Five plucky locals were 'buried alive' when they underwent full immersion baptism on Sunday evening. The portable baptistery even resembled a large coffin, as each brave believer allowed themselves to be plunged in public, right down into the cleansing water, before being 'born again' into a victorious new life. The exuberant ceremony took place at Emmanuel Gospel Church, Manorbier. Pastors Jonathan and Deborah Fiddy led the service, with Rev. Peter Richmond assisting in the baptisms. Jonathan said of full immersion baptism: "This is an outward sign of what has already happened on the inside." The first to be baptised was young Ben, from Pembroke. Normally wheelchair-bound, but with a strong faith and determination to be baptised, Ben benefited from the assistance of his father; his mother, Beauty, was the next to be immersed. Husband and wife James and Audrey, from Penally, were both baptised on the same day, each having given a brief testimony as to how finding a real friend in Jesus had changed their lives. An unexpected but welcome addition was Pembroke teenager Layla, who had "given her heart to Jesus" two years previously, and chose this time to make her commitment public. The technicalities of this kind of immersion sometimes makes for a lot of water displacement; it can also be difficult to get the person right under the water - but these difficulties were overcome with good humour and gave everyone something to laugh about after the event. Before the ceremony, Rev. Fiddy had asked each believer a few questions in front of the congregation. This was to confirm that all of them believed in the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, were committed to following him and had already experienced his life-changing power. The act of baptism shows that becoming a Christian does not mean trying to be a better person; it's about being forgiven, washed clean and 'born again'; living for a loving God, and letting him change you from the inside. A good turnout witnessed the baptisms. There was much applause, and songs of praise were sung spontaneously. By the end of the service, it was clear that no-one really wanted to finish: a solo sung by Rev. David Cardwell and a time of prayer followed the benediction. As usual, the whole thing was captured on video by Dennis Lawler. Greetings and well wishes from the congregation were sent via the camera to his wife Shirley and also to Peggy Stephens, both in hospital at the time. Services at Emmanuel Gospel Church take place on Sundays at 10.15 am. Telephone Jonathan and Debbie on 01834 871975 for details.