2 West Point Cadets Brave Frigid Hudson River to Be Baptized

West Point campus minister Joshua Austin (L) baptized Brooke Parker (R) in the icy Hudson River.
West Point campus minister Joshua Austin (L) baptized Brooke Parker (R) in the icy Hudson River. (K-Love Radio News)

Two female cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, were recently baptized in a memorable way, choosing to be dunked in the frigid waters of the Hudson River.

According to the North American Mission Board, Brooke Parker and Zhaoxin (Jenny) Ma were baptized by Baptist Campus Ministry Director Joshua Austin on Feb. 12.

The pair were asked if they would like to use the baptistry located in the basement of a chapel on campus or wait until the weather warmed up for an outside ceremony.

"The basement almost felt like hiding my faith as few people would be able to attend and celebrate with me the good things God has done, and nobody would be able to just happen upon this event as they would if I were to be baptized outside," Parker explained. "This would eliminate a big opportunity to share this experience and Christ with others who may not have previously considered attending."

Ma said she couldn't wait any longer to proclaim her love for Christ, so both women decided to take a dip in the icy cold water.

"I didn't want to wait any longer to show others what God has done for me and what God can do, which is why I chose to get baptized in the icy waters," Ma said. "I couldn't wait any longer to show others all His greatness but also to proclaim to God that I am His, and I welcome Him into my heart, and I want to follow Him."

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Reprinted with permission from CBN.com. Copyright © 2022 The Christian Broadcasting Network Inc. All rights reserved.
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