Where I am in the Middle East, people are persecuted for leaving their religion behind and choosing to follow the truth. For them to choose to go as far as being baptized and physically show how they have changed can lead to worse persecution—even exile from the family or worse.
This is what baptism is all about. It is about showing in a physical way the change in you now that you know the Father. It is showing that even though there may and will be persecution, nothing can keep you from the Father.
There were three who made the decision to do this—ages 21, 19 and 17. These guys took the brave step and showed to the world they are different because they know the truth and what the truth says to do.
After getting to be a part of this, we were able to share with them in their first taking of the Lord’s Supper. Then we were able to go to some nearby woods for a meeting that only happens once a year. With more than 500 people, we praised God for what he has done.
Standing there listening to the speaker and hearing it translated in more than five languages and hearing the songs of praise was so touching. Even though there where all these differences physically and culturally, we were able to sing to the Lord together and pray for the country, for the lost and for each other.
It reminded me that even though we get stuck in our own little world, there are brothers and sisters everywhere whop are seeking to do God’s will. One thing that I know for sure is that not only does God have plans for every single one of us, but also that he is moving in the Middle East.
J.P. is a student at Midwestern State University, serving with Go No Missions in the Middle East. His full name is withheld for security reasons.
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