In June, we began asking around for sound equipment we could rent for our first Preaching in the Park and the Port Vila Good News Meeting. Flexon mentioned that some of his cousins were in a band, and that he thought they would rent us their sound equipment. As it turned out, they were more than happy to rent us the equipment. As an added bonus, some of the band members ran the sound system for us at each of these events. Their attendance also meant they listened to about eleven hours of biblical teachings. Their committed attention showed how interested they were in the pure truth of God's Word.

On Thursday night of the Good News Meeting, I went to pick up the sound equipment as he had the previous two nights. Alsen, the singer of the "pop" band, met him with a distraught look on his face as soon as I drove up. Alsen immediately apologized for not being able to come to the meeting that night, and requested that I meet him in town the next morning to study the Bible. Of course, I accepted that offer. Beginning that Friday morning, and each subsequent Tuesday and Friday morning, Alsen and I studied in the park.

On Friday, August 5, we studied Bible baptism - its form and its purpose. Alsen was immediately ready to obey the gospel, but when he realized the great commitment associated with such an important decision (Luke 14:25-33), he decided he needed a day or two to think about things. Then, on Sunday morning after services, he stated that he was ready to be buried in baptism. A small group of Christians immediately went down to the ocean where Gomon, a local Christian, baptized him.

Alsen is 17 years old and was previously a member of the Assemblies of God Church, and currently attends computer classes at the University of the South Pacific. We will continue to study each week in an effort to "disciple" this new brother in Christ.

EB