In February Ismael from the community of Boma asked me if he could be baptized. I told him I thought it was great idea but first wanted to hear his story and find out why he wanted to be baptized. He has been a believer for many years but never been baptized. He explained that his knowledge of the Bible was very limited but he wanted to obey the things he had learned. And he wanted to be baptized just like Jesus was.
A date was set and we went out to Boma in February. Rick first spent about 45 minutes teaching on the difference between Baby dedication and baptism. In the Dominican Republic, almost every one is baptized as a baby and so they wonder - "Why is it that Jesus was baptized when he was grown?" When Rick was done teaching, one of the mom's shared "I understand the difference and I want to dedicate my children to the Lord. Can we do that now as well?" And of course, we felt it was a great idea. In the same day, the small church of Boma would have a Baptism and a Baby dedication. It wasn't the first time people had been baptized in Boma but it was definitely a uncommon experience, something that we hope more people will decide to do.
The church in Boma is learning what it means to be the Body of Christ. Our role in Boma is to help the leaders of the church be successful as leaders. Each week we go to help them consider how to apply God's Word in their community.
