But God did more: First time Baptism (2000-10-11)

We did not have access to a bath tub or a pool.  very simple, but beautiful baptism: A series of simple public affirmation followed by sprinkling. Pastor Li and Roger baptized 3 inmates in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit on 10/8/00, and we sang and hugged. Pastor Li shared and encouraged them that "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Cor 5:17) Roger helped them understand the meaning of baptism by saying hearing the Gospel = dating; accepting Christ = deciding to marry; baptism = wedding. Laughter. Points understood. Some of them might have to go back to China soon. Thank God that they can make this big step before they leave.

Please pray for their growth, our follow up work and their stories and bringing the Good News back to their home towns. The stories  that hit us as we get to know them more. The stories of how God has walked with them. For those who came by containers, they stayed in these huge metal boxes as a group for over 15 days. They brought enough water and cookies and used them sparingly. They brought along some flash lights, which ran out quickly together with personal hygiene and patience. The worst part was sea sickness and vomiting which caused serious dehydration and kidney malfunction. And somehow, God knows how, they survived it, and they found Jesus, of all places, in prison! Jesus said, "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." (John 12:46) No more darkness in containers. No more darkness in FDC. No more darkness in our hearts.

But God did more. This baptism in FDC did not happen without God's blessing. Baptism in FDC used to be disfavored or even disallowed, but the Chaplain fought to make it happen. Thank God for a servant of God in FDC who has a heart for the inmates' spiritual need. And what about all your prayers and love that poured into this?

And there it was, we accomplished another major milestone for God: our first baptism in FDC.

Allow me to dream and hope more. There are more brothers in Christ in FDC now. Maybe one day prayer support groups will spring up within each unit so that they can encourage and help each other grow spiritually and outreach others in the units. We may not know how, but God will do more.

Please continue to pray for the ESL programs. There are great needs, but the details are slowing the process down, and there is some personnel shift in FDC. We need much wisdom and humility to reevaluate our plans and schedules and listen to God's direction. For that matter, God may just want us to have more patience and rely on Him. We may not know how, but God will do more. He always did, didn't He?

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The Heart Renewal Gospel Group is a cross-church Chinese prison ministry sponsored by Kirkland Church of the Nazarene.

Peter