Day 2 – Beach and Baptism

 

Sunday is typically a day of rest and getting used to  the climate.  In years past, we have gone to a resort that the Colombian’s enjoy.  This year we decided to do something different.  We walked across the island to a beautiful beach.  On the way there we stopped by and saw the well the Ariel’s had dug (a first for the island, there are two Spanish era wells on the island but no modern ones).

Water is a huge deal on the island and most of it is shipped in from the mainland.  But the Ariel’s would like to make some changes for the people in the water area, more about that later.

We reached the beautiful beach and set down our things and began to enjoy the water and the sand.  We played football, Frisbee, people went snorkeling using the Ariel’s boat, and enjoyed the water.

Kristen Ariel, Nate & Tara’s youngest girl, had accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior and she wanted to be baptized.  We gathered around and she gave her testimony and Nate explained, in Spanish, why baptism is important.  Then Mark and Nate baptized her in the ocean.  It was such a beautiful picture.  She was instructed by her parents and Antioch in the ways of the Lord, she saw her need and accepted Christ, and she was baptized surrounded by family and friends from her old home and her new one.

We enjoyed a lunch of grilled chicken and great food.  We napped, played and enjoyed the day.  We then walked back and took a little tour of the Ariel’s house.  It is amazing to see what they have done and how the Lord is using it to be a light on the hill.   They are a safe place and an inviting place people come to see.  They are building relationships and sharing the Gospel with those all around them.

We relaxed in the afternoon.  After supper we went to the Ariel’s neighbors, missionaries from Bogota.  We had a time of worship in English and Spanish songs and then Nathan Heafner shared a devotion and Nate translated.  It was a great way to end our first full day there.