Steve and Casey Cretsinger Experiencing Tribal Missions in Guinea, W. Africa
Getting ready to take the plunge
A few weeks ago we were able to be a part of something really great. The local church in town had 15 people who were ready to be baptized. This is a very big deal in Guinea. I know, it’s a big deal everywhere – but here, being so public about your life puts you at great risk and can have severe consequences. For most of us, we’re familiar with baptisms within the safety of our own church walls. Here, it’s a trip to the river and you stand before everyone and tell them that you’ve put your faith in Christ. Not an easy thing to do in a country like this. And we sure made a lot of noise as we went in a caravan of vehicles from the church to the river. In pure Guinea style, all the teens packed into the back of pick-up trucks and sang, clapped and yes, even danced as we drove down the road. Everyone gathered at the rivers edge as the pastor shared from the Bible and prayed for each one being baptized. Micah’s drum teacher, Samuel, was the first one to go and had asked us to take lots of pictures. Each one came into the water, shared a brief testimony (which was being translated into a few languages for everyone else) and then they were baptized. Every one on shore sang, clapped and ran to hug each one as they came out of the water. It was a really great thing to be a part of. Sometimes I get bogged down in the thoughts of how things aren’t moving fast enough, but then there these moments that remind me that God is in control and at work here…even when it’s not on in our time frame!
The pastor praying before the baptisms
Being congratulated by members of the church
People from the church there to encourage the new believers
The whole group together afterwards
