“Do you know how to swim?” Should this be a question a church leader asks a person who wants to be baptized? You probably don’t need to if the person is being baptized in a large bathtub or a horse trough (as Stephen was). It never crossed our mind to ask this question. Why would we? With over 7,000 islands in the Philippines, a river running next to the village and half the men in the village being fishermen, you would think everyone would be accustomed to the water and know how to swim. We never thought of asking people if they could swim.
Last Sunday (March 16), was the fulfillment of a long-anticipated day . . . a baptism in the local river. Eight believers climbed down a ladder (literally) and stepped into the water of the river (about four feet deep) and publicly proclaimed their faith in Jesus alone as their Savior.
However, one of the believers was terrified and needed a little encouragement to come down the ladder. Apparently, she didn’t know how to swim. With her feet still on the ladder, but in the water, Stephen and Boboy convinced her that they had her. With her in their hands, she was baptized.
Earlier that same morning, we received an email from a financial supporter who expressed that they will not be continuing their support when we leave the Philippines. Honestly, that has hard to read, but Ginger said, “We are in His hands.” Her words didn’t fully sink in until I had this young lady in my hands as I baptized her. There is no better place to be than in His hands and trusting Him to provide through His people. We greatly appreciate those who have partnered with us to see the Agutaynens and their neighbors reached for His glory. As we prepare to leave the Philippines, we look forward to seeing who the Lord will have partner with us in the next ministry for His glory. Will it be you?
The story continues . . . yesterday (March 23), another believer stepped into the water and proclaimed her faith in Jesus! This believer called her mom, who lives overseas, to let her know of her desire to be baptized. We are sure that was not an easy call, but with her mom’s blessing, she was baptized. Praise the Lord with us!
