It is our custom here at HOTRIC to set apart children unto the Lord. We do not baptise or christen children. Christian children, too young to be baptised, are dedicated to God.  In the 19th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, verses 13,14 and 15, we are told: “Then were there brought unto Him little children that He should put His hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, ‘Suffer (which literally means to allow or to permit) little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for such is the Kingdom of heaven.’ And He laid His hands on them, and departed thence.” Jesus is not saying that the Kingdom of Heaven is populated only with little children.

What he is saying is that as a child is totally dependant upon his or her parents, we, as the children of God, should likewise be totally dependant upon our Heavenly Father. In keeping with these scriptures, HOTRIC dedicates or sets apart children unto the Lord. This is not just a ritual or something we consider clever to do. [Rather, we regard this ceremony as a commitment on the part of the adults presenting that they intend to raise these children up in the admonition of the Lord.

We consider it as act of obedience to the Word of God. The parents or guardians are informed that the act of dedication is of no value unless they themselves intend to live a lifestyle inline with the Word. Otherwise, the whole dedication presentation is meaningless. This normally takes place on the last Sunday of every month.