Soldiers are baptized in Biblical lands

Photo By Spc. Jodi Krause | Lt. Col. Joel Severson, Task Force 34 Chaplain, water baptizes Sgt. 1st Class James Walters, 1st Battalion 244th Assault Helicopter Battalion human resources non-commissioned officer. Six Task Force 34 Soldiers were water baptized at the Turner Indoor Pool at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, on Oct. 26.  

BALAD, IRAQ

10.28.2008

Story by Spc. Jodi Krause 

34th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade

By Jodi Krause
34th Combat Aviation Brigade

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq - "Water baptism represents death, the grave and resurrection," said Chaplain Lt. Col. Joel Severson, Task Force 34 chaplain. "When you go in, it's like dying. When you come up, you take a deep breath and live."

Six Task Force 34 Soldiers took a step of faith and were water baptized by Chaplain Severson at Joint Base Balad, Iraq's Turner Indoor Pool on Oct. 26.

"Jesus walked the ground in this area," said baptism participant Sgt. Stephanie Plahn, Headquarters Support Company 834th Aviation Support Battalion Utilities Specialist of Hanska, Minn. "I couldn't think of any better place than here to be baptized."

Each participant went through a pre-baptism class a week prior to the event. The class consisted of learning the Biblical references of baptism, and understanding the importance within the Christian faith.

"We go through verses such as Matthew 28:19, which are Jesus' last words before He went back to heaven. [He said] 'Go and make disciples of me, and baptize them by the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,'" Severson said. "Matthew 3:13-17 is where Jesus was baptized as an adult. He was doing this as an example to us."

Verses Matthew 28:16-20 and Act 16:25-33 were read by Maj. Daryl Densford, chaplain, 3-159th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, at the start of the water baptism ceremony.

Before each baptism, the Soldier gave an individual testimony of why they chose to get baptized.

"I decided that I wanted to do this for myself for a number of reasons. I want to develop a deeper relationship with God, and to gain a way for myself to be forgiven totally of my past," said baptism participant Sgt. Sherry Johnson, TF 34 Headquarters Paralegal. "I wanted to know that I am forgiven, and that I can let go and let God empower my future."
.
Chaplain Severson was very proud to be able to do his part in this event.

"As a pastor, [my] calling is to make believers and baptize them," Severson said. "In a sense, I am fulfilling my calling to the Lord to baptize them and continue to build them up in their faith."

Sgt. Plahn explains life after the baptism.

"My life has not been any different. I didn't expect it to change," Sgt. Plahn said. "I don't need it to change at all. I'm just happy to live and love in God."

• Date Taken: 10.28.2008
• Date Posted: 11.13.2008 03:19
• Story ID: 26269
• Location: BALAD, IQ