“For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:13

I can’t think of a better way to wrap up this trip than the opportunity to participate in my first baptism.  Baptism is a very serious step for any new believer. Prior to being baptized, the local missionaries made certain as best anyone could, that the candidate to be baptized really understood exactly what they were about to do.  These men and women are individually counseled and they hear a discipleship lesson about the reason for baptism and the symbolism of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.  On the morning of baptisms, the lesson was reviewed once more to ensure they were truly ready for this important step.  Each candidate shared a brief statement with the group about what brought them to this decision.

This was such an exciting day with many moving parts. A portable baptismal with collapsible walls was set up.  Water to fill the baptismal is purchased for approximately $20 and is delivered in plastic jerricans. As the crowd gathered, the atmosphere was initially calm and reverent and then the dancing and shouting started.  There were so many “Hallelujahs” and “Praise to the Lords” that no one other than God himself could count them.

The candidates lined up and as the announcer began to speak I can only compare his voice, tone, cadence and volume to that of an MMA event. It was loud and vibrant and the sound reverberated through the area.

As I stood in the cold water of the baptismal, I remembered that these people have never been submerged in water. Most have never taken a bath or gone swimming.  This was truly a first for them in so many ways. As we’d put each person under the water, we supported their whole body weight as they don’t know how to help themselves stand back up. After the 25th person was baptized, you can imagine we could really feel that in our backs! As physically tired as I was after that experience, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

For as long as I am on this earth, I will never forget my first baptism in the slum. The pure joy in their faces and the rush of new beginnings. These are my new brothers and sisters in Christ, all 25 of them! What a privilege it was to share in this special moment with them and celebrate their new life in Christ.

We are headed home and can’t wait to reflect and share more about what we learned on our journey. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. There’s so much to do and I have never been more determined to get to work!

-Elliott