Bike Ride to Baptism
Ahmad* rode his bike as quickly as he could. He had a long way to go. The
International Church in Europe was holding a baptismal service, but it was
100 kilometers (about 62 miles) away!
Some time ago, Ahmad had been attending services at the International
Church. A friend named Mulla* had tried to reach out to him. But Ahmad
was very angry to see Muslims accepting Christ into their lives. He would not listen to Mulla.
Then Ahmad was transferred by the government to a new area. He now lived
100 kilometers from the International Church and no longer went to the
services. His friend Mulla lost contact after Ahmad moved so far away.
One week before the baptismal service, Ahmad renewed his contact with the
church. He told the people that he had been doing a lot of thinking. He realized
he needed to accept Christ into his life.
Ahmad agreed to come to the baptismal service that Sunday. Mulla kept
watching for Ahmad, but Ahmad did not show up. Twenty-one people from
seven different nations were baptized during the service. All the new converts
shared how they came to know Christ as their personal Savior and Lord. But
Ahmad was not there.
Two hours later, another eleven people from former Soviet Republics came to be baptized in water. Still Ahmad did not come. Soon the baptisms were over and the water was drained from the baptismal tank. The people began to hold a picnic.
During the picnic, Ahmad finally arrived on his bicycle. He explained to the people that his transportation did not work out, so he decided to ride his bicycle the 100 kilometers to church.
Since it was so late and the tank was already drained, the people decided to fill
a small children’s wading pool with water. Ahmad was baptized! The people
stood around and sang, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.” There was great joy
in the hearts of all who witnessed the baptism of this one who had made a
tremendous commitment to Christ.
Ahmad was a new person. From now on, his life would be filled with hope and
joy.
*Names have been changed.
Information for this story came from www.eyeoneurope.org and is used with
permission from Assemblies of God World Missions.
©2006 The General Council of the Assemblies of God. All rights reserved. Permission granted to reproduce and adapt lesson components for exclusive use in the local church. Any other use requires written permission.
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