Bongolo Baptism!!!

 aka. The Lord's Love in the Louetsi!!!

Just prior to departing for our spiritual direction training and retreat in France, I was asked to officiate a baptism in the Louetsi River, just below the falls and the hydro-electric plant (originally built by missionaries!). 

Those being baptized were from the group of international
worker families at the mission station.

After our time of singing in prayer, we headed into the 
chilly (but refreshing!) waters of the Louetsi.

As the group gathered proclaimed "DEAD TO SIN!", the 
baptisms started. As the "baptizand" was raised out of
the water they shouted "ALIVE IN CHRIST!"

The service was finishing, BUT WAIT! Moved by the Holy 
Spirit, a visitor from the US stated his desire to be baptized!
After some words of testimony affirming his decision, it
was back in the river! 

In Gabon, I enjoy all that I do, but have rarely been 
able to do much pastoral work as I have in the past.
I miss this aspect of my equipping and love when 
I have the opportunity.

As we mentioned, after the baptisms, we returned back to our home in Libreville and then, soon after, were off to France. There, we would have the last of our in-person training events (3 total) from this academic year (1 year to go!), for our spiritual direction course. In consultation with our sending church (York Alliance, PA) and mission leaders, we decided to add time to this event for our own spiritual retreat (aka. sabbatical). (Note: Pilot Rob Peterson is keeping the aviation program moving along. Thanks Rob!!!)

It has been some time since our last extended spiritual retreat and much has happened. We ask for your prayers in this time as we seek to relax, refresh, and refocus. We sense the Lord stirring in our hearts for some course adjustments that lie ahead and anticipate more clarity from the Spirit. 

Thank you so much for these prayers, now and over the many years! We are on year TWENTY of being connected to ministry in Gabon in one form or another. WOW!

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