As I went down to the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way!
O sinners let’s go down,
Let’s go down, come on down,
O sinners let’s go down,
Down to the river to pray.
We did go “down to the river to pray today.” We also went there to baptize and observe the Lord’s Supper. The Nišava River runs through Pirot. We went to a peaceful, secluded section just on the outskirts of town. Thirty-six people went with us, with six of them intending to be baptized. Pastors Marijan and Rodja spoke about the meaning and importance of baptism, then Marijan baptized the people in the cool waters of the Nišava. After the six were baptized, Marijan extended an invitation for others. Three others, who had been putting off being baptized, decided to follow the Lord in believer’s baptism today. We had the joy of being part of the baptism of nine adults.
We also shared in worship and prayer at the riverside, then enjoyed a picnic meal before returning to town.
And that was just this afternoon! This morning went on as usual — Children’s English class and Multiply for the new believers. Both went really well. The Children’s class graduates tomorrow and gets their “diplome” for completing the week. In Multiply, we’ll have made it into the chapters on How to Study the Bible, which should really prepare them for Ivan, Marijan, and Rodja taking over.
Who can resist these faces?
Intently studying Multiply. And now, a little rest during the heat of the afternoon. Or maybe a tiny cup of delicious and potent Turkish coffee.