Today was not supposed to be the highlight of the trip. To be honest, the idea of sending students to a church where they wouldn't understand the sermon, coupled with a more conservative dress code and then spending the day "resting" sounded like a recipe for attitude. I was so NOT expecting God to show up in the midst of today.
At the early hour of 4:30 AM, Joel, Danae, Chris and I got out of bed (we didn't get into bed until about midnight!). We were so excited to get to be a part of an international web call with our church community at home! The funny thing is that we were set up in a Pizza Hut parking lot with a laptop (on it's battery), a web cam and a heavily armed guard... the church at home is the epi-center of technological development in Williams County and THEY were the one with technical difficulties during the beginning of 2nd service. We could almost feel the buzz of excitement as people shared in the joy of ministry here in Honduras!
At the end of our 3rd service connection, our host Francisco rolled up in the van to pick us up and was able to be a part of the excitement for the 3rd service... we could hear the cheering!
After a quick nap and lunch, we drove to the Pico Bonito National Park to play in the river and water-fall! No one expected what would happen over the next few hours...
To give you a glimpse of the experience, I will need to give you some background. Over the last 5 years or so, I have seen Danny Lamneck (one of our students on this trip) grow deeply in his faith. Over those years, Danny and I have talked numerous times about his desire to be baptized. Earlier in the trip (just after we landed here), Danny and I talked again about it... Since we have been here I have thought about asking Danny if he wanted to get baptized in the ocean while we were here... each time, I chickened out. As I was watching students play in the deep pools of water under the waterfall... I thought about it again... and again chickened out.
As Julio (our driver) and I were sitting on some rocks talking about the remaining plans for our trip, I casually asked him "what is the name of this river?" (I figured it would be good information for the blog). His answer: (I will include the picture - otherwise you will think it was staged)
Ok... so maybe your spanish is a bit weak... it means "GRACE RIVER." I could barely contain the excitement... I could hardly wait until he got up to the top of the area to ask him (as gently as I possibly could) if he would like to be baptized in this river - right now! It was great to explain the terrific symbolism of being immersed in a river of grace!
I honestly struggle to even write this because I cannot explain in words the depth and excitement it was to experince this step in Danny's journey - in this place - with this group!
BUT THE STORY IS ONLY BEGINNING!
As I shared this idea with one of our leaders, I could sense the excitement in her voice... I thought is was excitement for Danny... (hold on to your seat, Kevin... this is about to get exciting!!!!)
Once Stacey started talking, I realized that she wasn't as excited about Danny as she was for herself! I encouraged her to search her heart to ensure that her desire to follow Christ in believer's baptism wasn't only reaction to the moment (or the circumstances), but more a sense of her genuine next step in her journey with Christ. She expressed that her only reservation was that her husband Kevin (who had planned to come with us on this trip) was not here to experience this moment with her... I told her that she was on her own on that one :-)! I guess that wasn't enough discouragement...
Once I explained what we were going to do to the group and expressed that anyone else that would have interest in taking this step (as well as the significance of this step and what needs to have already happened regarding accepting Christ as their Savior prior to baptism), we had four more students express interest!
Half immersed in the literal waters of Grace, I had a significant conversation with each of the interested students to clarify their intent and understanding... then I had the opportunity AND PRIVELEGE to baptize each of them....
Ashley Miller
Dylan Krupp
Connor Robinson
Ally James
Each of them (in the water) shared their story of coming to Christ with me (and agreed to share that aloud with our group tonight)... words cannot do justice to the pure joy of being a part of this significant experience with our students!
Here are some pics to help you experience it with us! (we also have some videos similar in quality to the one from the other day, I will try to get those up later)
35 comments:
Nae Nae,
Happy 18th birthday from all of us in California -- Sean, Sandi, Jakob, Caden, Grandpa and Grandma.
What a great place to be for such a great reason. You'll never forget #18 because of it!
The boys have asked...have you and Amy Great taken more than 500 pictures yet? We look forward to seeing your pictures and hearing all about your experience.
Love you much,
Uncle Sean
P.S. Darc...stay outta Danae's stuff!!!
I'm not sure I even have words to say --- I'm crying just reading about the day and looking at the pictures. I think it was a day to think about GRACE -- George mentioned the author of Amazing Grace today during the message and how absolutely awesome to be baptized in the "River of Grace." It is so easy to forget how undeserving we are of His grace and how God pours it over each of us. Amazing grace -- amazing plans!! What an awesome God we serve.
Jeremy, I cannot believe my son woke up with only a few hours sleep. Did you have him cloned? Just kidding, Joel!! I'm proud of you and know without a doubt God has a plan for you to share all your experiences to further His kingdom. Joel, I am so glad you got up early so I could see your face and hear your voice. You were even thoughtful to give me a wake up call -- sorry I didn't answer the phone. I did laugh as I played back the message and you told me where at -- as if I've forgotten. :) While I don't miss the bickering and back talk -- I do miss you and love you very much!!
Happy Birthday, Danae!!
Chrisden, I am loving the pictures!! Miss Photogenic All Star Soccer Player -- I can see God's love on your face. You are such a blessing!!
I love all the pictures and think all of you are simply wonderful and am sending hugs to each of you. I have no doubts that you have been holding your hands out and allowing God to use you to be His hands and feet. I hope this is a life changing experience and that each of you will continue to hold your hands open to God.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~Romans 15:13"
Hey Stace,
Wow. Two beautiful photos of you. One giving your deepest heart to Jesus in the River of Grace, and the other of you and those children - the radiance in your face is amazing. I am overwhelmed with joy for you, and praising the Lord on your behalf!
Congrats to all of you - those baptized in the river, and those baptized in the Spirit of this Honduras experience!
"God is so good" was my thought reading through the "Grace" day blog.
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LaCeiba weather forecast: Monday 91degrees -eve 40%c.thunderstorm
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I am still smiling as I recall the energy & excitement in 3rd service during the web cam.
I pray our awesome God will Bless your day.
What beautiful pictures!! I can't stop the tears. This has been an amazing journey just to watch thru pictures and read about on-line. I am praising God along with everyone else on those who came forward to be baptized into the body of Christ! What a wonderful story to start the day off with!!
Emily C.- Dad and I are missing you more and more. Can't wait to see you this week. Take care sweeitie. We love you.
Dad & Mom
Yay God! Wow! What a way to start out the day! I'm overwhelmed with tears of joy!Congratulations to all of you who took the next step in your journey with the Almighty!
Ali I'm sure your sister is beyond excited right now!
Happy Birthday Danae what a way to celebrate your
18th.It was so good to see you on the big screen yesterday. We enjoyed that so much Jeremy. Thanks for making it happen. It was a good sunday:)
Can't wait to see you all back here safe and sound. Enjoy every minute of the rest of your trip and cherish the memories.
Love ya Jake!
WOW...crying again! Jeremy, we are celebrating this "win" with you! Those are the moments that make all the other "stuff" you deal with in your ministry all worth it, huh?! I am praising God that He blessed you with this awesome honor of serving Him and His children this way!
For those of you baptized...congrats! What an amazing testimony you have shown us of your faith in Christ Jesus and your obedience in following His word. Connor and Ashley, I have watched you both grow up physically and spiritually and am rejoicing over this next step you have taken! I have been praying that all of you would experience God in a close and personal way and I'm sure it was amazing for all of you to witness.
It was great hearing and seeing you guys yesterday in church. Thanks for getting up so early and going to a lot of work so that we could experience this trip with you even more. Danae...we talked about compassion in Kids' Kingdom yesterday, just like you spoke about! We talked about the compassion that Jesus had when He touched and healed a leper. When we prayed, we lifted up those of you who have been feeling sick and claimed healing for you, because the God we serve today is the same God who healed people from leprosy!
We serve a mighty God!
Danny,
Words cannot express what I am feeling at the moment. I am crying while I am reading this. You are my pride and joy, just this morning I was praying and asking God just to get through this day and give me something positive and then I read this. God had a reason for you going on this trip and this was the reason. Just to get baptized in that river had to feel great. I am so proud of you and cannot wait to see you.
I love you,
Mom
I echo the sentiments already shared: congrats, WOW, we have an amazing God, miss you!
What keeps coming to mind for me is “I can’t wait to see what happens next!” This is such an exciting trip. I am so grateful that we as family, friends and community have been able to share in this experience through the daily communication on the Blog. Hey Jeremy, when you come home do you think you could still write to us each night?
My prayer for you today: “Heavenly Father, what an amazing experience you have planned for this trip. We praise You for what you have done and will do in the following days. We truly have Amazing Grace in You! Please help all of us (the students, adults and all of us at home) look at each day with the excitement of anticipation to see what You will do next. Help us know that you are in control and whatever happens God, you will make Your presence known. I pray for continued safety for our team in Honduras. In Your Amazing Name, Amen”
Blessing to all,
Hugs Zach - I miss you!
Joni
Jeremy - What an amazing day! What a "Great God" we serve and what an awesome place to be to get baptized in the Grace River. I'm sure everyone there was thrilled to be a part of something so amazing. Thank you leaders for doing such a wonderful job with everything. Everyone of you are in our prayers daily.
Scott - Happy Birthday. I know it's two days early but I didn't think Jeremy would be reading the messages on Wednesday since he will be busy with customs, airports and luggage. Everyone here sends their love.
Danae - Happy Birthday to you also. I remember a couple of years ago when the two of you were on a trip together (Biloxi, Mississippi I believe it was) during your birthdays. Hope you had a great one.
Hope those of you that are on Cipro are feeling better by now. May God continue to bless all of you as you serve Him.
Love - Mom
As I was reading the blog about Danny and Stacy I was overcome with tears, as I continued reading to find out that four more students had decided to make the step as well, more tears came then........my blubbering moment happened. My Connor was one of the four. (By the way I'm still blubbering) :)
All day Sunday I had Connor on my mind. I needed to see him for some reason. I kept wishing for a picture to be posted. I was hoping that this trip was going to make make a major impact on him. I kept checking the blog yesterday hoping that Jeremy would send an extra blog with pictures to possibly catch a glimpse of him just to make sure that he made it.
Well did he ever make it!!
Connor what a wonderful testimony you have!! You can now say that you have literaly been immersed in GRACE.
Love you So much I am so very proud of you!!
Mom
WOW!!! What an amazing God we serve!!! I will write more later. It has been really hard trying to read this update at work and answer phones. I have had to regain composure several times so that I could sound professional. I'm having a difficult time.
There are just so many emotions - the birth of my daughter 18 years ago and the rebirth of those yesterday!!! OK, I've gotta stop, I'm tearing up again and I just know the phone is going to ring.
Love in Christ,
Sue
WOW!!!!!! What an amazing day!
What can you say.
Happy 18th birthday, Danae! What a place to celebrate!
Enjoyed seeing the 4 of you on the screen at church yesterday. Wish it could have been the whole group, but I guess they were too tired.
Hearing of the committments to follow Christ in Baptisim, brought tears to my eyes. How awesome to beable to tell others the location of your baptisim, River of Grace! God is good!
Missing you more Catie, can't wait till Thursday am. Hope you're doing well. By the way, Christie is remembering to feed your fish!
Love,
MOM
Praise God for the work that you are continuing to do and the lives that you have touched! The feelings of pure joy as I read about those who were "immersed in grace". Continue to give God all the Glory!
Blessings
The Plassmann's (Dylan Krupp's family)
I am just in awe of the things that are happening on this trip. We serve such an amazing God! My prayer is that all of you will remember how God revealed Himself to you on this trip. I am a little envious of all the leaders. You have certainly shown me what it is to leave your comfort zone (something I wish I was better at) and serve the Lord regardless of the conditions. Thanks to all of you for putting up with my son this week :) Jacob, I can't wait to have you home - I miss you more than I normally do :) Love ya...
"Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love."
Eph. 6:23-24
I read this early this morning and didn't have time to comment then. Every time I have thought about it today I got chills! What an awesome story of baptism you will have. Congratulations to each of you. And I love it when God does such cool stuff - like bringing you all to the Grace River.
We will continue to pray for you all as you spend your last day in Honduras. Grayden, Micah doesn't want to play this game anymore! He keeps asking me when you are coming home. When he sees an airplane in the sky he says, "Is my Grayden in that plane?"
Kyle missed the video call yesterday and was majorly bummed. Everyone but him and Caleb went to 2nd service so Emma could serve. When those two got in the Aviator they realized they ahd a flat tire! He called about 100 people and couldn't get a hold of anyone except Mrs. Bergman - she was in New York!! Ha! Well, we told him how neat it was. So neat, in fact, that we stayed and watched it for third service too! Loved Francisco!
Happy Birthday to Danae and Scott!
So the people gathered
(Numbers 20:2)
and they all decided to celebrate
(2 Chronicles 30:23)
for the Lord had filled them with joy.
(Ezra 6:22)
Each one had a special gift from God
(1 Corinthians 7:7)
to share with others
(1 Timothy 6:18)
They danced and sang,
(Psalm 87:7)
They made it a joyful day of feasting.
(Ester 9:17)
They ate and drank, and were happy
(1 Kings 4:20)
and walked along singing and Shouting praises to God.
(Psalm 42:4)
It was like a dream!
(Psalm 126:1)
This is the day the Lord has made make the most of it!
Praises to the Father, for those who made public affirmation through baptism, we truly serve an amazing God. It is hard to imagine topping a day like this! Go Team Honduras ’08!
Peace and Love to All
Mom and Dad
Jeremy,How you make us cry from so far away. Not only do you make us cry you and God sure do know how to make our hearts glow. That is the thing about you Jeremy, I have always thought God has big things in store for you. Kids I am so proud of all of you. This is where it all really begins. For your whole life this will be the rock that you will stand on. Ashley, I am so proud of you. This was a big step honey. I know this is something that you have wanted to do . I just wish I was with you. At the beginnng of Jeremys story I started crying because I knew what you had done. Nathan and I are so happy for you. Love and miss you lots, Nathan & Robin
Okay Robin, now you have me crying all over again! You know I will always have a soft place in my heart for your family!
Hey everyone, all I can say is WOW! What a wonderful experience to be baptized in the River of Grace. Kyle, maybe we should of waited a couple of months. Just kidding. It doesn't matter where you did it, the message is stil the same and the first step to many more.
Jeremy, thank you so much for taking the time to write to us every day. How I wished I could of been there to experience this with my son. But with you updateing us every day, I kind of feel like I am. You have been such a positive influence in Kyle's life and I'm so greatful to you for that. Kyle would not be who he is today if it weren't for you allowing God to work through to shape and mold Kyle into who he is.
Kyle, I'm so very proud of you. What an awesome child you have turned out to be. Like I've said before, you are my rock!
Danae, I'm very proud of you also. Number one for putting up with my son (just kidding)and number two for who you are. When you see your face, you see the light of God. What a joy you are in my life and my family's.
Praise to all of you for what you are doing and for what God is doing through you. What a wonderful gift not only for those beautiful children there but for you also. You all have a big smile face in God's book for doing his work. What a blessing.
Love, Hugs, and Prayers,
Mom
DEAR KYLE,
SORRY ABOUT NOT BEING ABLE TO SEND YOU ANY MESSAGES. NEXT TIME YOU CAN GET ME SET UP BEFORE YOU LEAVE.
THE PICTURES ARE SO REVEALING. THEY SHOW HOW GOD IS WORKING IN ALL OF YOUR LIVES. THE CHILDREN ARE BEAUTIFUL.
THE REPORT ABOUT THE BUS WAS ESPECIALLY TOUCHING. IT SHOWED HOW THE PEOPLE OF THE AREA ARE WORKING WITH
YOU AND ARE CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR NEEDS.
I AM SO PROUD OF YOU AND ALL THE OTHERS. MAY GOD TAKE THIS EXPERIENCE AND WRITE IT UPON YOUR HEARTS AND IN
YOUR SPIRITS. THAT IT WILL BE AN EVERLASTING FOUNTAIN TO DRAW UPON IN YOUR LIVES.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DENAE!!!! THIS WILL BE ONE YOU WILL NEVER FORGET. GOD BLESS YOU.
KYLE, I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU. I AM PROUD TO BE YOUR GRANDMA.
LOVE, HUGS, & PRAYERS,
GRANDMA PAT
Dylan,
I am glad to see that you have made the decision to accept Christ as your savior. I AM VERY, VERY PROUD OF YOU! I cannnot wait to see you to give you A BIG FAT KISS! I love ya!
Dad
Now, I am able to write and cry and write and cry some more. How awesome it has been to experience this trip with you through the amazing updates, pictures and being able to interact with our church family through the comments.
To those of you who were baptized...what an awesome next step in your walk with the Lord. For most of you this is now an outward expression of what Christ has already done for you. Thank you Stacy, for your tremendous witness in taking this step with our kids and showing them obedience no matter how far you've come. I am so thankful for the Godly women in my daughter's lives.
I hope and pray that you all have had a wonderful day in the orphanage. Danae - remember "Snuggle not Smuggle"
Danae - I hope you have had a birthday to remember. The Lord knew where you would be on this day, celebrating your 18th birthday. Even though, we apart, I want you to know how proud I am of who you have become. You are an inspiration to me. I have learned so many things from you and I will probably learn more. I am looking forward to seeing how the Lord is "growing" you during this week.
Love, Mom
Hey
Logan I'm happy to hear your all having fun. I cant wait to see your pictures and to hear all about your experience.I hope the sun has been nice to you and your not to burnt. I cant begin to tell you how much I miss you, but I'm so glad to see your having fun. Cant wait to see you soon.
love
Alex
Emily C - The baptism pictures were wonderful!!! I'm sure the kids who were baptised will never forget the experience. What a wonderful trip this has been . . .and there's one more day to go!!! I can't wait to see you and hear all about the entire experience!!!
Love ya bunches and bunches!!!
Grammy and Grampy
Ryon Partee said.....
It is amazing to see the work you guys are doing in people's lives. God truly does have a guiding hand on your hearts. Also, congratulations to the people who were baptized. It is great to see people making such large steps in their walk with God.
Scotty the Scottster!!!........
Alright so earlier in the blog Jeremy told everyone to post anything they wanted. Well he said we could even give an update on the cat. Well.......that inspired me. I called your mom and come to find out, Chip has been terrorizing the house!!! Anyway, it has been so awesome to see you show others the way to God. You do this in everything you do. I truly am very proud of you Scott. That picture of you leading all those kids about made me fall over....it was amazing. Also Scott, put ur arms away, you are going to scare people.....muahaha! Can't wait for until you get back.
Ashley
Your Aunt Robbie called to tell us the news about your baptism and this blog. It is so neat to be able to see pics and get an update.
I have been praying for this trip since we heard about it, and that you would be touched in a very real way. THANK GOD for Jeremy, the other leaders on this trip, and for Robin and Nathan raising you in church.
You are the frosting on my cupcake, my 'bonus' when I married your dad.
We will be logging on to keep up with your trip.
We love you very much, honey.
Dad and Lori
Grace & Peace
God is doing some amazing work on the workers, amagine that?! May the springs of His living water pour over you and renew you with His Spirit. Congrat's, to those on their next step in their faith walk, the walk of "grace". May your commitment bring a life long deep and abundent personal love relationship with your Savior, the King. Stac, I can't wait to see the glow of Him in your beautiful smile, Amen to that!
WOW MOM!
Well, I must say, while being immersed in a "river of grace" is not quite as symbolic as my own dunking in Moore Memorial Pool, that is pretty cool all the same. I'm pretty glad that I'm not the only one in the family to be "re-dunked" any longer. I must say, I think that is the coolest thing that I have ever heard, and I never expected a surprise of this magnitude.
On a different note, work the timing system at a swim meet made me realize how much I love you.
I'm sorry dad couldn't be there to watch you be dunked, and that I never even planned to be there (and my apologies for being such a terrible son). But the good news is that this year I'm eating well (no diarrhea for a week straight, that's a positive).
Anyway, I'm glad to see Conner got officially dunked, you know, outside all the times I had to do it in swim practice.
Oh, and apparantly it's Danae's birthday, so, uhhh....yeah, happy birthday (I have no idea why I forgot to write that the first time...how could I be so thoughtless...)
Dear Amy,
We all miss you! I hope you're having a great time that you won't ever forget! We'll see you on Wednesday.
Love Mom
Our God is an AWESOME GOD!!! I started to cry as many others have while reading this blog. It is so awesome to see God at work. Seeing him change not only those of you on the trip, but those of us back here, anyways I have been amazed and changed through your blogs, pictures, and the videos.
Thank you so very much for including us in your journey's. I have enjoyed it so much.
Ali, I bet your Grandma Rose is waiting impatiently for you :) I know that all of your family misses you and are so excited for you in your new journey with Christ.
Dylan, I know your mom was probly crying, along with everyone else :) I hope you are having a wonderful time, and be blessed. Congrats on your new journey.
Have a safe trip home and may God speak to each one of you on your journey.
Congrats to all of you who have started on your new journey toward Christ. Connor you have been truly blessed to have been baptized in this beautiful place God has made.I am so proud of you. Love Aunt Anna
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