Baptisms Forbidden! – by Eliezer Gonzalez
Sep 9, 2015 1750
Pr David Kayumba ready to start baptising!
When we were in Brussels during our 2015 mission trip to Europe, we found that baptisms were effectively prohibited in the city. After our programme, there were precious people who had decided to give their lives to Christ. We had two options: either drive an hour to the seashore at Ostend, or use a public swimming pool, or a hotel with a pool.
I wasn’t that keen about Ostend, since I had baptised there before, and it was not for the faint-hearted. The cold waters there were enough to get anyone thinking about eternity!
Pastor David and Brother Sammy diligently set about the task of finding a pool in the city, and within a short time-frame. But they had no idea just what a monumental task that would be!
First they tried the public swimming pools. But everyone they talked to said the same thing– that they did not allow baptisms in their pools. Pr David even offered to hire the pool out for the whole day. But still they said refused – on principle. They received the same response at the hotels. Finally we had a joyful baptism in a spa centre that had a pool.
I don’t know what it is. Is it atheism? Fear of offending other religions? Whatever it is, Europe is becoming in many ways not only a difficult place for evangelism, but a place that is becoming hostile to Christianity. And this is not a good move for European civilisation, since it was built on the pillars of Christian values.
When we see the faithlessness of the world around us, that is a trumpet call for us to remain faithful to Christ and to his gospel. Sadly, his words ring more and more true with each passing day:
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved – Matt 24:12–13.
– Eliezer Gonzalez
Julius
Sep 29, 2015
Well, I do not think Europe was built on foundations of Christian Values as the Article writer suggested; I do not intend to criticize the article or the author but.... It is a very good piece of writing that confirms what I always think of Europeans (not racist) but challenging their moral standing when it comes to: (They brought us the good news about Jesus Christ) To Africa and the rest of the World for a good reason? Oh no! They used it for solely colonial purposes, period. However, since God is all powerful and as more wise than any humans/creature; the colonial aim was a coincidence so that the Gospel spreads throughout the Universe. Jesus Christ was real, is real and will still be! God is therefore undoubtedly omnipresent and is he unquestionable. The only Problem I personally have with the first (colonial Missionaries) is: They corrupted the true image of Christ. Born in Africa, of African Lady Mariam (Mary) and African Ancestry like Abraham, Jacob (Israel) and such; they blinded us and brought a white Christ, white Hebrews? Where on Earth have anyone heard of Historical white Hebrews? So what was Europe's intention when they intentionally changed the Image of God the Son (Christ) from Black to White and made the black image resemble Lucifer? Lucifer never had a human/physical form. Jesus Christ as humble and loving as he is; had one from Africa. "I want to call a spade a spade, not a big spoon at any given time" There is so much yet untold nor done. I hereby request to humbly present; apologies for any oversight if any. All is well with my soul, not harm intended.
Kayumba David
Sep 24, 2015
The post modern man and woman in Europe does not not want to be interrupted by the spiritual. They have done a lot to keep God out of their lives and so they rather not see or allow further interruptions - it disturbs their sleeping conscious. But God will keep on interrupting Europe until He can do no more.
Eliezer Gonzalez
Sep 29, 2015
Thank you Julius. I appreciate all that you have written and largely agree with you in all you have written. European colonialism and its presentation of Christianity (even today) has a lot to answer for. However, the point on which I would disagree with you is that I would very strongly assert that western civilisation was most certainly based on Christian values. That it has not lived up to those values and fallen short so many times and in so many horrific ways is another matter. When you look at the best of it, that is where you see it. The worst is a reflection of the corruption of sin. Just like any life, I guess. Be blessed Julius!