Jesus said: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Right after our Seminary intensive week, we were privileged to participate in a baptism service of a new work. This new work baptized its first six believers. We are honored to be working with believers who are continually taking steps to fulfill the Great Comission.
The Baptism service began in the Tonsupa Church building with worship and a wonderful sermon by Rev. Dr. Eric Newell, interpreted by Missionary Abby Torgeson.
After Worshipping God through song and sermon we traveled a short way to a hotel owned by someone connected to the Church.
Each Baptism participant gave their favorite Scripture, testified and were baptized as the Congregation sang their favorite hymn.
Brother Segundo Ricardo Sislema Ortega testified: “before meeting Jesus I was very unhappy due to alcoholism. I slept in the streets, I had quarrels with my children and mistreated my wife. Today I have decided because of Jesus I will be another person. I am already happy because Jesus in in my life. Amen!”
Sister Marcia Paulina Lluglluna Farinango testified: “Before, I was a person who did not want to love God or do his will. I had very little patience with my son. I had a lot of bitterness in my heart. I was an idolatrous person. I had a bad character. I did not forgive anything and I was spiteful. Since I met God I changed my life. I am a new person. A loving person above all with my son. Now I am a patient person. I can forgive. I want to know God more and do his will every day. But above all, now I know that there is only one God and this is my Lord Jesus Christ!”
Sister Erika Maribel Salgado Rodriguez testified: “I have always had the happiness of having people of great faith who love me and are always praying for me and my family. That always kept me full of blessings and I felt like it also covered my faults before God in some way. I was not missing anything. I thought my life was eternal and that nothing would happen to me. I presumed to have what everyone longs for; health, money and love. I was the black sheep of the family, the ungrateful daughter who only remembered God when I needed him. I had many problems that only the power of God could give strength to my heart. Then I got sick and had to go to the hospital, this taught me that life is short and that time passes so fast. It was time to obey God! Today with all my faith I am baptized knowing that my Christ gave His life for me and that He gives me the opportunity to obey his mandate. And to live under His wings because He has the best for me. Amen!”
Sister Eliana Daniela Chilama Churta testified: “I thank God for allowing me to share my experience. My family and I were Catholics and I had a bad temper that I could not change. At the death of my grandmother there were problems in my family and I thought there was no solution. Then it happened that my mother was invited to a small group in the house of Katia Salgado that was held on Wednesdays. And I went too. It was there I first heard the Word of the Lord. My faith began and I grew until the Lord opened my eyes completely. It was a fact that strengthened my faith. One day I left early in the morning to go to the the bus stop. Two men came out of the shadows to attack me but God protected me. I realized that Christ dwells in me. He is my defender and He is my guarantor of all peace and joy. I am baptized for the love of Christ. Amen!”
Sister Carmen Amanda Zhunio testified: “I want to thank You my God for freeing me. Before I knew You I lived on the path of perdition. I understand that You called me through Your Word. I want to be in Your presence, my God, and leave everything behind and start a new life with You Father of Heaven. You taught me to forgive and feed on Your Word more and more. Amen!”
After being blessed by the baptisms and testimonies we were further blessed with Lunch at Pastor Delia’s home.
We are happy to be part of Christ’s work in Ecuador. We love that you, dear reader, are supporting the ministry here through your prayers and encouragement! Please take some time today and pray for these new believers.
With much love,
The Downings
(We are in need of a few more financial supporters to read more about our ministry please click here. Thanks!)
