Chapter Fifty Four - "Belonging to the Lord"

Sunday, 13^th March 2016 was a packed day. For a start, I was in the morning worship band on bass – something that I’ve come to love, although I am keenly aware that I need to pray against pride in this area. The band had been subject to another reshuffle lately, so the frequency with which I find myself playing tends to vary. As such, I remain flexible and willing, and am continually grateful that I still haven’t had to work on Sundays – God remains good to me!

After a very powerful sermon on Revelation 8 and 9, highlighting the shocking fallenness and utter confusion seen in our world today, our homegroup was hosting the church lunch. As I supplied drinks, I arrived slightly later, unintentionally avoiding much of the preparations. Even so, it was a joy to serve in any way I could.

By half past two, I realised I had to make tracks. I was leaving for Ilford (via Barking) shortly after three, as I had given my word to Jess, one of my radiography students, that I would join her to celebrate her baptism – despite her church being over in North London, at the other extent of the District Line! As I had been reminded recently, through my reminiscences in my old school leavers’ book, I was hailed as a man of integrity – and I wanted to hold true to that impression.

The tube journey seemed interminable, and I couldn’t help wishing that things could have been slightly nearer. Still, I was excited to see Jess again and celebrate with her, being reminded that ultimately, locations aside, she and I were members of the same family – part of God’s people. What a joy!

On leaving the train at Barking, and very aware of being in unknown territory, I caught the bus to Ilford, relying on the directions on my phone for comfort. Although the bus dropped me at the stop I expected, I found myself very near to the main road. Due to the lack of pavement from this point onwards, I was at a loss as to how to follow TfL’s subsequent instructions; so near and yet so far!

As I made my way back to the bus stop to rethink, I saw a girl walking in the other direction. As she was facing away from me, I called for help. No answer. I called louder. Still no answer, and she was still walking away from me! Jogging to overtake her, I discovered she had earphones in, so waving my arms somewhat, and fixing my gaze to get her attention, I again asked for her assistance. Success! I explained my predicament, and that I was like a fish out of water, and she reassured me that she’d lived in the area for nine years and knew where I was headed. We confidently walked down a footpath to an underpass, before she checked my phone and turned around and walked me back in the opposite direction. We eventually came to a Baptist church, and I suggested calling Jess to check whether this was the right place, while the girl (Kay, her name was) offered to wait while I confirmed things. I discovered from Jess that it wasn’t the right place, and that I would need to continue onto the high street and keep walking until I reached a roundabout – there I would find the church. Now feeling confident about my directions, I thanked Kay and we parted. As I was walking along, finally at ease, an oncoming car pulled up by the kerb, and the window came down. Jess leaned out and asked me to hop in. We then proceeded back to the church I’d just left. Jess was in the back of the car with her friend, Millie, while Millie’s mum was driving. I was grateful for the lift – all of 300 yards. The confusion over the location was due to Jess’s regular church venue being refurbished, so this was a temporary alternative, evidently still somewhat unfamiliar.

On entering, Jess disappeared and I sat with Millie and we chatted about life, and our various experiences with our university Christian Unions. Before long, the service started and we were singing and hearing the testimonies of the baptismal candidates – all eleven of them. And Jess was up first. Despite being nervous, she shared her brief testimony clearly and without stumbling over her words. I knew then that she was serious about this decision and I was overjoyed to welcome another sister into God’s family. I gave my strong and heartfelt applause. The testimonies that followed were equally moving, with each person bringing out something of their own personality (one even wrote his story as a poem). Some testimonies were incredibly personal and brutally honest, only adding to the sincerity of the decision being made. The main talk was on the subject of relationships and commitment to Jesus, pleading for those who didn’t know God personally to come and find him before it was too late. As the baptisms followed, Jess’s verse of scripture was Philippians 4v6-7, one of the verses I had texted her for encouragement the previous night – clearly meant from God.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4v6-7)

After the service I was able to give Jess my card and gift – a plaque with a verse on it (Jeremiah 29v11). I shared some insight from my own baptism and offered some words of encouragement, before she introduced me to her pastor (a fellow bassist) and some more of her friends. They implored me to come back again, and I smiled and nodded, realising that the distance and other commitments may hinder such a visit. However, the future is in God’s hands and he’ll provide the opportunity if it’s right to return.

I caught the return train thinking how God had blessed me yet again in my circumstances. If I hadn’t been working in East London at this exact time, I may never have met Jess, and this occasion would never have been shared. Another ‘God-incident’ as Jess would say, and a demonstration of God’s kindness to me. Truly a day of blessing to encourage me in my faith, before the return to the daily routine.

Well done Jess, my sister; welcome to the family!