I first met Claude when he stopped by the building site in Port Vila to ask me what time we started worship on Sunday mornings. I later found out that he is married to RoseMary (a grand daughter of Eddie Karris), who had been converted in Eton Village many years ago. Since moving to town a few years ago, RoseMary had not been worshiping with the church. But, beginning with the Sunday after meeting Claude, they starting coming to worship regularly. Interestingly, Claude actually asked me to study with him before I had the chance to ask him!

We started studying on Tuesday nights (first at our house, but then at their's). Clause is well-educated and a very good prospective Bible-student. After a number of studies, he knew where he was spiritually, and what he needed to do to receive the forgiveness of sins, but he was uncomfortable with his lack of Bible knowledge. Because of Claude's education in various secular areas, he felt he needed as good a grasp on biblical concepts before he became a Christian. I used two examples to try and help his understanding: one from the Bible and one from everyday life.

First, we read Jesus' instructions as recorded in Matthew 28:18-20, specifically that we are to make disciples by [1] baptizing them and [2] teaching them all that Jesus commanded. The order of these two statements seems significant. While a correct understanding of baptism and the associated commitment must be grasped before biblical baptism can take place, the bulk of a disciple's training and learning comes after he becomes a Christian.

Second, I likened baptism (spiritual birth, John 3:5) unto physical birth, as Claude and RoseMary have young son. While there is certainly a time of preparation (nine months), a baby can't decide to just stay in the womb until he knows everything - how to walk, talk, drive, etc. That all comes at the proper time.

These two examples seemed to help Claude's understanding, and a week later when I showed up for our regular Tuesday night study, he said he was ready. We talked briefly about baptism and commitment, and then drove down to Malapoa Point where Flexon baptized him into Christ.

Claude and I will continue to study on Tuesday evenings after the holidays. I am encouraged that Claude led our opening prayer last Sunday morning! Please be praying for both Claude and RoseMary and they dedicate/rededicate their lives to our Master.

EB