A BAPTISM party!!

We got to be a part of the coolest thing last Sunday.....

...we had the immense honor of hosting six baptisms at our house.

This was one of the greatest things we've gotten to be a part of since moving here. And really, it started long before we ever moved to Burkina. Because months and months and months ago, when people at the Embassy were looking for a house to put us in, and they decided to assign us to this house, we were told it had one of the largest yards here! And we got to use this yard to host over 100 people last week!

It's just another one of those things that at first I felt bad over having. Seeing our grass and yard and trees and beautiful enclosure, and then you step outside and everywhere you look there is so much need. You feel guilty for having so much when most everyone around you has so little in comparison.

But, I'm starting to see things differently. God is tweaking my eyesight. He's showing me things and teaching me and helping me to see more clearly. Revealing to me secrets of His plan. And how I fit into all of it.

This house wasn't given to us by accident. God blessed us with this house on purpose. For His purpose. It was calculated and intentional for us to be here, in this place. And it was amazing to see what God can do with a house that is dedicated to serving Him.

Once we started attending church in Ouaga, word spread that we had a big yard (most homes here have a courtyard with a concrete slab for a yard and no grass. This is a luxury!) So back in October a month or so before the baptisms, we were asked if we'd be willing to open up our home to host a baptism celebration.

Two words....Heck.Yeah!!

The day before the party, a few church members came over to set up and we took some time to gather within the pool enclosure to pray over the next day.

We all took turns, one after another, lifting up our voices in earnest petition to the Lord. Praying that tomorrow would bring Him glory. That His presence would saturate this entire place. For those coming from other religions who are not Christ followers...that no power of darkness would stand in the way of what the Lord was wanting to accomplish. That they would just be assaulted by His presence. That we would show the world what is looks like for the Church to support and rejoice with each other. That the kids being baptized would paint a beautiful picture of what Christ's love and redemption looks like and what He can do with a heart that decides to follow Him.....

and when Sunday came...this was not just a yard. This was not just a pool. This was the dwelling place of the Lord Most High, and when I say He was there.....I mean HE.WAS.THERE!

Over 100 people flocked to our home and filled our lawn. It was standing room only.

There were Christians and unbelievers alike, sitting side by side, watching six kids get baptized and share their faith in Jesus. 

You just couldn't help but cry, seeing these kids stand in boldness and testify to what Jesus has done in their lives.

 

There was even an entire sound system set up inside the pool! Mics, keyboard, guitar, speakers, video camera....the whole nine yards! We worshiped and sang and proclaimed Christ for all who could hear....and I'm sure that included the whole neighborhood!

And then one by one....they each took a turn following Christ into the water to further depict there commitment to stand with Jesus.

(Dr. Peter getting to baptize his daughter)

(Pastor Joel getting to baptize his son.) 

And we celebrated and rejoiced as each one broke through the surface....

It was powerful. It is not a day that I will ever forget. I pray my daughters never forget this day. I pray that everyone who came remembers what happened here, this day, in the lives of these kids. What they stood for. What I pray they continue to stand for.

God is raising up a new generation.....a new generation of Christ followers. World changers. Eternity advocates. Proponents of justice.....

For Him. 

Watch out world....these kids are gonna shake things up.