Baptizing in the Caribbean

Not exactly your typical setting for a baptism - turquoise waters, the gentle breeze dancing with the warmth of the sun, Dominicans playing along the beach and the scattering of Speedo-clad European tourist wondering about this circle of Dominicans and Americans in the water.

What a joy to be a part of a baptism service with Pastor Janel and his ministry to the Youth of La Victoria. Eight kids, ranging from five years-old to eighteen, were baptized. Many of these kids come from challenging environments and now they have found a community where they are accepted, loved, shown the gospel, and encouraged to live it out.

As I stood in this circle hearing the words of Pastor Janel and looking up a the clouds in the sky, I imagined God and the majestic hosts in heaven looking down dancing with joy because the lost have been found.

In Luke 15, there are three stories in a row that Jesus gives about the lost. The lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost sons (we often call this the Prodigal Son). It is striking that in each of these stories, after finding what was lost, there is rejoicing and celebration. It is extravagant, bewildering, and shocking. It is a reflection of God's economy, He gives all for the lost. That is the depth of His heart for just on person.

Why?

Because He loves them and because He desires that they would be a part of the celebration that is intrinsically a part of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are a divine circle, a dance of life looking down at this broken circle, in the middle of the Caribbean, declaring a need for God and His dance of life.