Baptism Protection

Exciting day for us yesterday – the church’s second baptism service! We loaded up a couple of buses and headed an hour or so off into the countryside. The weather has been Seattle-ish for several weeks now, so we had no idea what would happen. The skies were overcast, and it drizzled occasionally. The water was freezing! I started worrying about it as soon as I got the first step into the water, but thankfully I don’t think there was anyone who backed out! Baptized about seventeen – I lost count (and feeling in my legs) after about six! What an incredible blessing to be part of a service like that! Singing before and after, prayer, and so many publicly associating with Christ!

The location we picked this year was considerably more accessible to the public than last year’s. Right on the main road through town – really just a gravel lane. Not many passers-by; only customers for the rafting business just down river, on the other side of the road. But from the bridge crossing the river, you could get a fine look at our whole outfit.

So we’re singing, getting ready for the baptism. Three white cars drive across the bridge and stop alongside our location, ten yards or so from the pool of water I’m freezing in. Three white cars filled with cops. They stop, windows down, listening and watching. We continue… finally they pull away. Praise the Lord – I didn’t see them at all – I was filled in afterwards – not sure what I would have done if I did! But our Father’s protection is always sufficient and efficient, however close danger may seem!

And what a way to go it would have been, right? Dragged out of the waters of baptism, where almost a hundred people have gathered to witness testimonies of faith in Jesus! If I have to get chucked out of this country, I want it to be like that! That would be simply honor upon honor! To participate in the ministry of the Gospel, and then to be persecuted for it? What are any of us, that we should be counted worthy to partake of His sufferings, much less revel in the rewards thereof! There are no words of degree to describe the honor that God has lavished upon those who preach His Gospel!

Subscribe to The Gospel in China by Email