We had a baptism at church this morning. It was a kid who already faithfully attends youth group functions and actively helps with things like prayers and song leading. I don't know exactly how old he is, but I would guess he is anywhere from 11 to 14. (It's so hard to gauge age here!) As far as I can tell, he doesn't have any biological family members at church (I think he may even be somewhat of an "orphan" at home), but he is sort of like the fifth brother to the four sons of one of our preachers (who is also, more or less, the youth minister). From everything I have seen of him, he is a really sweet, godly kid. I was a little surprised that he hadn't already been baptized, since he obviously already has faith and tries to live by it. But, we were all very excited that he made it "official" today.
The thing that was especially exciting, though, beyond the actual baptism, was the response of the other kids at church. The baptistery that we have here doubles as the communion table (it's just a box filled with water that has a top on it most of the time), so it is on the ground and easily accessible. For the baptism, all of the kids eagerly crowded around the "box" so they could see the happy event. It was clear that they understood the significance of what they were seeing and were genuinely excited for their friend.
Now, the church building itself is right across the street from a row of fruit vendors, and many of them bring their children to "work" with them every day. There are several of these kids that we have gotten to know, and when they see us they call us by name, run up, give us a hug, and say "¿Cómo estás?" to us. This morning, the doors of the church building were open (as they always are when service is in session), and we could see one of the girls we talk to most often looking in. She seemed to be intrigued by the baptism. At first she just looked on from outside, but eventually she came in. After the event was over, I asked her if she understood what had happened, and she said that she did. I don't know what was actually going on in her mind about the whole thing, but I was so glad that she got to see not just the baptism but the joyful response of the other kids.
I am convinced that love and joy attract people like nothing else. I don't know what will eventually become of our fruit market friend, but I am honored to get to witness and participate in loving, joyful interactions with her. (Is it just me, or does it seem like this love and joy stuff is so much easier with kids? I hope and pray that I can carry the same spiritual "fruits" into my interactions with adults too.) Sometimes the "work" here can be frustrating, but mornings like this remind me of what I am really trying to do and why it is worth it.
-Becky
I had seen her peeking in earlier in the service and at one point during the baptism turned and looked to see if she was still outside because I wanted to invite her in. I am glad to know that she was already there and that you were able to speak with her! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAwesome, Becky! First of all, how cool is it that your baptistery doubles as a communion table??? That just might be the coolest thing I have ever heard! Secondly, I subbed for Sunday school this morning and taught about the story of the lost coin, so I have a good picture of the angels rejoicing right now over that child's soul. Third, I love that you keep the doors of your church open during service and that you seek to build relationships with your "neighbors." And lastly, you are totally right that love and joy attract people more than anything else. THAT'S what we need to be embodying as a church. Today, your church set a great example of that. Thanks for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteYou guys have been in my thoughts and prayers lately...more than usual! Miss you both and hope you are well. Maybe one day we will get internet and we can Skype with you!
ReplyDeleteJill, yeah, I don't know if someone else invited her in or if she came in of her own accord, but I had the same thought, only to realize that she was already there. I have seen her in the building at the end of service before, but never while something was actually going on. I wonder what her mom thinks about her coming in there. I would think she would be happy for any increased interaction with us, though, since we buy fruit from her because we know her daughter.
ReplyDeleteKim, the baptistery/communion table is cool. If I remember correctly, it was donated by a church in the States and is a luxury item since most of the churches around here just have to baptize people in lakes and creeks. (It kinda reminds me of a really tall, wide casket, but a lot of the time it has a cloth over it so I don't have to think about that.) :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the imagery (well, reality even) of angels rejoicing. I hadn't even thought about that. That's cool.
Actually, the doors being open probably has more to do with the fact that we don't have air conditioning, but it has led to some pretty interesting people walking in. The bus station is right across the street (next to the fruit vendors), and behind that is the whole market, so there are always lots of people in the street in front of our "parking lot". Also, like I said, the children of the fruit vendors are out there, and even if they don't come in I know they at least have some exposure to the church. During the week the church turns into a medical clinic, and I really like the fact that it causes people to associate the two.
Alissa, that is so weird because we were just talking about you guys the other day. (We were talking about how it would be nice to have kids knowing that they would turn out like certain "good" kids we know, and your kids came up as an example.) We miss you guys too! We're always only an "Internet" away (whatever that means)... :)
ReplyDeleteoh, that's cool, hunter cook also got baptized this morning...so neat to think God was working in young men's souls all over the world today! and all his friends were rejoicing here, too!
ReplyDeleteAnn, I saw that on Facebook. That's really cool! :)
ReplyDeleteI think the casket imagery is pretty cool, actually:). (I'm telling you, I'm all about this box!)
ReplyDeleteAlso, I figured the door might be left open for more practical purposes than evangelical. Still...two birds with one stone!
I'm with Kim: that baptistry/communion table combo is awesome!
ReplyDeleteTim
P.S. Thanks for checking out my post too, Becky.