A Field Of Dreams...

Floyd baptizes a young new Believer.

Forty-five gathered on Sunday to witness

and celebrate new life through Jesus

as 15 young people were baptized.

One year ago, Mpeli Mwaisumbe found a corn field overlooking Iringa. The dream was an orphanage and training center for the orphans where they would find love, hope and a future in Jesus Christ.

On Sunday morning, one year later the dream was a definite reality. Twenty-eight children, five staff members, Mpeli, Neema, Anthony (their Bible and English teacher), the Teleios Team, and four guests surrounded the water holding tank. The tank contained just over one foot of water and one two-meter folding ladder – the makeshift stairs into the baptistery. Joyous singing and dancing with the beat kept by rhythmic clapping celebrate new life in Jesus. Fifteen youth and children were baptized because of their commitment to follow Jesus Christ. Tears of joy streamed down our faces. We stood in awe overwhelmed by the realization that we were a part of a miracle. In one year, this corn field had been transformed. Even more, here we were celebrating through the baptism the transformation of children’s lives from horrific slavery for some to freedom in Jesus Christ.

For me, Floyd, I will never forget the face of a 15-year-old girl who had been a family slave, raped, and starved. She kneeled, closed her eyes, and placed her arms folded across her chest for baptism. As I baptized her, I could only think of new life in Jesus Christ. I realized that she represented all the dreams and hopes of the partners that God brought together. The transformation of life for her was just beginning—what an amazing beginning for her. One of the first to arrive at the orphanage just over three months ago, she had found love, hope and a future in Jesus Christ. Never had she eaten three meals in a day, worn a school uniform, slept soundly and safely, comfortable and warm, or known life in Jesus Christ. Here is the Gospel of Jesus Christ at its best—the whole life of a person transformed—new life.

As a note, the children are told about Jesus Christ in their Bible classes, morning prayers, and English classes. Invitations to follow Jesus as we experience in most of our churches are not offered. Instead, the message is presented through teaching and life examples, and the children voluntarily ask to follow Jesus. They are then discipled for a period of time to make sure they understand their decision. Mpeli was very clear that they did not want the children making a decision just to please the staff or as a way to ensure their staying at the orphanage.

Earlier Sunday morning, the team traveled for the last time to Kideti. Anne with Zech’s assistance, taught the teachers and children a Bible story using felt board applications from materials sent by Jody, Kristi and John William Parker. Bill Jordan was informed about an hour before Sunday School that he would be teaching the morning lesson. The celebration of the Lord’s Supper with the church was a special time of worship for the team. The church asked that we bring back greetings to our churches and partners with thankfulness for your prayers and partnership.

Sunday ended with a meal celebrating our partnership with Daily Bread Life Ministries (Frank, Anna, Neema, Mpeli, Diamon, and Winston) at the Riverside Campsite.

Floyd waits as another young new Believer

makes his way into the baptismal pool.

Bill teaches the Sunday School lesson

as Frank translates for him.