All Nations Theological College and Seminary (ANTS) community gathered on Saturday for a memorable baptism service as Yien Leek Machar James publicly declared his faith in Christ and was baptised at Ben’s Beach, Mukuba Landing Site, Bwerenga.
The baptism followed a period of teaching and spiritual preparation, culminating in a journey that began at the ANTS campus and led the community to the shores of Lake Victoria.
From ANTS to the Waters of Baptism
The day began at the ANTS campus, where the Principal, Rev. Victor Wafula Jung, led students, staff, and members of the ANTS community in a procession to the baptism site.
As the community journeyed from the campus to Bwerenga, the cross became a powerful symbol throughout the procession. Students and staff members carried the cross in turns, reflecting the call of Christ to faithfully follow Him and to remain unashamed of the cross.
The procession became more than a physical journey. It was a public expression of faith and discipleship—a reminder that following Christ involves carrying the cross and walking with Him.
At Ben’s Beach, Mukuba Landing Site, the ANTS community gathered for worship, the reading of Scripture, preaching, and the administration of baptism.
“From the Old Life to New Life in Christ”
During the reading of the Word, Rev. Victor Wafula Jung read from 1 Corinthians 10:2, drawing attention to the experience of the Israelites who were baptised into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.
Reflecting on the passage, Rev. Victor reminded the congregation that baptism signifies belonging to Jesus Christ. He connected the experience of the Israelites, who escaped Egypt and journeyed toward the Promised Land, with the believer's spiritual journey.
Just as the Israelites left Egypt behind and journeyed toward Canaan, believers are called through Christ to leave behind the old life and embrace new life in Christ.
The message gave deeper meaning to the baptism taking place before the congregation: it was not simply an outward ceremony, but a public declaration of identification with Christ and a commitment to walk in the newness of life He gives.
A Confession of Faith and Gratitude
Following his baptism, Yien Leek Machar James shared his testimony, reflecting on the journey that had led him to this significant moment.
He spoke with gratitude about the joy and peace he experienced throughout the preparation for baptism, particularly through the love shown to him by the ANTS community. He said the way people supported him and demonstrated love throughout the journey helped him realise how deeply he was cared for.
For Yien, the experience went beyond the baptism itself. He expressed his joy in knowing that through Christ, his sins are forgiven and that he now belongs to the family of God.
Looking ahead, he said the experience had reminded him that he would no longer live simply for himself, but for Christ.
“The journey taught me love.”
Reflecting on the procession from ANTS to the baptism site, Yien spoke about the significance of seeing students and staff members leave behind whatever they were doing to accompany him throughout the journey. Their willingness to walk with him became, for him, a practical demonstration of Christian love and fellowship.
He also reflected on Romans 6:3, pointing to the believer's identification with Christ through baptism and the significance of being united with Him.
Yien encouraged others to embrace baptism as an important step of faith and called upon fellow ministers to encourage and facilitate baptism within their ministries, so that believers may receive and participate in this sacrament.
Baptised in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
The baptism was administered by Rev. Victor Wafula Jung, Principal of ANTS, together with Pastor Benson Munene, Dean of Students.
Standing in the waters of Lake Victoria, they baptised Yien Leek Machar James in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, before the congregation welcomed him with joyful praise and celebration.
The moment marked the culmination of the candidate's preparation and teaching, bringing together the lessons of faith, discipleship, Scripture, and commitment that had preceded the baptism.
The congregation celebrated through singing, prayer, and fellowship, sharing in the joy of witnessing a public declaration of faith.
A Journey of Love, Faith and Discipleship
For the ANTS community, the baptism was both a celebration and a reminder of its calling to make disciples of all nations.
From the teaching and preparation during the week, to the procession carrying the cross, and finally to the waters of baptism, the day's events presented a picture of Christian discipleship: learning the Word, following Christ, carrying the cross, and living a new life in Him.
Yien's testimony also highlighted another dimension of discipleship—the importance of walking together. The love he experienced from the ANTS community became part of his baptism journey, demonstrating how the Christian community can encourage and accompany one another in faith.
As the ANTS community continues its mission of making disciples of all nations, the baptism served as a powerful reminder that theological formation is ultimately directed toward lives transformed by the Gospel and committed to following Christ.
“Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?” — Romans 6:3
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