I think there is almost nothing more beautiful than getting to watch people believing in God’s Word and then even proclaiming it publicly with much conviction and joy. What a joy it was for us to get to be a part of it over the Easter holidays! First here in the village, and then also in our neighboring village. Let us share it with you!
In the village here:
Easter Sunday was a beautiful sunny day. We got to enjoy a very good Easter service with Lukas preaching and the younger people leading us in worship. Lukas managed it well as he brought the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection alive to us. The fact that God’s plan through the ages to save mankind through the sacrifice of his son was fulfilled and that we get to be part of it today is still such an amazing truth for us and the Dinangat church. And the best news of this letter is still coming:
9 believers made a public statement of their faith in Jesus Christ and got baptized on Easter Sunday. Easter was the perfect timing for that, for it did not only make their day but ours as well! Let me share a few testimonies here:
Epanang (1st picture) shared, “You all know how sinful I am (he took the life of his own uncle several years ago). I am a sinner and deserve to go to eternal punishment, but Jesus took my place and died for me. I am so grateful for that and want to get baptized to show that to everyone.”
Bommy’s wife (a past adulteress who came back to her husband a few years ago) also shared a similar testimony, “I am a sinful woman, you all know that, but by faith I have died with Jesus and rose again with him. I want to make this public and want to get baptized today.”
In the neighboring village:
Easter continued as we (the whole family!) and half the church hiked over to the neighboring village a week later to witness a first-time big event. The hike itself could fill a separate letter, but I want to share about the first baptisms that took place which was absolutely worth hiking over there for:
Areke (3rd picture), one of the village leaders shared with strong conviction, “I have led you away from God’s Word and have pushed you into working for salvation, and I am really sorry about that. I want to apologize to you all. What I did was wrong. But today I understand God’s Word and want to follow it with all my heart for He is my only Savior.”
Ewoneng (a woman that fell into sin with another man) shyly but with conviction shared, “I am very sinful and I did not deserve forgiveness. I thought that my sin was too big for Jesus. But He showed me that He paid for my sin and that I can be confident that He has forgiven me. He is my Savior and therefore I want to get baptized today.”
Paul’s testimony was this, “With Jesus I died and with Him I also raised from death. His Salvation for me made this possible! I want to publicly show my faith in Jesus today.”
As Samandeng’s name was called next to get baptized, a very moving and exciting noise went through the crowd which almost made me shiver. Everyone knew that it was a true miracle that this man wanted to get baptized. Samandeng was involved in occult rituals and was also guilty of murdering a Dinangat man. But today this old man with his very white hair knows about His Savior and openly proclaimed his personal faith in Jesus’ work on the cross. It was the cherry on top of the ice cream on Easter for us this year!
23 people got baptized over there and many more want to get baptized someday (they just wanted to make sure nobody would drown J). We praise God for His work in Dinangat! He truly draws people to HIM and shows them the way of salvation.
“Look at the nations and watch – and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” Hab 1:5
But you can really believe us, we saw it with our own eyes J! Rejoice with us, for you have been a huge part in this work through your prayers and support. THANK YOU!!
In His service, Ralf & Elli Schlegel with Naomi, Rebekka and Mirjam.