Baptisms

September 4

I feel like I have been through some ups and downs this week.  I have been tired too because of our busier than usual schedule.  But I realized in all of it how much God is at work.  I have been praying that God will really use us and bless the ministry we are a part of in Obulle these weeks before we go on home service.  Today I put two and two together and saw God answered my prayer!

It started with the marriage conference in Obulle, then Freedom in Christ, teaching on baptism, and now the youth conference and baptisms.

On Wednesday Josh went to teach at the youth conference in Obulle that had several denominations represented.  I asked if he was going to teach on purity knowing it is a passion of ours to see the sin of immorality to be recognized and repented of here.  When he got home (three hours late) I asked how it went.  He said it went well and he was late because of me.  He did teach on purity and after the teaching over 40 youth came forward to commit their bodies to the Lord and wait till marriage.  Awesome!  He said one boy was crying so uncontrollably that he and Pastor Charles talked with him for an hour afterwards.  I wish I could have been there.  God is at work through His truth and forgiveness.

Sunday our church finally had baptisms.  What a day of rejoicing!  We started our worship at the church then all walked about a mile down to the swamp.  It was a beautiful day.  We sang a couple praise songs then Josh did a short meditation before the baptisms.  Pastor Robert wanted the church to be represented in doing the baptisms so he has a women’s leader, Sunday school teacher, youth leader and Josh in the water for baptism.  One by one about 20 people – mostly youth – were baptized.  I love seeing people be baptized – it is beautiful.  Especially in a swamp in the middle of Africa.  Our friends joining the family of God and raised to new life in Christ.  Thank you Jesus!  After the baptisms the church praised God in singing.  As we walked back to church it was one of those moments I treasure being here.  What an honor to serve my Lord with the church here.  The church was in joyous worship when they got back – awesome!  A couple of the people baptized gave their testimonies of being angry and fighting before they came to Jesus but now they are not the same.  Then the church prayed over everyone who was baptized.  I thank God for our church and the mighty work He is doing there.  To see Christ command to go make disciples and baptize them and teach them all He commanded is a blessing.    

Friday our plans were changed and the girls were bummed their friends wouldn’t be coming over, so we decided to have a family pizza and game night.  Everyone made their personal pan pizzas, we played Settlers which the girls just learned, and had chocolate peanut butter milkshakes.  Yummy!  What Josh and I thought was a simple night the girls loved and thought was so much fun.  They thanked us over and over when they went to bed.  It isn’t like we don’t play games together or haven’t made pizza before but for some reason it was special to them.  I was so touch by their appreciation and joy in our family night. 

Lydia is one who is full of joy for life.  The other day she got another birthday card and inside was a dollar bill.  She came running to me all excited about her gift from a grandma at a supporting church back in Michigan.  It may be a simple thing to some but to Lydia it was a celebration.  She thought it was so special she hung the card on her bedroom door and can’t wait to thank the nice grandma when we get to Michigan.  Luka also provides lots of joy to our family.  Yesterday he came up to me with his shoulder out of his shirt and said look at my muscle mom.  J

Sunday night we had a team prayer night for North America.  It was a meaningful night of God breaking our hearts for our nation.  As Christians we must be in prayer for our country!  May the church be on their knees and stand in God’s truth as we vote this year, as we repent for the sins of our land, and as we live out Christ in our country. 

Monday our team and other missionary friends had a Labor Day party.  We played kickball and football (yes, I played touch football at 6 months pregnant - very carefully) then had a potluck and campfire.  I bet there are about 25 kids and 18 adults when we all get together so it is a big party.  We are thankful for a mission family here.

And now we are on a three week countdown till we will be flying to Michigan.  We are very excited yet it is hard to leave our ministry, friends, team and home here.  Keep praying for us as we prepare to go.  Also we have our team spiritual retreat this week for two nights.  We pray for renewal and refreshment as we are taught and for fun fellowship as a team.  Thanks!