Nothing but the Blood of Jesus

Yesterday, May 26, 2013, was a day full of rejoicing in Los Altos de Naranjo, Costa Rica.  Five people  obeyed the Gospel and were baptized.  We, and so many others, have been praying for these people to accept the truth, and to see the Lord working is amazing.

Above:  This is Marta.  She started meeting with us the second week we moved to Costa Rica on the front of Myra's porch, and has been with us ever since.  She always welcomes us with open arms and wants to study His word.  She is a quiet person with a precious, humble spirit.  She is the mother to four beautiful children.  From oldest to youngest: Lorena, Michelle, Margarita, and Julito.

Above:  Many have heard us talk about Myra.  Praise the Lord, is all I can think to say.  Her life has been hard, the past full of heartache.  But, a start that is white as snow. What a day for her!

Above:  This is Marta's oldest daughter, Lorena.  David would see her at Marta's house when visiting but she never left the house except to go to school.  Her mother said she never liked leaving the house and would not come to church.  She was always there for the studies at the house, and would involve herself.  She attended church for the first time 7 weeks ago, and has come ever since.  Her beautiful smile has never been prettier than in these photos above.

Above:  This is Alejandro, Lorena's boyfriend.  He started coming with her to church after she came the first time, and he has been there ever since.  He is quiet, but his expression when he came out of the water was worth more than any words could ever say.

Above:  This is Michelle, Marta's second oldest daughter.  She is almost 13.  She is very quiet, and a girl of few words.  Through the months she has really come alive and is so vibrant.  {And she is quite attached to Miss Leia Liu}.  I wanted people to be there when this happened, and I think these pictures captured the emotions pretty well.

Throughout the baptisms my mind was humming the chorus, "What can wash away my sins, nothing but the blood of Jesus," and then we concluded with, "Oh Happy Day, When Jesus washed my SINS AWAY."

Love the toucan that Deybin spotted right before we started.  Almost like he was there to watch.

The journey has just started for these people.  Their life is new and white.  Please continue to lift them up in prayer as they begin their journey as a Christian.  It was truly a memorable day, and a day that makes my heart so happy that my children were able to witness.  I love that they know that Jesus says to "Preach unto all the world."  

I wish everyone could have been there to witness such beauty.  I hope you enjoyed these photos even half as much as I enjoyed capturing the the moment of complete innocence, the moment that everything is gone, washed completely away.