A Meal, A Milestone, A Memory

Yesterday was a day to be remembered. Though Sunday is normally our day off, we were blessed to be a part of the first baptism for the Phuket Life Centre church. We traveled out to a beach on the north end of the island that is part of a national park with many of our regular church attendees and a few other friends to baptize Guy. Those of us that arrived first were able to squeeze in a quick swim in the water before the festivities began. As we gathered together, Greg explained baptism and the reasons a believer chooses to be baptized. Guy professed his desire and motivations to be baptized.

We sang a song of praise, and headed out to the water. As Greg and Chai walked out a way into the water with Guy, other people followed, getting knee or waist deep themselves. I couldn't hear the conversation between Greg, Chai, and Guy, but I could see the brotherhood between them. In a land and time where men of God are rare, here were three men of differing backgrounds, ages, and stories, demonstrating true discipleship and Christly brotherhood. As Guy went into the water and arose again, cheers arose in our group, hugs were had, and smiles spread across faces.

We gathered together to pray over Guy, to pray blessing and protection over him as he continued moving forward in His journey with the Lord.
Then we began to sit down for a meal. I tell no lie when I say that it was very likely the best meal I've had in my time thus far in Thailand. I don't simply mean that the food was great, which it was (som-tum, fried chicken, sticky rice, a variety of fruits and vegetables, and multiple glorious desserts); but in a moment, the beauty of it all overwhelmed me. The joy of the work of the LORD being accomplished, the story of one individual's life and God's calling, the recalling of God's call to and anointing upon each of us, the fellowship of believers (and believers-to-be, but all friends), all amidst the beauty of God's creation. I was certain that within that meal, I had tasted a piece of heaven (and it wasn't just the baked goods).
After the meal, we continued to fellowship together. Some went to the water, some to watch planes land at the airport, some teaching or practicing Thai, and others worshiping God in song. Though the day was long, it was beautiful in every way. I pray that God would bless you and us here with such days, in numbers beyond counting.