a Baptism in Tansen, Nepal!

[4] We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

[5] For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. [6] We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. [7] For one who has died has been set free from sin. [8] Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. [9] We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. [10] For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. [11] So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

~ Romans 6:4-11 ESV ~

On April 30, 2011 twenty-four Nepali people were baptized into a new life in Christ Jesus.  It was only the second time we had attended Tansen Church for worship when they announced the reminder of the baptism service to follow that day.  Not sure if the opportunity would present itself again in our time here, we quickly grabbed our cameras and made our way to meet the bus that would take the lot of us down to the river for this blessed event.  

God's presence was palpable that day.  He was in the bus as joyful and fervent praise songs drowned out the loud diesel engine for the 45 minute drive.  He was in the refreshing waters of the river as people cooled off with splashing and laughing.  And He was in each of us, His children, as our hearts overflowed with joy in celebrating the new lives these 24 Nepalis were born into that day.  God blessed us all as we prayed and sang Him praise for the work He has done in all of our lives.  We pray He will continue to work through the Body of Christ here in Nepal, and all over the world, to call more people to His kingdom.  We also pray you may be moved by some of these photos of the day in the same indescribable way we were.  Praise Him for His grace and mercy in our lives!     

the Hulandi Khola in which the baptisms occurred

creating the pool for the baptism

Rina (on the left) was baptized last year. She was there that day to celebrate the baptism of her father, stepmother, and younger sister, Bipinaa.

Bipinaa's baptism

there were 24 Nepali men and women baptized that day

Praise God for His work here in Nepal!

Rebecca (on the left) is the Christian Occupational Therapist Kim works with at the hospital and has become good friends with; Elaine (middle) is a missionary from Australia with several years of experience here in Nepal. Her husband, Graham, is a general surgeon at the hospital, and the two of them have been a huge blessing to us as they have taken us under their wing during our time here. 

[4] There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— [5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. [7] But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.

 ~ Ephesians 4:4-7 ESV ~