Shaded from the hot sun, we gathered at the edge of the swimming pool to witness the baptism of two very special people, special to us for two different reasons.

The first candidate was Alina, daughter of Chris and Shannon Sorensen. Though Alina grew up in the mission field with the influence of godly parents, it can never be assumed that our children will commit themselves to God. Don and I regularly pray for the children of our missionaries, so we were very excited when we learned that Alina was ready to commit her life to Christ for forever. It is such a joy when a child decides to take this step.

The second baptismal candidate was Nok, the first fruit of the work of our team in Khon Kaen. Nok was a Buddhist when she first came to our church with her boyfriend, now husband. Now her worldview has shifted. She fully recognizes that Christianity means a changed heart. As she gave her testimony before the baptism, it was clear that she had experienced a changed heart as she called her family and friends in attendance to consider opening their hearts to this transformation as well. In Buddhism, she had experienced a religion of works, but now she had discovered grace and freedom in Jesus. She was prepared to fully commit her life to Him whatever the cost. She frequently glanced upward like a child checking to see that her Father was watching. When she stood up from her watery grave, she looked heavenward as though looking right into the face of her Savior as joy and exhilaration beamed from her face.

Do you remember the day of your baptism? Do you still retain that first excitement? Are you still eager to share what happened to your heart? Won’t you join Nok in making this commitment and in experiencing the transformation, freedom and joy that the gospel brings.

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