Baptism Video

Here is a link to short video of a typical baptism in our church.
The video is posted on Facebook but I think anyone who clicks on the link can view the video even if you don't have a Facebook account.

Video here: Baptism Jan 1, 2012

Water Works, Help Out Or Else

It has been very busy around here lately. Many of you may remember that we have been trying to get a water line to our church property for quite some time. We began our quest at the water department by filling out request forms and getting general information about the process. We brought the water surveyor to the property and he promptly told us that because we were so far away from the nearest source of water we would need to go to the Land Office for a survey map of the area. After many attempts we finally got a meeting with the surveyor who promptly told us the map was not drawn up yet and there was nothing he could do to help... unless we had some bribe money. Since we never pay bribes it seemed like it was going to be a long wait to get water on our property. Then one night I got a call from a neighbor of our church telling me that the water department had begun the process of bringing water to the area. Apparently there had been many others who were trying to get water as well. They have been bothering the government for more than 3 years! I learned that we had 1 week to dig 1000 feet of trench for the water pipe in the next 7 days. We were also asked to pitch in and rent a gas-powered jackhammer to help break up some bedrock and dig out some big rocks. Since this is a socialist government you are required to help out on all public works. Everyone had to either dig the trench as it passed through their property or hire workers to do the digging. If they fail to do so by the deadline the officers come to your house and confiscate everything they can find. They will even take the tin sheet off the roof and no amount of begging and pleading will persuade them to stop. Needless to say everyone participated in digging the trench, some more willingly than others.  

I have been told that they should start laying the pipe this week. At that time we will be required to pitch in and bury the pipe with the dirt we dug out of the trench... or else.

Dismas And Patina Are Saved!
Last week 2 men were saved! One man named Dismas has been attending our services occasionally. While visiting him he mentioned that he and his "wife" needed to be officially married. He asked if baptism was a prerequisite to being married in our church. Talking about baptism naturally leads to talking about salvation. He had never been saved but definitely wanted to be saved. After more explanation he bowed his head and prayed to be saved!

Another man named Patina was saved during the invitation time after the Sunday morning message. The next day he came to me and explained that in his store he sells beer and tobacco. He knows that now that he is a Christian he should not sell these things. He asked me what he should do. I gave him some Biblical advice that he agreed was good. I am amazed at the immediate working of the Holy Spirit in this new believer's life.

Yes we are still alive

Several people have written me to find out if I was still alive. I actually had to check to be sure. It has been 2 ½ weeks since I posted anything but it wasn’t because nothing has happened lately. In fact we have been very busy.

We held a Christmas service at our church on Christmas morning. It may be hard to believe but I have never attended a service on Christmas day. We had big plans for our service including Baptisms, Communion, Chartering our church and a special missionary offering.

Somewhere during that week I switched my brain off and completely forgot to get the baptismal tank ready for the service. The process is simple really. First, clean out the 2 inches of dirt and rocks that are on the bottom of the tank. Then, travel 1 km to the nearest water source and fill my 50-gallon drum. Then, somehow get this drum back to the church and pour it into the tank. It takes about 5 trips to fill the tank. Because of my forgetfulness we postponed the baptisms until Jan 4.

In addition to postponing the baptismal service we also postponed our charter service. Some of our would be charter members need to be baptized. Since they couldn’t, we didn’t.

In spite of my errors we had a good service. Majaliwa preached and we had a really good missionary offering.

On December 28 I performed my first ever wedding. It was all in Swahili and fortunately every word I needed to say was written down. After the ceremony we went to the couples home for the reception. It was by far the most unusual wedding I have ever been to. You really need to watch this video that Cathy made and posted on her facebook page.

Since the wedding I have been trying to relax and catch my breath. I have been feeling a little overwhelmed lately. When I get overwhelmed, I have a tendency to just bury my head and hope it all goes away. Your prayers have been a blessing. I really appreciate that so many of you have written to send holiday greetings and to say that you were praying for us. Now that we have rounded the corner and entered 2009 we are looking forward to our furlough in June 09.

Pray for us as we minister here. We need strength, wisdom, discernment, safety and comfort in the Lord.