I Have Decided to Follow Jesus

Hiking down to the river in Chimente where there is a warm spring pool.

There is a new church plant out in Mactzul 4 started by some families from Mactzul 5 and Mactzul 3. Today we attended a baptism service for 4 new believers.  It was encouraging to see the work of their evangelism efforts.  We met another man who is close to making the same decision after recovering from a life threatening illness last month.  He is coming to see me tomorrow in clinic, so pray that we will be able to encourage Tomas on his spiritual journey as well.

l-r Victor, Tomas, Maria and Sebastian about to give their confession of faith.

Members from several area churches gathering around the pool.

Tomas

Sebastian

Victor

Maria (I think she was pretty scared to get in the water, so her faith must be great!)

The sermon after was about those of us who have been baptized in Christ have clothed ourselves with Christ, and that our old life is no longer who we are, but rather our new identity is a that of Jesus. We are given power to live this new life through his Spirit living in us. He reminded us of the things from our past self that we should let go of, asking God to mold us more into the likeness of Jesus.

Ephesians 4:25-32

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”[d]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.