Pastor Delroy Willis prays for Marion Bailey and her two sons, Alsafa, six, and 12-year-old Raheem, before their baptism. - Rasbert Turner Photos

Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

Sugarman's Beach in Hellshire, Portmore, St Catherine, was transformed into a praise and worship zone recently when a mass baptism ceremony was conducted.

The beach, which has its name etched into various secular events, was abuzzed with prayer, singing and Godly words as members of the Good News Assembly Church of Praise in Braeton, Portmore, took over the venue.

According to the head of the church, Pastor Delroy Willis, the aim of the church was to touch the lives of persons as they are.

"It does not matter how many persons decide to get baptised, it is these small mercies that God loves," Pastor Willis said.

Before the baptism, there was a praise and worship segment with special entertainment coming from a group known as the Good News Singers, who performed several popular gospel songs.

Following this, those who were to be baptised were given words of encouragement by minister Pearl Barronette.

"Don't think that your colour will change after going into the water. Baptism is a second step, so you must trust and believe, as God is great and mighty in his deliverance," Barronette said, as she prepared the believers for the choppy waters.

She gave further words of encouragement to them, informing them that worshipping God and doing the baptism should be a strengthening of their faith.

Marion Bailey, one of those who was to be baptised, told Life & Times that it would be her second time being baptised.

"I was baptised before; for almost five years, but mi did step out a church so, now, mi decide to come back," Bailey revealed.

The mother of three said her two sons, six-year-old Alsafa and 12-year-old Raheem were also going to get the watery baptism.

Pastor Willis also gave words of encouragement to his flock. "Remember Samuel, he has done great work in Israel, so you need to serve God; and if your children want to, allow them to serve God," Willis said.