4 Baptized In Water Cistern - Hyderabad, India

It was my privilege to baptize 11 new converts in India.  When Karen and I were with Dr. Sam at Star Ministries, we baptized 7 (see earlier blog-post).  After the Spiritual Life Conference, Pastor Moses asked me to baptize 4 new converts.  It had been two years since their last baptism.  Therefore, these 4 converts were the church's labor of love and evidence of God's continued grace and love.  We began the Saturday baptism events by meeting at Grace Baptist Church, a small congregation of Christ followers that meets in a slum.

Ladies and children sit in the main section of Grace Baptist Church for baptism service.

The men sit in their section during baptism service.

Dr. Don praying over the believers at Grace Baptist Church - Pastor Moses interprets to Telugu.

After I taught a Biblical message on the meaning and significance of Christian baptism, we prayed together before moving four blocks away to a small water cistern big enough for us to baptize four, obedient and courageous Christ followers.

This water cistern is 8 feet below ground level.  The street is just on the other side of the top, left wall.

People walking down the street peek over the cistern wall to see what is happening.

Dr. Don waits for the first baptism candidate to descend into the cistern.

Church members and baptism candidates look down into the cistern.

Dr. Don questions baptism candidate on her desire to follow Christ by faith. 

The second baptism candidate goes into the water in obedience to Christ to command.

Third baptism candidate says she is ready to follow Christ only, forsaking all other gods.

Fourth baptism candidate publicly professes faith in Jesus Christ.

Each baptism candidate publicly professed their faith in Jesus Christ and expressed their desire to be obedient to Christ's command to be baptized.  The fourth candidate was a man who had experience a stroke a few year earlier - his right side was partially paralyzed.  None-the-less, this did not stop him from being baptized.  Men helped him to descend and ascend the steep steps on the side of the cistern.  What a powerful picture of faith and obedience in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Cold, wet, and joyful after their baptism - praise the Lord!

After the baptism, we all meet back at the church for a fellowship meal.

Star Ministries, Hyderbad, India - Conference 1

Karen and I arrived into Hyderbad airport late Wednesday night - our flight was 90 minutes late and it was pushing midnight.  We were blessed to have our good friends from Star Ministries waiting for us.  Dr. Sam & Esther and Jeffery & Hepzibah greeted us with flowers, smiles and hugs.  It was such a warm welcome.

Esther,   Karen,   Dr. Don,   Dr. Sam

Hepzibah and Jeffery Gujarlamudi

The next day Dr. Sam had Karen and me participate in Star Ministries 15th Annual Convocation services.  All week long Christians from Star Ministries five church plants met at the main church campus for morning and afternoon Bible teaching/preaching.

Don & Karen in traditional Indian dress.

Karen spoke to the ladies and Esther translated.  Esther has been a truly gracious hostess and we love her dearly.  She cared especially well for Karen, dressing her in the traditional saree.

Dr. Don teaching and Dr. Sam interpreting into Telugu.

The church is packed - children in the front and adults behind.

I had the privilege of teaching a number of times Thursday through Saturday.  Dr. Sam translated my messages into Telugu for the people.  What a precious congregation of Christian believers located in the middle of the Muslim section of Hyderbad - located in a Hindu country.  It is hard soil for the seed of God's Word but there is godly fruit and it is truly beautiful.

Dr. Sam questions a candidate for baptism while Dr. Don waits to help baptize.

On Saturday Dr. Sam and I baptized 7 new believers in Jesus Christ.  This was no small decision as some come from Hindu families who are against their conversion to Christ.  None-the-less they took their faith and commitment to Jesus Christ seriously and with great joy.  What a privilege for me not only to preach at this service but then to assist with the baptism.

Karen gave a baptismal certificate to each person baptized.

Star Ministries is an amazing work of the Lord.  I would encourage you to visit their web site at
www.staropenbiblechurches.org.

Dr. Sam, on his knees, leads the church in prayers before the Lord God.

Tomorrow (Sunday, 19 Jan) we will finish our work with Star Ministry.  Karen and I will visit one of the church plants with Dr. Sam and I will preach the Word.   We have appreciated the past few days with Star Ministries.  Our time in prayer with the church was extra special - to hear the people pour out their hearts and weep before the Lord Jesus was truly a blessing.

Late tomorrow Karen and I will travel to another part of Hyderbad where we will conduct our 2nd week of conferences with Pastor Moses and the Berea Baptist Church.  We are anticipating between 50 to 80 church leaders at the Leadership Training Conference.  Once we make our move, we may not have access to the internet.  Therefore, my next post might not appear until next week when we return to Delhi from Hyderbad.   

Hyberbad, India Update. 1.21.12

The Hyderbad Leadership Training Conference (LTC) averaged 40 pastors and leaders a day.  The LTC was hosted by Pastor Moses and the Berea Baptist Church.  The first session was a time for Pastor Ray and me to get to know the pastors.  Each one shared about the ministry, their family and preparation for ministry.  Most of them have received at least minimal training but a few had not been trained at all.  This knowledge helped Ray and me better serve and teach our seminars.

Pastors from the Hyderbad area come for training.

Pastor Ray was able to share from a wealth of ministry experience as he has served at Emmanuel Church in Johnstown, PA for 30 years.  He taught from Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” and his messages were very well received. 

Pastor Ray teaching through Telugu interpreter, Pastor Moses.

My messages focused on Christ’s great commission found in Matthew 28:18-20.  My challenge to the leaders was to make disciple-makers and challenge every Christian in their church to be a disciple maker.  

Don and seminar participant.

At lunch time each day we enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the ladies.  They began preparing the food early each morning in order to serve the 40 plus participants. The meals were very good and very spicy.  I want to thank our Truth Connect and Emmanuel Church donors for helping to feed the church leaders.  

These ladies prepared excellent meals for the church leaders.

Two pastors enjoying lunch.  It is the custom to eat with your fingers.

At the end of the our time at Berea Baptist Church they had an appreciation / farewell service for Pastor Ray and me.  Pastor Moses and the church were so kind and gracious to us.  They gave us a traditional shawl and then a garland of flowers to honor us.  It was a very, very special send-off.

Don & Ray each receive a shawl and garland in honor and thanks for their ministry.

The church has invited us to come back to encourage and teach the church.  Pastor Moses has asked me to establish a Truth Connect training center for pastors here.  I will pray and seek the Lord’s guidance.

Church leaders who attended the leadership training seminars.

In my next blog I’ll be sharing from northern India near the foothills of the Himalayas.