We ended up having lots of opportunity to spend time with the Finnish lady and her children – the ones we mentioned in our last post. We had many great times together over the last week or so, exploring the area, having fun, sharing stories, and of course talking about the Lord. It was wonderful to learn she has been praying in the Spirit of her own accord and starting to read the Word of God for the first time in her life – what a beautiful adventure of discovery for her! It was sad to have to part ways as their travels are nearing an end. They already feel like family! Lord willing, we’ll be able to connect with them again in the near future.

We also had two more baptisms this week, on separate occasions. Both people we have known for quite a while, so it was such a joy to see them finally take this step toward God. We baptized one in the community pool at the complex we’re renting, and the other we baptized in the pool at the hotel where the Finnish family were staying. (It was so great for them to experience it all!) They both also received the infilling of the Holy Spirit (speaking in tongues as proof) when we prayed with them after coming up out of the waters of baptism.

Where possible, we like to encourage people to get baptized first before praying with them to receive the Holy Spirit. Of course, it doesn’t always work out this way – particularly if we happen to meet people during the day who are open to prayer and we pray for them on the spot. But, if we’ve known people for a while and they’ve heard the truth from our lips a number of times, we generally direct them to the scriptures on baptism when they’re finally at the stage of repentance and wanting to turn to God.

What a miraculous and blessed week we’ve had! Thank you, Almighty God!