January 2008 Newsletter

What could be more exciting! Nineteen believers were baptized in November!

This letter is dedicated to you, who have sent us here, as your representatives and God’s ambassadors! You are very much part of the Wusuraambyan Bible Church! Because you are supporting us through prayers and gifts, this is your church planting ministry. Just like the early believers sent out Paul and Barnabas to different cities, you have sent us out. Rejoice with us and let us give all the glory to God for what He is doing!

(See more Baptism pictures on our photo page under the category of Baptism 2007 new!)

With the goal of producing an indigenous church we, as a missionary team, decided to allow the believers to conduct the complete service by themselves. They did a fantastic job!

          

 

Over 300 men, women, and children gathered around the river to witness the 19 believers. Willis began by saying “All these people who will be baptized today are here to show you that they have found and received Christ. A long time ago, John said ‘confess your sins and be baptized!’ So this is the testimony of these people today when they go down in the water. They do not belong to NTM or another man or church… only to God. This baptism does not save them…” He continued with the Gospel for about 15 minutes. The theme of his message was “we are buried with Him by baptism into death and raised up from the dead”… perfect understanding of the symbol of baptism!

     

It was a 3 hour service with each one giving a vibrant unique testimony.  As each one was baptized, two girls stood near the river bank and threw pink and yellow flower petals in the water.  Soon the colorful flowers surrounded the person being baptized.

Then they sang using their guitars and tambourines as musical instruments. Later, the villagers asked Darryl, Andrew, and Terry to say some  closing words. Darryl told the villagers that there would be another set of teaching lessons in January. He encouraged all the bystanders to come.

Another song, prayer, and reception line of “shaking hands” followed. Finally, the WBC ladies invited all to a
feast of sweet potatoes, taro, and spinach-like greens cooked in the ground.

Since the Baptism service, there has been a renewed interest among the villagers for more teaching so Willis and Jesi are planning a new set of lessons starting this month.  Praise the Lord for their enthusiasm and vision.