January 24, 2009
Dear [FIRSTNAME],

It’s kind of funny when I don’t know how many baptisms I witnessed today. One person said it was going to be thirty. Another said it was 65. I just know that a whole lot of people got baptized.

It’s also funny that they were honored to have me there. They were thrilled by my presence. All the kids wanted to touch me and shake my hand (although I’m thinking that it was just because I’m white and they think I’m weird). But I’m the one who was truly thrilled and honored. To see God’s hand in action in such a powerful way. I’d be thrilled if Trinity had 65 baptisms in 25 years, much less one day.

The ten church planters in training that were present today “only” had 67 baptisms during their two years of training, and they’re just getting going.

But it’s also hard to convey what baptism means here. In America, it’s often a little ritual for babies. Here it’s a break with the past, a commitment of your life to Christ.

It is enough to transform an entire culture.

It’s funny also that I had a little argument with the pastor overseeing the training of these church planters. I said I wanted my people to be like his people. He said he wanted his people to be like mine (because we’ve given a few spare dollars to help fund this ministry). We all agreed that we want our people to be like Jesus. Amen to that.

It’s also funny that I just called my wife from a little booth. I could not stand up straight. There were cobwebs overhead. And there were three huge 5-gallon water bottles on the floor. And it was boiling hot. It makes me long for home. And yet, it’s amazing to be here and see what God is going.

Thanks for all your prayers.

In Christ,
Pastor Steve

swillweber@trinitylutheranpaso.org

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