NEWS
ONGOING RELATIONSHIP
Of course hundreds of people had been baptised over the years;
what was so special about today? It was significant because the
churches had experienced a few years of decline, but now is in
a period of revitalisation. The Spirit of God is at work particularly
in a movement among young people. Services like this one are
planned for other regions too, such is the turning to Jesus in
faith commitments.
Four pastors baptised four people simultaneously and at the
half way point the pastors were replaced by another four. As
the names of each group were announced and they emerged
from the water, a singing group burst into song. Order, dignity,
worship and ceremony marked the proceedings.
After the baptisms we climbed out of the cutting near the
stream and gathered under a large temporary sail (a huge series
of poly tarps) erected for the occasion. It was time to share
in communion together. Those baptised moved along the large
crowd warmly shaking hands.
One man sang a self-composed song by way of testimony. He
knelt at the communion table and leaders gathered around and
prayed for him. He and two others had been ‘away from home’
and were returning to faith. They were warmly embraced and
welcomed back into the fold.
Yes, the good wheel nuts, the faith community, had been working
and moving and now they could welcome back the broken and
celebrate!
Ben was invited to bring a greeting. I was too. Somehow, in the
minds of the people, I represented all previous missionaries
who brought the Good News and the thousands of Baptists in
Australia and New Zealand who sent them! An honoured role.
The preacher encouraged everyone. There was not an expectation
that an easy life of godliness lay ahead, nonetheless, the risen
Lord Jesus would be with all.
You might have heard of tribal fighting in recent years. You might
have heard that the church was not as strong as it once was.
Yet, many have expressed that God is at work doing a new thing.
The upcoming generation is evidencing a spiritual vitality that is
honouring to God. The future looks bright.
After more worshipping, talking and of course eating, it was time
to begin the journey back out of the valley. Quite a day! It was
a day I will never forget and I thank the Lord for the opportunity
of witnessing the events. I was challenged, again, to continue to
take my part in restoring and influencing those not currently in
the community of faith.
Baptisms in the Baiyer River, 1976. Photo taken by Ian Walsh (left).
Baptisms in Kumbareta, 1976. Photo taken by Ian Walsh (top right).
The communion table following the recent baptisms.
Photo taken by Geoff Cramb (above)
Opportunity to serve in PNG
The Baptist Union of PNG leaders have identified the
need for a new Global Interaction worker to live and
serve among the team. The focus of the role is to equip
pastors and develop and deliver units of training.
For position description, visit:
www.globalinteraction.org.au/join/PNG
For more information contact Geoff Cramb
[email protected] or 0438 879 838.
VISION SPRING 2016
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