Baptism

Earlier this month, one of our mission teams from Virginia Beach, VA was in the village of Gutumua.  (You can read more about that village here.)  In this small village after many years of evangelism and prayer on the part of Watch and Pray ministries, there have recently been many converts to Christianity.  Mark Wolbert, Adoption Ministry's missions director, joined the pastor of the church in baptizing 24 of the new converts.  These converts had been meeting to prepare for their baptism with the pastor of their church (no church building but services are under the trees on the African plain). The visiting team traveled in the van to the nearby lake and the Ethiopians loaded into horse carts to make their way to the same location.  It was a day full of rejoicing and celebration!

The site of the converts waiting on the shore for their turn was remarkable. Mark said that they were singing and clapping and raising their hands in affirmation of their new life in Christ.

Afterward, they all loaded up to head back to the village. They were welcomed by the villagers with beating drums and much rejoicing.  Mark said that he and the team were overwhelmed with blessing at being part of such a significant event in this village.   Imagine the celebration in heaven!!

"In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."  Luke 15:10

**Be sure to read one of the team member's posts about this day here.