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Connections
Baptisms bring community together
19 May 2008
Kristin Thiele
Public relations assistant
The baptisms of Avondale College students Rhianna Mahony and Bonnie Wilson in Avondale College Seventh-day Adventist Church on Saturday (May 17) were, appropriately, community affairs. Before the baptisms, family members and friends came forward to show their support of the two primary educators.
Jared Watts, Rhianna's fiance and a primary education student, too, spoke first. Addressing Rhianna, he said, "Later this year, we are getting married. We will start our journey together. Today, you're starting your journey with Jesus."
Neville Wilson, Bonnie's grandfather, spoke of the blessing of his baptism at Avondale and how it had set him on a road following Christ. He then turned to Rhianna and Bonnie and said, "Follow the road of Christ and be blessed."
Horrie and Margaret Watts welcomed the students into the family of God. Margaret, also baptised at Avondale, reminded the students their baptisms brought them into a wider community, the family of God.
Bonnie's father then shared this message: "Well done, ladies. I know there is a wonderful life ahead for you. You'll do God proud."
The messages visibly touched Rhianna and Bonnie. After the baptisms, Bonnie tearfully gave a message of thanks. "Thank you to the people in our lives for being here. It means you're supporting me and what I believe." Rhianna echoed Bonnie's thoughts, "Thank you for being my family."
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