Kersti tentatively stepped into the water on an unusually chilly Wednesday afternoon in Estonia. Beside her stood both Pastor Meelis and Keith Brano, a Converge global worker who is a Project Advocate for Tallinn and North Estonia, and all around her were the rest of the campers at Hoolime Koos (a camp for underprivileged children and teens), most of whom had never seen a baptism before. She was publicly committing her life to Jesus, and her choice to do so did not come without consequence and fear. 

While she dreaded going back to a home life marked by alcohol and abuse, her decision this day had incited panic in her heart. She had been prayed over as she struggled to breathe, physically shaking in dread. What would her Isa (father) say? What would he do?

But, then again, what would she do? She was a follower of Christ now. She believed Him and she knew that He was worth the trials ahead. 

So, she was immersed in the chilly Nuutsaku camp lake and raised in Christ to new life. The words, “do not be afraid for I am with you,” were deeply applicable to her decision to step out in faith-filled obedience.

All of heaven rejoices with us in this!

Kersti’s story, unfortunately, is not uncommon. There were to be seven other baptisms a few days before Kersti and friends Rahab and Benaiah were baptized. At the last moment, four of those seven chose to wait. 

Estonians do not take the decision to follow Christ lightly. Even so, there were still three baptisms that day, the first for this 10-year-old camp.

Seth — my husband and ministry partner in Southern Estonia — gave Kersti our information with an open invitation to reach out whenever she needs. If the Lord is willing, she will attend a boarding school-like program here in Tartu this coming semester. 

Will you pray with us that she reaches out? And that the Lord will provide her with believers to walk alongside her? Pray also for her safety, spiritually and physically.

We are so thankful for our partners who work with us to see the gospel shared in Estonia. But there is work to be done all across the globe! And we know the Lord is working in your life right where you are. 

Would you please let us know how we can be praying and rejoicing with you in all that God is doing?