By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer
EUNICE – Judy Ryder was held captive by a fear of swimming since childhood, but God used a recent baptism at Acadian Baptist Center’s pool in Eunice to help the amputee break through this stronghold.
With assistance from four men at North Eunice Baptist Church, Ryder was lifted onto a chair and into the pool to stir the baptistery waters Sept. 9.
“It was difficult at first, but once I got into the water, the fear was gone because God was with me,” said Ryder, who accepted Christ at a worship service at the church two months earlier. “When I came back up out of the water, I was as calm as I could be.”
The baptism, which took place during the church’s annual back to school picnic at the camp, was one of the most memorable for Interim Pastor Bert Langley.
“She had a lot of apprehension and didn’t know how she would take care of herself in the water,” said Langley, who also is director of missions for Acadia Baptist Association. “But after her baptism, she had the biggest smile on her face and broke out with a ‘praise the Lord.’
“It was an overall great experience,” he continued. “The church got to see this unique baptism and at the same time this lady was able to accomplish something she never dreamed would happen. It was a win-win situation for everyone.”
Since the baptism, Ryder has grown in her faith through participation in a small group Bible study at North Eunice Baptist. She said the Lord can help any person eventually overcome a fear by placing their trust in Him.
“My life has been wonderful since the baptism,” said Ryder, one of three people baptized this year at North Eunice Baptist. “I feel closer to God and Jesus. I am confident that God has put His hand on me and I thank Jesus for dying on the cross for me.”
Ryder is among many at North Eunice Baptist Church who are passionate about reaching their community.
The church, which averages 70 for its Sunday morning worship service, distributes uniforms and supplies to children attending public schools in Eunice and Mamou each year. They also send a team of men to minister to men at the Allen Correctional Center in Kinder, deliver Thanksgiving meals to residents of an assisted living facility in Mamou and volunteer to maintain the grounds and help with events at ABC Camp.
Langley said serving with such caring members is a joy.
“These people truly have a heart to serve others,” Langley said. “When I think of a church that has a passion for ministering to others in Christ’s name, I immediately think of the members of North Eunice Baptist Church. They understand that ministry is more than just sitting in the pew, but being the church in the community.”
