Therefore if any if is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Why Swaziland? Why on the side of a mountain surrounded by 40 of your newest family members?
These are the questions that Lesley answered today as she made the greatest public declaration a believer can make; she was baptized. It is the first XSquad baptism that I have witnessed during our 2 months of the race and I wouldn’t trade this day for anything. It took all day to rig a collapsing kiddie pool so that we could make it happen, but behind the duck tape, cinderblocks, and falling walls was the most beautiful display of her unfailing love of Christ.
A year ago I stood in the Summit Church, in North Carolina, and rededicated my life to Christ through baptism. It was a day to rejoice in how Christ has radically changed my life, and I knew that I would no longer be the same. I would say that I grew up as a Christian and was living the life that a believer should live, but until last year I didn’t truly understand what it looked like to have a relationship with Christ. As I was washed by the water, wearing a Jesus In My Place t-shirt, I finally knew that God was doing something in my life, like never before. I felt complete and full of overwhelming joy. I also knew that this declaration meant accepting whatever Christ wanted of me and it turns out that mean leaving my comforts and coming on the World Race.
It is a year later and I am in the middle of Swaziland sleeping in a hut, taking cold showers, eating PB&J, painting roofs, developing a relationship with a 7 year old orphan, and in my down time baptizing one of my newest and best friends. I NEVER pictured this type of radical change, but I wouldn’t change anything about it. To watch a friend who just found out her dad has incurable cancer still desire to give everything for Christ is one of the most humbling experiences to date. She has put aside all doubt and fear and allowed the water to wash away the old and radiate the new.
My baptism was the start of my new life in Christ and because of that I can’t wait to see how Lesley’s life changes. She is already on the World Race, giving everything for her Lord and Savior, so the world better watch out because God is doing some radical things in Africa. His servants are learning and growing in Him; making radical declarations of their faith and stepping out to advance His kingdom in new and exciting ways, and it is AWESOME!
As most of you know, part of my World Race is spent as the Logistics Leader for my squad and so most of my internet time is spent in that ministry, serving my squad by sorting out transportation and visas. I absolutely love this role and enjoy watching God work in a completely different way than some of my squadmates, but it does cut down on my personal internet time. I will post as much as possible when I can so don’t think I have forgotten about updating you all! Thank you for all the continued prayers and support. It is an amazing feeling to know that I have an army of prayer warriors at home! i love you all 🙂
with love from swazi,
sam
