I love surprises, at least good ones, and I got to observe one recently at a recent baptism service we hosted in cooperation with a local pastor.

The service began with music then the pastor transitioned into sharing about baptism, its meaning and how it takes place.  He asked those in attendance who had repented and had faith in Jesus.  I noticed Alan had his hand raised.  My East Asian language ability is improving but still limited so I thought “Maybe I misunderstood the pastor”.  When it was time for those desiring baptism to go to the changing rooms, Alan stood and went.  WOW!  It was obvious that I understood the pastor enough so let me share my experience with Alan.

I met Alan back in October, when one of our short-term teams from South Carolina visited us.  They met Alan at an English corner, shared the Gospel with him and invited all their new friends to dinner so I could meet them.  I just so happen to sit next to Alan and his girlfriend.  We chatted a bit but I saw no obvious interest in the Bible or the Gospel, given we specifically asked all the students who was interested in a small group.  He gave no reply. 

One of the S.C. team members talked with him after dinner and informed me that he was interested in studying the Bible.  I met with him a few days later, invited him to a new Discipleship Small Group and he came. 

After a few months of studying the bible in our Discipleship Small Group and a week before the baptism service, the pastor talked with Alan about the Gospel and Alan told him he did not believe it and gave a clear indication he was not interested in being a follower of Jesus.  The pastor stressed that point to me.

The day of the baptism service arrived but before that, we had a Christmas party with a volunteer team from North Carolina.  Alan had been meeting with them faithfully, nearly 4-5 times per week.  As I wrapped up my portion of the party, I quietly shared with some of my small group members that the Baptism service will soon begin.  I saw Alan but decided not to mention it.  I didn’t think he would be interested as the party was going to continue after I left.  Thirty minutes later, Alan, along with others from his small group, arrived at the Baptism service but I didn’t think much of it. 

We began singing songs and I noticed Alan singing with much passion.  I thought “He sure sings like he means it”.  Then the pastor stood up and asked “Who had repented and put their faith in Jesus?”.  Alan raised his hand.  I thought “Maybe I misunderstood the pastor since he wasn’t speaking English” but I didn’t.  Alan was baptized that night and above is a picture of Alan being baptized.

The transformation in Alan’s life was accomplished by the Holy Spirit alone.  Yet in God’s divine sovereignty, He is using our short-term volunteer teams together with our Discipleship Small Groups as one of His tools to bring life change to East Asian students like Alan.  I’m still smiling as I write this story, one month after he was baptized.  To God be the Glory!