Our topic today was a continuation of "Was ist ein Jünger?" (What is a disciple?) We read out of John 15: 1-8 and talked about the importance of abiding in Christ, the Vine, so that we can bear fruit. Kind of a topic that I think a lot of Christians mentally skim over, like "Oh, I already know that," but we spent our whole time studying it and it's actually a really important and basic Christian principle. It was a good reminder for me, because I feel like I've been so distracted lately from reading my Bible and praying. There's been too much going on with school and friends, and it's tough to keep my focus. So today's study was definitely good. I also like the fact that the services are in both English and German--with Joey teaching in English and Janos translating--because it helps me learn new words. For example, today I learned "weinstock" (grapevine) and "antwort" (answer). I was worried that Indra might be bored, but she seemed to enjoy the service too. She said she liked the singing part the best. (Which didn't surprise me, since singing is basically her favorite thing to do!)
After the service, we all walked to the Stadtpark for our picnic. Since Elaine was going to be baptized, we walked all the way to the Stadtparksee, the lake on the end closest to our student housing. We had each brought our own lunches, but we had a few things to share as well. Martin (who is Dutch) brought macaroons, Indra and I contributed a container full of our nicest-looking pralines, and Rebecca had made a pasta salad. We ate first and then did the baptism. It was overcast by then, but thankfully not chilly. (I was still really glad I wasn't the one who had to go in the water!) We prayed for Elaine and she and Joey waded out into the Stadtparksee and he dunked her under. It was awesome! I was so glad I got to be there for it, because I know this is a big step in Elaine's walk with God. She is still a relatively new Christian, and it's been so cool to talk to her and hear how she came to know Jesus and how she has been trying to tell her family about what He did in her life.
Have to say, dinner was bizarre. I wasn't hungry until late because we'd had such a late lunch, and when I finally went into the kitchen to make something, Corina (who lives next to Indra) and her friend were there making a late dinner too. They had already claimed the table, and were already using the stove, so I made curry rice and veggies and just did my best not to get in their way. I ate standing at the counter while they ate at the table and talked over the blare of Adele and Maroon 5 on the radio. Not the most relaxing dinner I've ever had, but I didn't want to eat dinner in my room. I never do that back home--in my mind, eating happens only in the kitchen, dining room, or occasionally the living room--so it just seemed wrong somehow. The biggest bummer was that the rice was too plain, even with all the curry. Needed onions, or olive oil, or salt, or something. Oh well, live and learn.
It was still an excellent day. I was so excited Indra came to church with me! It was much more fun that way.
Baptism photos:
 |
| Reading verses about baptism beforehand (from left: Janos, Joey and Elaine) |
 |
| Wading out . . . |
 |
| . . . getting ready for the plunge . . . |
 |
| . . . and after! (The actual "dunking" picture never comes out good.) |
No comments:
Post a Comment