Baptisms in Lake Itza

Today the 60 or so members of the church that Ismael and Orfe and their family attend met at the shore of Lake Itza in the village of San Miguel.  The service proceeded as usual but then had a surprise ending....at least for me.

Three adults and two children were prayed over by the congregation at the end of the service in preparation for baptism by immersion in the lake.  First the minister walked into the lake.  Then he signaled for the adult man to follow.  After a time of conversation and prayer, the minister put his hand on the head of the man and gently dunked him into the water.  A similar procedure followed for the two adult women.  The mother of the young boy walked with him into the lake for baptism.  His little sister was too afraid to follow through...maybe next time.

The congregation sang and prayed on the surrounding shore.  All were welcomed with hugs and greetings and then a simple picnic followed.

It was a meaningful and sacred time for all.