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Print magazine

Baptisms Go On Despite Pandemic

By Denise Tank, August 17, 2020

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit with full force and mandates for church closures were announced, churches across the nation closed their doors. The impact the pandemic made on evangelistic meetings that were in progress, baptisms that were scheduled, prayer meetings and many other events was devastating to so many lives as family, friends and acquaintances struggled to stay safe.

In several Alaska churches, the local church pastors and leaders forged ahead and came up with ways to continue reaching their congregation through Zoom, Facebook Live and personal phone calls. For those anxiously awaiting at home to be baptized without violating any mandates that were in place, Don Barnt, pastor, made the decision to forge ahead with several youth baptisms.

On Friday evening, July 10, 2020, six young people who had been attending the Midnight Son Church in Kenai, Alaska, were baptized after making their commitments in February, shortly before all churches were shut down.

Three siblings from one family, two from another and one young man from a third family all gave their lives over to Jesus at the church. Keeping in mind mandates for masks, social distancing and numbers that could congregate, family members and a few friends were able to attend the service. They praise God for these young people who have accepted Jesus as their Savior and committed their lives to Him. 

These new, energetic members are happily welcomed into the fellowship of the Midnight Son Church.

Image

Aiden Blair (left), Melanie Seater (back center), Eli Seater (center), Joleen Seater (front center), Matthew Loop (back right) and Jonathan Loop (front right) prepare to be baptized.

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Featured in: September/October 2020

Author

Denise Tank

Midnight Son Church head elder
Section
Alaska Conference
Tags
Church, baptism

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The Gleaner is a gathering place with news and inspiration for Seventh-day Adventist members and friends throughout the northwestern United States. It is an important communication channel for the North Pacific Union Conference — the regional church support headquarters for Adventist ministry throughout Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The original printed Gleaner was first published in 1906, and has since expanded to a full magazine with a monthly circulation of more than 40,000. Through its extended online and social media presence, the Gleaner also provides valuable content and connections for interested individuals around the world.

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