Hi Friends,
It’s with great joy that we can tell you that the first Mengen Baptism has taken place this past Sunday. We found a beautiful spot at the river and 17 of our 40 new believers were baptized! This was a big step for them to stand in defiance in the midst of a hostile culture. Many have had death threats and have been told that the local shaman will be trying to work magic to make their children sick and die. Normally in this culture when the shaman speaks the people do whatever he says as they are so fearful of the spirits and his power. One lady Kariang who Annika learns language with said publically as part of her testimony that she will rather follow her Savior than listen to the threats that men can make. She lives at the village above ours, her family are the only believers and fierce stiff persecution. Our first Mengen believer to be baptized was Edward, prior to being saved he and his friend Bruce were two of the biggest thieves and rascals in the village. Edward came out of the water clapping his hands and had the biggest smile on his face I have ever seen at a baptism. Bruce and Edward our now two of our most zealous believers blazing a trail for the rest and are being disciple for leadership in these days. After the baptismal service our believers seem bolder than ever about proclaiming their faith. People come down from the villages on the ridge and asked who got baptized our believers stand up and say “I did” and give their testimony. More and now lining up to be baptized and we hope to have another service this month. Thanks for being a part of the work here amongst the Mengen people! Pray for them,
Simon, Annika, Nya and Noah