CCFj Now: Pleasant Surprises

This past week Revae, the girls and myself headed to La Fortuna for a 3 day marriage / family retreat. The retreat was held for missionaries to come together and be encouraged, challenged, and strengthened in the areas of marriage and family. It was a wonderful time to fellowship with other missionaries and their families. During the second day, we were given free time to spend together. Because everyone in attendance was missionaries, we all decided to look into the free options the area offered. For those of you unfamiliar with Costa Rica, La Fortuna is located at the base of the Arenal Volcano, which is ACTIVE. Because of the volcano being active, there are lots of hot springs and hot rivers in the area that people can swim in for free. Can you see where I'm going with this? About 20 of us headed over to a nearby hot spring / river to enjoy some R&R. The scenery was amazing, it could have been a discovery channel shot. As we were all enjoyong our time together and watching the kids play, one couldn't help but be reminded of God's goodness and faithfulness.

Then things got even better... at least for me. As I lay reclined in the thigh deep water, Naomi, our oldest daughter, came over to me to whisper something in my ear. "Daddy, I want you to baptize me... here." Did I hear her correctly? A quick glance around me revealed that no one was watching, therefore this was not a setup or a prank from the older kids. "What did you say" I asked? Again came the reply, "I want you to baptize me." Now, about a year ago, Naomi prayed to receive Christ into her heart. Because she was barely 5 at the time, I figured we would have to wait and see what happened as she got older. With this in mind, I again explained the need to give our life to Jesus. I explained sin as best I could, and how Jesus saved us. Having heard this many times before, she quickly responded, "Daddy, I already asked Jesus into my heart. I want to live for Him." She then repeated a prayer of salvation again, on the spot, showing her willingness to accept and surrender to Him. 

At this point, the Lord reminded me of a verse, "13 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And He laid His hands on them and departed from there." (Matthew 19:13-15)

With this in mind, I realized how sincere Naomi really was. So I explained what baptism signifies, and then called Pastor Kim Stilwell over to join in the baptism. With great joy, he and I baptised Naomi in the natural hot spring, at the base of the Arenal volcano. 

God is so good! We never know when He is going to move in someone's heart. I praise Him for how He has moved in Naomi's heart and for allowing me to be a part of it as her daddy.

In His Grace,

Mike

CCFj Now: Pleasant Surprises