By Jim Pritchett
Pastor of Swift Creek Community Church, Midlothian
On Sunday afternoon, Nov. 6, a mother, a daughter, and a granddaughter were all baptized together in the same ceremony. That in itself is a remarkable event. More remarkable is the story that brought the three of them together physically, and spiritually.
Wiebegina Jantina Langeveld (Wiep) was born in Lochem, Netherlands, shortly before World War II. She has frightening memories of the Nazis invading and taking many people away, never to be seen again. Her family had “hiding places” where they concealed their young men to keep the Nazis from seizing them. Surviving that terrible time was the first miracle.
Last year, she developed cancer and was not expected to live. Second miracle. She is healed and now has a clean bill of health and continues to reside in Lochem. As a result of her illness, Wiep has grown closer to God and she was hoping to express her faith in some way, but not certain how.
Hendrika Willemina Langeveld (Wilma), the daughter, was born in Lochem and is married to Hans DeVries, also from the Netherlands. Hans is a systems engineer with Phillip Morris, and his career has taken the family to Canada, California, Pennsylvania, and now, Richmond. They have three sons and a daughter. The family attends Swift Creek Community Church, a new church plant in Chesterfield County.
Wilma became a Christian as a youngster and was confirmed in her church in the Netherlands. Now as an adult, she had the desire to express her faith again through believer's baptism, according to the New Testament tradition practiced by her church. She started to be baptized several months ago, but for some reason felt she should wait. The reason was about to come clear.
Kiralynn DeVries, the granddaughter, is 12 years old and just recently became a Christian. When her pastor, Jim Pritchett, announced a baptism service for Nov. 6, she knew she was ready to be baptized and publicly profess her faith. At the same time, not knowing about the service being planned, her grandmother planned a trip to the United States to visit Wilma and her family.
Once her mother called and said she was coming to Richmond in late October or November, it was obvious that a larger plan was coming together. The three of them soon knew that being baptized together was what they wanted, and, what they believe, was part of a special plan God had for them together.