So, Romania was awesome! You know this by now. But the best part was probably the baptism that took place during our last Sunday at Hope Church. One of the ladies that were baptized, Geta, was in the Friday evening Bible Study I was a part of this month. Her son, who led her to the Lord, was ordained the Sunday before and had the opportunity to baptize her Sunday, on his birthday.
And she was just one of the stories. The pastor’s son was also baptized…not a dry eye in the church. It was amazing! I always think baptism services are the best and it was so great to be a part of a growing church body so far from my home.
The pastor, Raul, explained to us earlier in the week how baptisms here are taken much more seriously than I’m used to in the States. Yes, they are very important to me and the churches I’ve been a part of, but here the rules are different. There is more at stake. Once someone gets baptized in Romania, they are excluded from unbelieving family, friends, and community. They are considered outsiders.
And yet, despite the repercussions, they willingly take on Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. It was one of the best things I’ve ever witnessed. It was a joyous, emotional morning and more than a few of my tears were shed. It is arguably one of my favorite memories of Romania.
Here’s another video by my talented squad mate Kirsten Reilly. (Seriously, she just kept making videos this month. She’s a rock star! And, she’s a new team leader! Check out her blog. http://kirstenreilly.theworldrace.org/)
Be Blessed!
Baptism | Hope Church from Hope Church on Vimeo.
