each candidate chose a different pastor to baptise them, and in attendance were five other Seventh-day Adventist pastors, three non-Adventist pastors, and numerous elders from across the UK.
Before the local pastor’s baptismal sermon, Hannah Khan led the congregation in singing When Death Was Arrested; a song reflecting themes of redemption, salvation, and Christ’s victory over death.
The sheer number of attendees required an unusual measure. Pastor Douglas devised a plan so each candidate’s family and friends could witness the moment in the baptismal pool. Groups took turns entering the hall at the appointed time, ensuring no one missed the joyous occasion.
The first to be baptised was Leon Chanengeta, grandson of Pastor Geoff Smith. The congregation learned that Leon is a fifth-generation Adventist with a strong interest in Pathfinders.
Daniel Edwards was introduced by Dr Patrick Herbert, a close family friend. Pastor Herbert shared that Daniel, even as a child, carefully watched his sermons on YouTube and developed a passion for preaching. Despite his youth, Daniel has already been preaching in Pastor Herbert’s churches for several years.
Delvin Muzuva was introduced by Pastor Ian Philpott, Prison Ministries and Stewardship Director for the North England Conference, who studied with Delvin some years ago. Pastor Philpott was overjoyed to be asked to baptise him.
The excitement of the day was shared by many guests, including 13 teenage boys and two girls from Daniel’s class at Haberdashers’ Adams Grammar School in Newport. Their attendance brought an extra special touch to the occasion, and Pastor Herbert personally thanked them for coming.
For the parents of Leon, Daniel, and Delvin, the day was filled with joy as they watched their sons take a stand for Jesus Christ.
We pray these young men will continue to grow in faith and serve as witnesses for Christ as they continue their Christian journey.
