Hillview church (Morisset, NSW) member Caleb Hawken celebrated his 10th birthday by being baptised at Lake Macquarie on October 23. Caleb chose this special date, telling his father, “I want to get baptised by you on my 10th birthday so I can always remember the day of my baptism.”
According to Mr Hawken, his son expressed this desire unexpectedly, “Around six months ago, Caleb and I were on the boat—heading between Summerland Point and Wyee. We had never spoken of it in any form and out of the blue, Caleb made that comment.”
The ceremony, attended by 75 people, included a prayer from Pastor Phil Bishop, Caleb’s chaplain at Toronto Adventist School, and the singing of his favourite song, 10,000 Reasons. Hillview church pastor Les Ncube performed the baptism, with Mr Hawken’s assistance.
The service ended with a prayer from Hillview associate pastor Danuta Stockwell and a celebration with Caleb’s family, friends and church members.
