Baptism in Brighton

My second time to Brighton beach last Saturday, and this time I finally made it for Hillsong's Baptism at Brighton beach event which takes place every summer. A few of us from connect group met at London Bridge station and took the hour long journey train to Brighton. Guys from church in bright blue shirts were at the station to make sure nobody got lost which was really nice.

Just arrived and making ourselves comfortable

The leaders gathering

While the rest of us wait

It was a bright and sunny day, perfect day for the beach. Richard and Scott from my connect group signed up to get baptised and so we were there to lend some moral support. Not that they needed any moral support but it was nice to have friends around witnessing this unforgettable day in your Christian life. It was a good turnout and really encouraging to see so many people getting baptised, and I have to make a special mention that the water was really cold! I was tasked to take some photos of Richard getting baptised and when my legs went into the water, brrrr...!

While waiting. Karlin and Phillipa..

...and me!

Gathering to listen to what's gonna happen

I trust it was a very special day for those who got baptised. Watching how the leaders in the water prayed and baptised them... watching how friends cheered for them, and when they came out of the water, friends clapping and congratulating them, and a church leader walking up to present them a certificate of baptism from church. At one moment, my eyes were fixed on Terri and Dez, who were with this guy in the water, and seeing them pray for him and baptising him I just felt this warm fuzzy feeling in my heart, something that went a quiet "wow" inside. Special day indeed, and I was glad to be part of it.

Richard waiting for his turn before getting baptised by Grant and Nixon

It didn't take too long and when it ended, people just hanged around chilling out by the beach. We had fish n chips, ice cream, the usual... and enjoyed the sunshine while it lasted.

Look at how crowded the beach was on a sunny day like this

Many of the locals were pretty sure this is almost the end of summer now. Oh no... so soon?!