Baptisms in Panajachel.........the Angels Rejoiced

This morning, Gaspar and I made our way to Panajachel.  On the way, we picked up Manuel, from Chicua II, who I mentioned the other day.  He is one of our patients that wants to be baptized today. 

On the way to the lake, Gaspar and Manuel talked about different stories in the Bible.  He is very excited about learning and continues to have a lot of questions. It was a great drive to the lake.

When we arrived, people were gathering.  There were about 150 people here for the 9 baptisms.  There were people present from about 6 communities.

This is Manuel leaning against the tree as we were singing.

The gentleman siting on the right, is Victor's dad.  Victor is one of our patients from Xepol and the family is very excited about today!

Francisco from Patzite, opened the service with a prayer.

One of the ministers from Chuguexa talked about baptism.  He read from the scriptures where the jailer and his family were baptized.  He also read from Acts, when the crowd asked Peter what they needed to do and Peter responded to repent and be baptized.

Before the baptisms began, the elders prayed.

A group from Chuchipaca sang, as all 9 people were baptized.

This is Tomas, Victor's dad. He entered the water, the elders talked to him for a few minutes and then he was immersed.

This Manuel.  It was just Saturday that Gaspar shared the gospel with him.  When he heard, he wanted to be baptized.  He did not want to wait.

Romans 6:3,4---Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?  We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ  was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a  new life.

It is only through baptism that we can be buried and be raised to live a new life.

This is one of the ladies that was baptized.

After the 9 baptisms, those that assisted continued in prayer.

I know there was rejoicing in heaven today. 
Luke 15: 7---I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Today, nine more names were added to the Book of Life. All of us need to be sure that our names are there.  The Bible is very plain about what will happen if our names are not found on the day of judgement.
Revelation 20:15---If anyone's name was not found in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Because of days like today, I know why I am here in Guatemala.  It was a great day!  It was an emotional day.  It was the beginning of nine new lives!