IN a world where social media and popular culture usually take precedence over spiritual priorities it is refreshing to see a young boy who felt so close to Jesus that he chose an immersive baptism in the Lake District.

Eight-year-old Joshua Mason, of Maychells Orchard, Allithwaite, has been baptised in Coniston Water, after telling his vicar that his best friend is Jesus. The baptism, unlike the usual splash of water on an infant's head, involved Joshua being fully submerged in the lake.

Joshua's father Chris Mason, a Network Youth Church leader, said: "We didn't have Joshua baptised as a baby because we wanted it to be his own choice when he was old enough to make up his own mind.

"We didn't want to influence his decision and we would have encouraged him whether he decided to have a faith or not.

"Joshua's faith has really started to come through in the last year and a half and he has been begging to be baptised for about two years now. He has become very spiritual in the last year and a half and is often found praying for other people's health and wellbeing.

"I think what is so special about an immersive baptism is that it signifies a re-birth, when you surface from the water you are like a new person."

Joshua, whose name is Hebrew for God's warrior, was expecting to follow in his 11-year-old brother Samuel’s footsteps and have a full body immersive baptism in the pool at the Abbot Hall Christian hotel and conference centre near Grange.

However, when new vicar the Reverend Rachel Stavert, team vicar for the Cartmel Peninsula Team, suggested a trip out to Coniston, Joshua and his family were taken by the idea. Rachel said: “I asked Joshua why he wanted to be baptised and he told me ‘Because I love Jesus and He is my best friend’."

Rev Stavert was so touched by the young boy that she suggested the full works for his baptism and together they planned a special trip out to Coniston. She said: “What made it even more special was that so many people came along on the day to support Joshua and all his family. In fact there were so many of us there that a few passers-by were stopping to ask what was happening.”

The turn out for Joshua's baptism highlighted just how valued his family, who are originally from Liverpool, have become in the community. More than 40 people from St Mary’s Church at Allithwaite came along to join Joshua’s family and school friends for the outdoor baptism.

The primary pupil made a real day of it by organising an afternoon picnic by the lake with his parents. His brother Samuel led singing on his guitar and provided entertainment for all. The group even went in for a group dip after the ceremony.

Joshua, who was fully immersed under the cold surface of the lake, said: “The water was really cold and when I came out I was blue but I’m really glad I did it.

"I asked to be baptised because I believe that God is with us all the time, I believe in Jesus and that he is my best friend.”

For many people a Christian baptism might have lost its meaning somewhat with many families using it as a chance for a bit of a party, but for the Mason family it is something very special.

Mr Mason, who was able to help Rev Stavert during the baptism, said: “It was a phenomenal feeling to be a part of it. Words can’t describe what it felt like really and it was made even more special by that fact that this was Joshua’s decision and his declaration of faith.”

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