74 Souls Baptized at Bonguyan, Matina Aplaya, Davao City

December 8, 2016

There is no religious act in the New Testament which is described with so rich and varied symbols than BAPTISM. Baptism is a birth into the new life (John 3:5). Baptism is God's way of washing away sins (Acts 22:16). Baptism is the exodus out of bondage to sin into Christ (Rom. 6:3-4). Baptism is the act through which one enters the church and begins his journey toward heaven (1 Peter 3:21).

By God's grace, 74 SOULS had submitted to baptism in just one day! After several times of bible studies and Gospel meetings in their area, they finally obey the Gospel of Christ through water baptism. We cannot do this without the help of our co-preachers like brother Henry Embac, Quinones Macla and Moca Marapan. They sacrificed much in walking and travelling in rebel areas just to preach the truth. But thanks to God, for He continue to bless us that we can still able to spread the Gospel that saves men even in the rebel areas.

Before we went to the water, my father, Julie Divine A. Notarte, preached more about the Beauty and Importance of Baptism as what Jesus commanded in the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). Although, most of them are already decided but we make sure that they will obey it with understanding. Other preachers who cooperated in this work were brother Joseph Notarte, Jonathan Notarte and I (Joshua Notarte).

After preaching the whole truth, 59 precious souls went to the water and submitted to baptism. Brother Julie Divine A. Notarte baptized them all. After that, brother Jonathan Notarte read some scriptures in the bible to edify them how to live worthy Christians.

But just after we baptized them, another group of people arrived and were willing to be baptized. They already heard the truth even in the Radio Program of the Church of Christ. My father briefly preached again about the Gospel of Christ and having decided, 15 precious souls then were baptized. With a total of 74 souls who were baptized this day! We give all the glory to God for this addition in His kingdom. I (Joshua Notarte), give some admonishment to them from the bible. 

Please pray for our new brethren as they start to live in Christ. These brethren lived in war areas and they are always the victims. They could not go to their little gardens and were forced to evacuate when chaos occur. They don't have enough food, medicines and clothes. For many times, they invited us to preach in their area but most of the time, it was postponed due to the military operations. PLEASE PRAY FOR THEM AND HELP THEM.