Vietnam Evangelical Covenant Church – On the evening of January 11, 2026, the January 2026 baptism service was held at the Long Biên house group. Seven new believers, who had just officially received Jesus as their Savior, stepped into the waters of baptism. It was the church’s first baptism service of 2026, a beautiful start to the new year.
See photos: all the photos of the baptism service on the church fanpage
Starting the New Year With a New Life
Just one week after the New Year worship service with its message about listening to God’s call, the church witnessed seven people answering that call. While many people enter a new year with goals for work, health or finances, these seven new believers chose to begin 2026 with a more important decision: to belong to God publicly.
A Sweet Atmosphere of Worship
The atmosphere of the service was sweet. Every song of praise rose like incense before God. Surrounded by brothers and sisters in the faith, with tearful eyes and sincere worship, the church watched each person step down into the water.
In baptism, the new believers not only testify publicly to their faith, but also affirm something profound: being united with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. The Apostle Paul describes this from his own experience:
“I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
Baptism Is the First Step, Not the Destination
The journey of faith does not stop at the moment of baptism. It is a spiritual race that requires perseverance, faithfulness and steadfast trust. New believers may face many trials: opposition from relatives, old habits that are hard to break, or moments of doubt when prayers are not answered as they hoped.
That is why the church does not see baptism as the end of caring for new believers, but as the beginning of a long journey of discipleship.
Pray for the 7 New Believers for 40 Days
The church earnestly asks God’s people to remember these seven new believers in prayer for 40 days after their baptism. Please ask God to:
- Give them new strength, fill them with the Holy Spirit and increase each one’s faith.
- Help them overcome the temptations of their early walk with Him.
- Let them live transformed, strong lives, overcoming all bitterness and strife, and following Him firmly to the end.
- Use their lives as a living testimony in the world, so that many others are led to His saving love.
How Can You Walk Alongside Them?
Besides praying, every believer can help new believers stand firm: greet them at services, invite them to a small group, share your experience of reading the Bible, or simply check in when you haven’t seen them for a while. These small things help newcomers feel that they truly belong to a family.
If you have believed in Jesus and would like to learn about baptism, please contact your house group leaders or the church office at 0942 248 688 (Zalo available). See more activities in Church News.
