A Day of Life-changing Decisions

February 10th was a very special day in our ministry here in Costa Rica. On that day we had the honor of baptizing 6 young people. The congregation traveled by bus to a small river near the town of Cachi where Sunday morning service was held followed by the baptism. Those baptized were Ricardo (14), Rodrigo (13), Isaac (13), Marcos (13), Arturo (11), and Mirca (8).

Sunday morning service.

Samuel preaching before the baptism.

The six young people that were baptized.

Samuel baptizing Mirca (age 8).

Baptizing Ricardo (age 14).

Baptizing Isaac (age 13).

Baptizing Rodrigo (age 13)

Baptizing Marcos (age 13).

Baptizing Arturo (age 11).

We hope that you will rejoice with us in the decision of these 6 to serve God in their church and in their community. We also hope that you will pray for them, that God will strengthen them as they take a stand for Christ.

Baptism is an important step in the life of a Christian. Although not necessary for salvation, it is an act of obedience in our new life in Christ. Many here are baptized as infants and have some difficulty understanding being "re-baptized" as they call it. However, when the meaning of baptism is explained they willingly seek it. When one is baptized as an infant, the decision is made by the parents, not the individual (infant). As a Christian, we each must make the decision personally. Do I love Christ? Do I want Him to have control of my life? Do I want to fully trust and follow Him?

Baptism represents the spiritual change that has taken place in us. The submersion in water is the symbol of our death to "the old man"; our death to who we were without Christ. The rising from the water is the symbol of our resurrection to a new life in Christ. We have been buried, washed clean, and risen "a new creature" in Christ’s service. Baptism is a beautiful representation of our death to the sins of the past, our acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, and a new beginning to life with Christ as our Savior. It is a public demonstration that we are not ashamed to identify ourselves with Jesus Christ, the only Son of God.

These 6 precious young people have begun a new life, trusting Christ as they strive to live for Him from day to day.

May God greatly bless you.

Recipes from around the World #3

It seems I am stuck in the British Isles. Of course, I love recipes from there. Especially from Scotland and Ireland. Here is a great on for you. It takes alittle extra time and planning ahead, but believe me, it is worth it. These are great right out of the oven or even the next day. They freeze well for later use also.

IRISH OATMEAL MUFFINST
hese are best if you allow the oats to soak in the buttermilk overnight.
2 c. Buttermilk
1 c. Oats (NOT the quick cook ones)
2 eggs
3/4 c. dark brown sugar
1 2/3 all-purpose flour
1 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
2 T. vegetable oil
cinnamon (optional)
Combine the buttermilk and oats, stir well, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease muffin tin. Put eggs in a bowl and beat until just blended. Add sugar and beat until smooth. Stir in buttermilk/oat mixture. Add flour, soda, salt, cinnamon, and oil. Beat well. Fill muffin tin about 3/4 full and bake for approxiamately 20 minutes. Start testing for doneness after 15 minutes. Makes 24 muffins.

AND WE HAVE A WINNER........

Just wanted to take a moment to thank Shannon at Rocks in my Dryer for the great Bloggy Giveaway. What fun!!!! I also want to thank each and every one of you for visiting my blog and for your wonderful comments. As one of you said in your comment....I teach these ladies to fish. In other words, rather than giving them a free hand-out, I teach them a skill with which they can better their lives and gives them a sense of self-worth (which many of them greatly need). Again thank you so much. I had 117 comments! What a blessing.

Now, without further ado, the winner of the apron is.....................................






Fresh Girl

A round of applause, please.
Fresh Girl has been contacted by email and the apron is in the mail.

Once, again...... Thanks for participating and I hope you will visit my blog again. I will be posting more about the work we do here with the ladies, as well as recipes from around the world, and photos of beautiful Costa Rica and its people.

Blessings to you all,
Kathie