On Sunday, we really enjoyed attended the teen worship service held at the Teen Center. They had a great praise band and vocal team singing many of the contemporary worship songs that we use. The room was packed with kids and a few adults and the energy level was palpable. The message was delivered by Mike Sweeney of Pioneer Bible Translators and I thought he really connected with the young people. Afterwards, we went to the English-language service in the main meeting hall. I think we told you about that elsewhere.

It was announced at both services that there were some teens who wanted to be baptized and that we would be meeting at the bend in the river at 2:30pm to do that. So, we were excited to go and see how that was done. You can see by the photos below that it was well attended not only by the expatriates but by quite a few local people. I use the term expatriates because it was not just Americans but several other nationalities. Many local people lined the bank across the river probably curious about the proceedings. There were a number of PNG local Christians on the bank with us.

After some songs and explanation of baptism, the fathers of the teens baptized their children. One thing I thought was very touching was how some of the New Guineans came with flower petals which they threw in the river just upstream so that those being baptized were surrounded by beautiful colors floating on the water.

It was an enjoyable and enriching day.

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