Baptism

Baptism. An important sacrament of the church, the initiatory rite to becoming a part of the church. It all sounds good on paper. In fact this past week we covered baptism in two of my institute classes. but the book learning is not nearly as much fun or meaningful as the real deal. Yesterday I was able to accompany the group of believers from Los Pozos (The Wells) as they celebrated the baptism of two of their members. Because Bolivian Evangelicals like to have baptism by immersion, the service was held at a sports facility with a pool a little ways out of town.

The service began with prayer, some songs and a short message from Pastor Fimo Ramos.

Next those involved in the baptism went and changed to get ready to go into the pool.

Two ladies were baptized.

Following the baptism were congratulations and salteñas (like a meat pie).

Then it was simply party - swimming and gabbing.

Following a nice potluck lunch of chicken, noodles, rice, potatoes and chuño it was time to return back to the city.

I thank God for these two hermanas and their desire to make a public confession of faith in Jesus. May God bless them and keep them as they continue to grow in their relationship with the Lord.