September 12, 2024
The portable baptismal pool had been brought out of storage, filled with water, and placed in the sun. We were on the ballcourt at the jail, an enclosed space with wire overhead. This was our sanctuary for the afternoon. Dark clouds threatened to interrupt.
Five female inmates had asked to be baptized. Two of them newly saved and surrendering their lives to Christ. Three others had made re-commitments to Him. We had contacted the jailer and set a date. This was the day!
I had gathered baptismal robes from the church. That’s a big deal. The white robe over an inmate’s tan or orange uniforms is significant and symbolic. We weren’t sure if photos could be taken, but the white robe was sure to leave a vivid picture in all the girls’ minds.
We knew there would be five, but knowing Jesus is contagious, I had high hopes. Pretty sure others would want to make decisions, too, I took extra robes and towels.
The girls came in three groups. Some were being baptized; others had just come to witness.
My beloved gently explained the reason for baptism. He wanted them to understand why this was important. In the most tender voice, he shared the full gospel and part of his testimony. The Kleenex box was passed around.
An older lady was the first to step into the pool. Due to health issues, it took three of us to help her in and out. She closed her eyes as my beloved spoke: “It is my great privilege to baptize you, my sister Linda, in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” When she came out of the water, her squeal of delight was so loud they could hear her back in the cells. One girl sang a song after she was baptized. With a rich voice, she belted out “Come morning, I’ll walk by the river…” She knew every word.
There was such a peaceful expression on each face as they waded into the water. Angelic. They knew exactly what they were doing. And they knew the cost. They would face resistance, even persecution when they returned to their cell. But they wanted a change. They NEEDED a change. Some spoke of knowing Christ years ago. Without fail, they told that they had gotten with the wrong crowd, made bad decisions, and then ended up incarcerated.
I have never treasured my beloved more. He treated each lady with such respect and tenderness. For some, he was the first man to ever speak kindly to them. That he cared so much touched their hearts and mine.
It was hot. The dark clouds had moved on and the sun beat down. We were there, standing, for an hour and a half.
Three groups came to the ballcourt “sanctuary.” Ten ladies were baptized. It was an amazing time.
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Dawn Reed is a pastor's wife and newspaper columnist. Reach her at preacherswife7@yahoo.com.
