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.