Just want to share with you about a wonderful Sunday we shared yesterday with the churches in Guadalajara. About a year and a half ago the church in Guadalajara decided to multiply into two. The vision was to continue from there, multiplying and planting churches in the homes of new christians.
Yesterday all the churches got together for a baptism Sunday. There were about 6 churches represented and well over 100 people. (I think many were with our body for the first time. But I should point out that when we multiplied we numbered around 45.) We met at a water fall outside of town to share 5 baptisms together. There were a couple that no one expected. And there were a few we expected that chose not to. So who knows what the future brings. But it sure is fun!
Above, Luis celebrates.
Alejandro gets ready...
and is buried by family.
Angeles, about 70 (she doesn't really know) is lowered into the water. Afterward, she and her daughter stood forever hugging and crying. One of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.
Kim with Morgan afterwards. Natali, Morgan's twin sister was baptized too. But as you can imagine, when viewing the pictures above, we didn't get good pictures because of the crowd.
10 comments:
How exciting! I prayed for you yesterday. It's funny - how simple an idea that is, and yet how powerfully God works in it. In the last few months we too, have shared the joy of the hoped for and the unexpected... as well learning to be patient with those who we think are ready.. .but aren't.
I wish I could have been there. It sounds like a beautiful moment of worship to share together. Thanks for all you do for Him.
Love you guys!
Now THAT'S a Sunday! Wish I could've been there... I picture the scene in "O Brother" where everybody's getting baptized & Alison Krauss sings:
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way !
O sinners let's go down,
Let's go down, come on down,
O sinners let's go down,
Down in the river to pray.
Awesome post...we spent time yesterday in the Assembly praying for you guys...and last night as well during group. Glad that the Body there had such an incredible day.
Angie--I cry EVERY TIME I hear that song. I've grown more emotional the last couple of years, and there's so much simplicity and power in that song...it gets me even reading the lyrics. Thanks for the reminder. Simplicity is a powerful thing.
WOW... That is so exciting. That is one thing that I've been growing in more and more lately is letting God take care of the growth.
Something my dad and I have been talking about lately is that we sometimes try so hard to get people to commit that we use tactics that God never intended. We push, prod, judge, condemn and/or give ultimatums... but is that trully pleasing to God?
Being light and salt to people is what we're called to do. Introduce people to Christ and let Christ work... Make disciples... If they decide to be immersed, great, if not but they are still willing to be a disciple, then don't get in the way. God will work it out on His time, not ours.
Know that God is smiling.
J
Heather and James, thanks for the prayers. I don't know how God does it, but he works powerfully through our partnership with families like yours.
Heather, I'm curious as to who got cropped out of that picture of you. Your smiling like a proud parent so I'm assuming it's one of the kids. (Actually, I don't think Jason's hand is that tiny.) Good picture though.
Angie, I wish you could have seen it. The whole scene was even more breath taking with the water fall situated just behind us... and many more christians along the shore.
Jason, you are right, God is more powerful than our imaginations. And he works in his time.
Tim,
What a great post. Praise God! It is always exciting to welcome someone new into the family. You are in my prayers as you continue to serve God. Keep trusting in his strength.
So exciting! Thanks for posting the pics. Love the newsletter too!
the Rushians
Um, no, that's not really going to work either.
Daniel, it was such a fun day. We always feel like God is doing something great here, but don't always have days where it is something we can show to others and say, "see, look how fun this is." Yesterday was one of those days.
WC, thanks for stopping by. But who are you? Hope you come back.
Great story of God's movement among the people you minister to, Tim. I'm glad you were blessed to see the fruit of your labor. Praise God for that. Not everyone gets to.
Shane C, thanks for stopping by. But like I said to WC, who are you?
I feel like I should know your name? WC, well that's just vague, though I'm still curious.
Anywho, stop by anytime.
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