Church Retreat and Baptisms

A few weekends ago our house church went on a retreat together to Kampong Saom (Sihanoukville). It was our first retreat with the house church, and our first trip to the beach here, so we were very excited.

The purpose behind the retreat stemmed from the desire of some of our church family to be baptised. I knew that a couple of the adults desired to be baptised and a couple of the older children.

We had discussed baptism with Naomi and Nathan on a couple of occasions while here in Cambodia. In our first two years, while at Elim church, a number of people were baptised, however Naomi and Nathan did not take that step. Recently however we had discussed baptism around the dining table a growing number of times. But left the decision to them of when they would be ready to make the public confession.

Sitting around the table at the beach Dale (the pastor) spoke about the act of baptism. It was one of the more profound declarations I had heard. He then asked who would like to be baptised. Naomi and Nathan indicated that they would like to join those being baptised.

After my own initial hesitation inwardly that perhaps Naomi and Nathan were choosing to do so because some others were making this step, I sat and listened to them share their testimony and desire to be baptised. There words were honest and clear. I was so pleased and excited for them.

We shared some thoughts as a group and then headed to the water.

I was thankful to have my camera handy. And thankful that I managed to shoot off a series of shots. There is nothing quite like being at your own children's baptism.

Did Nathan and Naomi "feel" any different afterwards? No they did not. But both have noticeably changed spiritually through the experience. As if a stronghold was lifted both have made significant steps in personal behaviour, self control and desire to grow in Christ.

We do not know how long we will be in Cambodia for, how many more memories we will make here, but this is such a blessed one to take away with each of us.

Please pray for Naomi and Nathan as we disciple them and guide them to grasp all that God has for them step by step as they grow in Christ.

Blessings

Fiona