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| Our Team with Sam after the baptism |
The past two weeks have shown that declaration to be true. Simply put, Sam is different. He is full of joy, serving at every opportunity, and desperate to share this newly understood gospel with anyone that will listen.
Last week, Sam came to our team and said that he wanted to be baptized. After discussion about what baptism was and what it meant, we set a time to baptize Sam! On Sunday afternoon, all the teams would come together and baptize both Sam and a translator from Team A. However, before we get there, I must share what happened during the week.
Sam’s family now lives in a neighboring barangay, one much less secluded than their previous home. Despite their new living situation, none of his family had ever heard the gospel. During our team time one night, Sam timidly asked that our team go to his family and share this gospel with them. We joyfully obliged!
Later in the week, our team headed to visit Sam’s family. For the first time in their lives, they heard the gospel, and it changed them. His entire family repented of their sins and placed their faith in Christ! Words cannot fully express the joy felt in our home that evening.
On Sunday, three days later, Sam stood in the Pacific Ocean surrounded by all the Philippine Summer Teams. He was baptized publicly as we rejoiced on the beach.
Last week, Sam came to our team and said that he wanted to be baptized. After discussion about what baptism was and what it meant, we set a time to baptize Sam! On Sunday afternoon, all the teams would come together and baptize both Sam and a translator from Team A. However, before we get there, I must share what happened during the week.
Sam’s family now lives in a neighboring barangay, one much less secluded than their previous home. Despite their new living situation, none of his family had ever heard the gospel. During our team time one night, Sam timidly asked that our team go to his family and share this gospel with them. We joyfully obliged!
Later in the week, our team headed to visit Sam’s family. For the first time in their lives, they heard the gospel, and it changed them. His entire family repented of their sins and placed their faith in Christ! Words cannot fully express the joy felt in our home that evening.
On Sunday, three days later, Sam stood in the Pacific Ocean surrounded by all the Philippine Summer Teams. He was baptized publicly as we rejoiced on the beach.
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| Our team celebrating the baptism |
The faithfulness of God was on full display. His kindness once again led people to repentance as the Spirit called people to Himself. Sam’s life in Christ, although it has just begun, testifies to God’s desire for all people to know Him.
Rejoice with us and with Sam as we celebrate all that the Lord has done in his life! Please pray for Sam and his family as they embark on this new journey- following Jesus.
-Andrew
Philippine Sumer