Page 89 - Unseen Hands by Nona Freeman
P. 89
Baptism in the Name
Kenneth Wendell, hoping the baptism of Tekle and Erkenesh in the name of Jesus would open the doors of the Full Gospel Believers to the truth, sent word of the event to those he had met. Besides the Wendells' chil dren—Mark, Angela, Jeanie, and Chester (Chet)—a large number of Tekle's friends gathered on the bank of the Akaki River on October 14, 1969. Just before entering the water, Tekle read John 8:31-32, and declared boldly, "Baptism in the name of Jesus is the true baptism and will set me free. This is God's glorious liberty."
After Brother Wendell baptized them, Tekle and Erkenesh fell on the sand in their wet clothes to pray. They fully expected to weep and groan in the Spirit as they formerly did in prayer; instead, a spirit of rejoicing came from the depths of their souls and a litany of praise poured from their lips.
Erkenesh wondered aloud to Sister Wendell, "Is it right to feel so happy and free? What has happened to the burdened, grieving kind of prayer that I usually pray?"
"Y ou have been baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of yoim sins. They are forever gone and you are free," Sister Wendell replied. "Rejoice!"
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