The Lord’s Mayor: Tom Tate publicly baptised at Evandale Lake
MAYOR Tom Tate was submerged in Evandale Lake and baptised in front of family, friends and locals in an act which he said symbolised a “baptism for the city” ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
Gold Coast
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A RECENT cancer battle and family health issues has prompted Mayor Tom Tate to be publicly baptised at Evandale Lake saying it symbolised a “baptism for the city” ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
Mayor Tate said the baptism was partly a result of realising his own mortality after experiencing a cancer battle late last year, and his wife Ruth suffering a severe heart attack while in Singapore.
“(The baptism was) to let the world know I love Christ and in doing so, that the spirit of awakening for our city also comes through,” he said.
“The timing is perfect with resurrection Sunday and the Commonwealth Games itself.
“As your civic leader, you’ve got to stick close to your faith because the distraction of different loads are on there and you can’t do it by yourself, no matter how good you think you are.”
Mayor Tate said his cancer battle and subsequent recovery was a sign he “had more to do” after getting his second chance.
“It all rolls into one with the health part of it,” he said.
“I mean, I know the Lord was on the same journey (with me) and I had the sense there was more (for me) to do.
“So this is the way of going, ‘well Lord, before I get into round two, you know, give me more energy’ and that’s what this is about.”
Pastor of the City Sue Baynes officiated the baptism and said this “Resurrection Sunday” was “a new day for Tom, a new day for the city and a new day for the church”.
“Tom has come specifically on Resurrection Sunday for water baptism to make a public declaration of his faith in Jesus Christ,” she said, addressing the crowd.
“He has a beautiful swimming pool in his home and it could have been done very privately and he said no, there’s a lake where we are meeting for Easter and that’s where I want to do it.
“He’s been praying and reading his bible and he is confident this is the step that Jesus wants him to take today.”
Wearing thongs, a blue and grey shirt and navy shorts, Mayor Tate removed his shoes to walk on the sand and be submerged in the water at Evandale Lake.
Mayor Tate addressed the crowd of hundreds, thanking friends, family and locals for coming down to witness his baptism.
“Thank you so much for coming and sharing today’s major event, it’s part of my life and part of the city’s life as well, God bless,” he said, before hugging wife Ruth and greeting family and friends.
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