7 Baptized

We are peeling, what feels like, 100's of bulbs of garlic.

  This past Saturday we were honored to host a baptism celebration in our home. We were approached about doing this about a month ago. A sensitive family desired to have some of their members have this done, but it had to be done wisely. Jason and I were born in America and grew up going to church.  When I  (Rebekah) was a teenager, I was able to decide to understand who Jesus was for myself and dedicate my life to following Him. There was no risk for me to be a Christian.  I remember my sister and I getting baptized at an Assembly of God church when we were in high-school, and there were no security precautions to think about because we could be in danger if the wrong people saw us. I definitely grew up in ignorance of what many people have to face when "counting the cost to follow Jesus"- because literally there is "no turning back" when the persecution comes as a result. Despite rejection and threats more are being added into the inheritance of God every day. There is indeed a remnant that bows before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The reality is that great suffering on earth is often to be expected because of this. Always He is worthy.

I can give the report that the day of celebration, God kept us safe. Beforehand we had decided to get a big water tank and cut it in half to do the baptisms in instead of going to a public river or pool where people could possibly see. Lots of people were invited, but we still decided to have it take place inside our house to prevent curious spectators peeking over the wall to see what was happening. We organized a whole program beginning with eating. On the menu was 2 goats that were slaughtered from the farm, pilau (seasoned rice with meat), kachumbari (tomatoes and onions mixed together), goat stew, pasta, cooked greens (similar to cooked spinach), chapati, and nyama choma (grilled meat). When our stomachs were full, we sang songs of praises to God taking turns in 3 different languages. There was a testimony given and the children from the "sensitive family"recited chapters of scripture that were memorized. As I listened I recalled two of these children, who had been in a drama with my daughters a year ago, barely knew any Swahili and absolutely no English. They amazed me by proclaiming verse after verse from the Bible. Pastor John gave a challenging message about the command from Jesus to be baptized and explained the deity of Jesus being 1 God in 3 persons. After this it was time for what we had all been waiting for. Representation of old self being put to death and coming up out of the water in the new life.

Samara had heard us preparing for this day and praying for God's protection the days ahead of time. She said she had desire to also be baptized. We asked why and saw her searching for the "right " answer. We told her we didn't want her to do it just because she thought it was what she was supposed to do. We asked her to take time to pray about it and then come back to talk to us about it. The morning of the big day I went over the question again- why did she want to be baptized. She is only 8 years old but began explaining that she believes- that Jesus died and rose again 3 days later. Jesus was baptized by his cousin John and she wanted to be baptized not only because Jesus was- but also out of obedience to what He tells us to in the Bible. So then I told her to be ready to explain this all to the group of people that were coming over, and she panicked. She gets very shy when all eyes are on her. It also makes her very upset when anyone (mainly her sisters) laugh at her. She started worrying about messing up saying the "wrong" words and getting laughed at. Jason and I just encouraged her to not be ashamed, but if she felt she couldn't be able to verbally tell why- in front of everyone- then she wasn't ready. She ended up having the courage when the time came. 6 others were also baptized besides her, including Amos and Grace's 2 sons.

The interns helped us finish up the day by putting on a "carnival ". There were different "booths" of games and even prizes to win. Both adults and children had a lot of fun. This day is one to go down into the books. Some people came early to help set up, some brought cakes, some drove around picking people up, some gave the message from the word of God and some lead us in singing. We all needed each other to make this happen. May those who gave this outward display of obedience continue to grow closer to Jesus and boldly proclaim all that He has done.

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as the one speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. " 1 Peter 4:10-11

Nevaeh peeling ginger.

She's using a spoon to do so.

Sam and Andrew chopping up cilantro. 

There is always a dish to wash.

Filling up the water tank/baptism tank.

The carnival.