“Do you know how to swim?” Should this be a question a church leader asks a person who wants to be baptised? You probably don’t need to if the person is being baptised in a church baptistry. It never crossed Stephen and Ginger Jordan’s minds to ask this question. Why would it? With over 7,000 islands in the Philippines, a river running next to the village and half the men in the village being fishermen, you would think everyone would be accustomed to the water and know how to swim. They never thought of asking people if they could swim.
Sunday March 16 was the fulfilment of a long-anticipated day… a baptism in the local river. Eight believers climbed down a ladder (literally) and stepped into the water of the river (about four feet deep) and publicly proclaimed their faith in Jesus alone as their Saviour.
However, one of the believers was terrified and needed a little encouragement to come down the ladder. Apparently, she didn’t know how to swim. With her feet still on the ladder, but in the water, Stephen and an Agutaynen church leader, convinced her that they had her well supported. With her in their hands, she was baptised.
There is no better place to be than in His hands and trusting Him to provide through His people. Stephen and Ginger greatly appreciate those who have partnered with them to see the Agutaynens and their neighbours reached for His glory. As they prepare to leave the Philippines, they look forward to seeing who the Lord will have partner with them in the next ministry for His glory.
The story continues… on March 23 another believer stepped into the water and proclaimed her faith in Jesus! This believer called her mum, who lives overseas, to let her know of her desire to be baptised. They are sure that was not an easy call, but with her mum’s blessing, she was baptised.
Praise the Lord!