Pool Party, Vivienne's Life Changing Day

26/3/2013

Outside the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Shanghai.

The sign on the counter stated that the Ramada Hotel’s pool had been privately hired out for two hours that morning. It’s not uncommon for pre-organised events to book one of many facilities on offer at any given hotel. As for as those guests walking past the leisure centre’s reception area were concerned, it was some kind of pool party taking place.

Yes, it was a celebration and yes, it was taking place in and around a small pool. But most would never have suspected that it was related to someone’s personal faith and that the people gathering there had been invited to be witnesses for such a poignant moment.

Our friend Vivienne was taking the plunge and outwardly declaring her commitment to God as a follower of Christ. This act of water baptism was to be her life changing day.

A few close friends from both her Church and social circles, including Lezil and I, all congregated by the indoor sun loungers. At the far end, two of the hotel’s life guards curiously watched on as to what exactly we had all booked the place out for. With Vivienne making her entrance from the ladies changing rooms, emotions were running high.

Lezil and I out to support Vivienne's big day.

The whole group praying for Vivienne.

The step of water baptism is a defining statement in a Christian person’s faith, where it boldly shows the letting go of an old life and receiving the expectant embrace of a new one.

The whole experience was led by New Zealander Mike, or as he candidly said in his opening statement before praying “…they don’t call me ‘Crazy Mike’ for nothing…” referring to his larger-than-life belief in God. He led us in prayer with everyone positioning themselves around Vivienne extending their hands towards her as a sign of unity. Words of encouragement floated in from all angles.

A believer or not, there was no denying the sense of power in that pool area as Vivienne’s tears freely fell where she stood right in the epicentre of a tightly-packed group of God-fearing people. The two life guards on the side were transfixed by what was happening.

Prayers soon led into a time of singing with Touby, a friend from Church, taking out his guitar and prompting a few modern day Church songs. The acoustics within the gym lent itself nicely to our melodies, almost amplifying our sound to double the number of voices singing along.

Singing some songs in unison.

Mike and Karsten baptise Vivienne.

The focus switched back to Mike who gave a brief summary on the significance of this key step that Vivienne was taking.

Then Mike led Vivienne into the 28C water-heated pool with another supporter, Karsten, acting as an assistant. Quietly, Vivienne glanced at all her onlookers in a movie-magic momentary pause, peering over that that spiritual wall readying herself to finally climb down to the long-awaited other side. “…in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost…,” said Mike as he and Karsten gently manoeuvred Vivienne back-first underwater.

Two seconds later and she sprung out of the pool’s watery surface like a volcanic geyser spewing hot steam into the air.

Instantly everyone applauded and cheered her on. Her emotions were uncontrollable by now. “If you only knew what it has taken to get here today. Over six years…,” she said, her words broken in between by soft sobs. It was undeniable how proud everyone was of her. Still dripping she stepped out of the pool and hugged the nearest person to her. We all waited our turn to personally congratulate her. What a day for us all.

Vivienne goes into the water!

I decide to go in for a dip.

For Lezil and I, this was our first time to experience a water baptism in Shanghai outside the conventional walls of a Church.

I realised that I was the only one decked out in swimming gear. Despite the warmth of the indoor pool area, everyone was still dressed against the cold elements. I thought, seeing as though I had my trunks on, why not go for a dip. While people lingered on conversing I managed to churn out a few laps.

The last I was in a pool was a spectacular open-air one in Perth, Beatty Park Leisure Centre. Not quite the same surroundings but still nice to do a bit of exercise.

Quickly showering off, I met the remaining waiting group in the hotel’s gym reception. We ended up going for an unplanned lunch at one of my favourite Chinese eateries – Yeli Xiali. The restaurant chain specialises in food from China’s northwest region Xinjiang which is predominantly Muslim. Needless to say, the seasoning and cooking styles draw heavily from Middle Eastern culture – super delicious. We order a banquet selection of dishes and desserts and the total per person came to a bargain RMB 60 each.