‘Set Hartcliffe free’ - Minister reveals why a man was baptised in a flooded roundabout underpass in Bristol

A church minister has revealed the story behind a viral video showing a man being baptised in a flooded underpass in Bristol.

The two-minute clip taken at Hartcliffe Way roundabout has been shared around the world since it was posted on Facebook at the start of this week.

It shows a man in a t-shirt having a full immersion baptism in flood water on Sunday morning, while traffic circulates the busy junction.

Barry Jon Walsh, seen on the right hand side of the video, conducted the outdoor ceremony as part of his work for the Set Free Ministry at the River of Life Christian Centre.

The minister works with recovering drug addicts in the city to ‘set them free’ from their troubles and help bring Jesus into their lives.

Speaking to BristolWorld, the minister said: “My wife had got a banner on the railings at the roundabout saying happy birthday for my 40th last month and after I put it up on Facebook I saw the water behind and asked if anyone wanted to be baptised there.

“Then I was in my car with a guy and we were going round the roundabout when he looked at the water and said ‘I want to be baptised there’.

“We got down there on Sunday morning and did it - it was amazing, one of my friends, someone who wants to leave his problems behind and say yes to Jesus. He absolutely loved it.”

He added: “If anyone wants something similar they can come and speak to me or come to my weekly session at the ministry. I want to set Hartcliffe free.”

Mr Walsh said since he had posted the video on Facebook, he has been contacted by people all over the world.

He said: “I just love it that Jesus Christ is being glorified.”

But it hasn’t always been a happy life for Mr Walsh who while growing up and living in Hartcliffe was hooked on drugs from the age 11 to 34.

He worked as a scaffolder and has a wife and a 11-year-old daughter - but said his life was misery due to his drug addiction.

He said: “I was suicidal and desperate and nearly took my own life six years ago.

“That was when the Lord plucked me out of the world and set me free from all of my troubles, and I became clean.”

Mr Walsh has since set up the Set Free Ministry at the River of Life Christian Centre, in Lampton Avenue in Hartcliffe, and holds weekly sessions on a Tuesday from 7pm to 8.30pm.

Last week 40 people turned up for preaching and testimonies from people like Mr Walsh who have turned their life around by following God.

As well as working at the church, Mr Walsh also preaches in public spaces, including shopping centres and car parks.

He has posted videos of him stood on his car outside Cabot Circus preaching as well from a stock ladder in Morrisons in Hartcliffe.

He said: “I get a great reaction from people who want to learn about my story and want to also become free from anxiety, addiction and any other troubles they face.”