During our regular Wednesday evening Bible study in Etas on October 24, I taught a verse-by-verse study of Mark 16:14-20. While my main purpose for studying that text was to focus on the oft-misunderstood promise made by Jesus in verses 17 and 18 regarding miracles, we also spent a considerable amount of time on verses 15 and 16. Following the conclusion of that study, Jimmy let me know that he was interested in being baptized in order to be saved, just as Jesus said in Mark 16:16. We talked for a few minutes about that step, and Jimmy asked if I could come back the next day. I agreed, and encouraged him to spend the next 24 hours considering the commitment and change that must accompany baptism.

When I showed up on Thursday afternoon, I learned that there were indeed 4 individuals who desired to be added to the Lord's church! Each of the four has sat through several evangelistic studies with Aaron in the past few weeks and months, but each of them had their own reason for delaying obedience. They have also been regularly attending studies and times of worship with the Etas congregation. Joyfully, they had each made the decision that they were willing to wait no longer to begin a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

We all drove down to the ocean where, after I had made a few comments regarding commitment and faithfulness, Tom and Timothy baptized them for the forgiveness of their sins. What a glorious occasion to see four souls added to the kingdom in one day. God's word is powerful...to Him be the glory!

EB