Ocean, sunshine, friends, and God

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38

"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved" Mark 16:16

Yesterday, a sunny Sunday, we 3 Ambers got to witness a beautiful sight - In the waves of the ocean, 5 youth made the decision and commitment to follow and live for Christ and be baptized. We waded out into the ocean, hip deep, as the sun shone and waves gently rolled - we formed a circle around the 5. I wish I could tell you their names, but they escape me. The rest of us sang worship songs and rejoiced just as there was rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God (i'm sure), while the pastor prayed with and for each individual and lowered them into the water and brought them up again cleansed and forgiven. It was so exciting! I feel blessed to have been with this group yesterday and see their faith and them living it out.

The day started early, as we all met outside of Jollibee (fast food restaurant) and than took a rather long jeepney ride to the ocean :) As we all packed ourselves into one jeepney and started rolling, the driver put on his music and it blasted through the entire jeepney. I was extremely excited, as i love loud music, especially heard through awful speakers situated right under the seats ;) it was quite the experience, loved it! we spent the majority of the day in fellowship, as one of the youth, Joey ( i like to call him Fish or Chips) played the guitar and we all sang what ever worship songs we knew. We all waited patiently, secretly hiding our hunger pains, as the cooks grilled some of the best fish i have ever had. Filled our bellies and after had the baptism. After, we all swam and 'frolicked' in the sea and laughed - and after swimming of course we had more rice ;) When it was dark we ventured back to the busy road, found an empty jeepney and started home. I loved the moment as everyone settled in and closed their eyes, ready to nap after a tiring day, and once again the driver blasted music through the awful speakers. I cheered with delight and started dancing...as much as you can in cramped quarters, and embraced the comical moment :) And we unloaded as 3 sun burnt Canadians - the price we pay for a day in the sun.

Conclusion: Yesterday was a fantastic and successful day, full of God, full of friendship, sunshine, laughter, great memories and comical and memorable conversations. 5 stars and 2 enthusiastic thumbs up.

Peace Out

Amber Rae