Our family's life in New Zealand
Another of our sons has chosen to follow Jesus, and last week he showed that to the world through baptism. What a special occasion! It was a cold, rainy day, but a number of people joined us at the creek to witness this major step in his life with us.
Our third boy, Elijah, was baptised the Saturday after Christmas, after realizing his sinfulness and need of a Saviour. What a joy to see your children taking that step! We gathered near the mouth of the Hurunui River, and after a short meditation on baptism and salvation, Gayle had the joy of baptizing one of his children (the third time he has had this privilege!). A number of our friends gathered for the occasion, and then came to our house for a shared lunch. It was a very special day, and God gave us the gift of a dry hour or so in the middle of several days of rain, just while we were at the river!
Playing on the cliff afterward!
Our second son (third child) was baptized this past Sunday! What a joyous occasion. We went to a creek several miles north of Kaikoura for it, where there was a pool nearly under the railway bridge.
We arrived before several of the other car-loads of people, so enjoyed the sunny day beside the creek.
The boy who was to be baptized acted true to his nature, and played in the cold water while we waited.
Meanwhile, our oldest boy discovered a “cave” up under the train bridge, and his daddy helped him climb up into it.
We teased him about living under a bridge now!
Suddenly, we heard a whistle–a freight train was going through!
Finally, everyone arrived and one of the brothers shared the passage from the book of Acts about Paul’s baptism.
Then, Gayle had the privilege of baptizing his son.
Just as we finished praying, another train whistle sounded in the distance–the passenger train was coming through!
A constant backdrop to the service was the surf, easily visible on the other side of the highway bridge.