Break-In & Baptisms

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!

Ephesians 2:4-5

(This was the passage we taught on the day of baptisms :) ) 

Just before we were to have our first baptisms, the site got broken into.  Somebody jumped the fence, cut the chain on the door and stole our propane tank.  Thankfully no major damage was done - just some articles thrown around as in intimidation... classic opposition before breakthrough.

But, thankfully we had another propane tank at home so we took that on Sunday so we could have our cookout as planned in celebration of the four "baptizees."  Although there are more new believers, not all of them felt ready to take this step, which we totally understand. 

Praying for Mari, Jesus, Benito and Agustina after being baptized.

It was an exciting day for sure. And we learned (somewhat clumsily) how to baptize. We praise God for the work He's doing and ask for more! More of His presence and truth moving each one who is beginning (and continuing) his or her journey with Jesus. 

Afterwards, we let the kids go swimming...I wasn't sure if that was too sacrilegios, but determined that if we would have had baptisms in a pool or lake and the kids wanted to swim after that would have been fine so why not?

The cookout

And...this month a pastor friend of our sent us three young people to serve as interns! The two young men, Benito and Jonathan (L to R) were here for the month and Hanna was here for two weeks. They helped teach and do choreographies at Twist Kids' club, worked at the site, (put in barbed wire and more security) painted, cooked, had designated reading times, etc. 

It's made for some extra coordinating, etc. but has been a help, too. Jonathan is gifted in music and leading worship and is planning to stay longer. Benito was baptized while he was here!

Benito and Jonathan have been staying at my in-law's apartment (Hanna was with us)

Loving on the kiddos at Twist

Dancing at Kids' club!

For the last two weeks we've had a special visitor: Tia Elena! (Tia is the word for Aunt - which we use in Hearts in Action for the teachers and volunteers).  Costa Rica native, Elena has been a faithful missionary with Hearts in Action for over 20 years. She currently serves as the base leader in Colombia. 

Elena teaching at Crece church service. She also taught one of the lessons at Twist!

To sum up, it's been a lot going on - fun moments, stressful moments, tension and arguments, opposition, celebration... that's how life goes right? 

In it all, we're thankful that He is with us.  And the more we cling to Him and press into Him, the better. 

Love to you and all of yours. We'd love to hear back from you! Thank you for your loving prayers and support.

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