God smiled...

One really awesome memory we have from the trip is the day we were at the Jordan River to have a baptism ceremony for several members of our group. It was a chilly, cloudy, windy day. As we sat eating lunch in the restaurant near where the baptism would take place, big drops of rain began to splatter against the window, to the dismay of those who were soon to step into the chilly waters (and those of us who would be standing there watching them -- I didn't have an umbrella!). But only one person backed out, and we followed the remaining brave baptismal candidates to the area along the river that has been set aside for groups to have baptismal ceremonies.

They emerged from the dressing rooms a few minutes later in their white robes and descended the steps to the baptismal area. Then the most wonderful thing happened. The sun broke through the clouds as bright as could be, shining down on the water and our little group. Rain clouds all around, but above us, a patch of sunlight that we felt God had sent just for us. The sun warmed our bodies, and it felt like God was smiling down in His glory on His children who were proclaiming that their lives were His.

Two of the people were being baptized for the first time, and the rest were doing baptisms of rededication. It was a privilege to share this special time with them as Dr. Don Brake (Dean of Multnomah Biblical Seminary) and Dr. Dan Lockwood (President of Multnomah Bible College), who were our group leaders, baptized each one in turn in the river where John baptized Jesus so long ago.

After our group was finished, another group descended (a larger group) and the sun stayed out for them, too. It was such a beautiful reminder of God's care and love, even in the small things. As we boarded our bus and continued our tour afterwards, the wind started blowing and the rain came down again. But we held the memory of the earlier sunshine in our hearts, forever a delight in our memories.