Baptism

Last week, we had the privilege of attending a baptism for believers from my church. This is the little church that the kids and I attend weekly, since Kevin is "on the circuit" most Sundays, visiting his students' churches and encouraging pastors. There are quite a few new believers in the church, which was started by a couple who have lived in Nampula about 7 years. He is Mozambican and she is South African, and we are so happy to be part of this church that they started (one of three).

There were about 15 people who attended, the maximum that Pastor Moses' truck could hold, and we convoyed with them in our truck. We bumped down the road past our house for about 30 minutes to reach a river that has a good amount of water (hard to find now in dry season) and there Kevin was able to help a bit with getting people in and out of the water and assisting the pastor. Toby, of course, was right in the middle of whatever he could get in the middle of. Always wants to be part of the action! Ben fell down into the cold water (after numerous warnings to stay out of the water) and had to have his clothes changed. Of course, since I know Ben, I had anticipated this particular outcome and was prepared with dry clothes.

What a joy it was to see the happiness on these folks' faces as they publicly proclaimed their love for Jesus! We really enjoy knowing them and encouraging them and I hope to be able to help them in some way as we go along.

It was a good day. After the baptism, we all went back to the elder's house for a little party with beans and rice and the cookies that Catarina and I had made at my house the day before. The boys played with the kids and I sat and chatted with this lady and that, asking them to give me their testimonies. Some had attended church as children but just recently come to know what it really means to know Jesus, others had no knowledge of God at all before coming to know him. God has been working so much in the ministry of Moises and his wife Connie, and we feel very fortunate to know them! - Cami