Baptisms

One of the great highlights of the whole trip was the baptisms of about 60 people in the Slum River.  We left in a big, clapped out old bus that looked like a circus bus; only to be held up in the first 5 minutes by a  bandh (strike).  Something to do with  integrating the Maoist combatants into the regular army.  Anyway, it didn't last for long, and we were on our way.  20 minutes out to the River.  We scrambled down to the village, then about another 500 metres down a nearly dry river bed.  Through running water, over boulders then up a steep hill.  At the top many women were preparing for a big lunch after the big event.  They were cutting up onions, the fire was going in a hole in the ground, cabbages, chickens etc.  The local goats were beside themselves with joy.  The cabbage was cut  and in a big basin of water waiting to be cooked, and an old billy was having a lovely feast.  We were hoping the cooking process would get rid of any nasties.    Raju talked to all the people being baptised, we all sang and prayed together and then they all lined up, with the first one carrying a wooden cross make from sticks, advertising to the whole Hindu community around.  Then we had another trek down the river bed to clean water, and sang "I have decided to follow Jesus".  A long winding row of all sorts of people.  To my great joy, there were a number of our hostel girls there, who come from Slum River, also husbands and wives, father and son, and middle aged and also one old lady with an elaborate gold ring in the middle of her nose.  We stood in the river,  and one by one they waded in with the little wooden cross.  The joy on each face as they came out of the water is beyond trying to describe.  It has to be a highlight of my life.  It felt very early Christian, in the river with simple people, with transformed lives, living with persecution, yet filled with joy.  Afterwards, it was time to feast.  Rice, fried veges and boney chicken.  Then time to dance.  In the wonderful Nepali style, the girls danced their beautiful rhythmic way, smiling faces, graceful swaying bodies and hands.  We prayed the Lord would bless the food to our bodies and ate in faith.  Then there was the trek back down the river bed.  Agnes was struggling when we got to  an area of running water getting over the rocks.  Raju offered to piggy-back her across.  Well! It was a sight to see and I have it all on film.  Getting onto his back was a major exercise.  We never know just what our next experience will be.  More to come

Robyn