Water Baptism in the Del Rio, NL, Mexico
Note: Guest written by Cooper Stewart who is visiting TPM in Mexico from Texas.
Steve with True Path Ministries, Arlen (also visiting from Texas) and I met Pastor Ray at Iglesia Getsemani Church this morning (July 31) in preparation for a 10 a.m. caravan departure to Del Rio, NL, Mexico. We traveled with approximately 40 people, consisting of pastors, family and friends all to witness the water baptism of seven new brothers and sisters in Christ — Praise God! We departed from Galeana, N.L., and headed deep into the mountains of Mexico. It was a beautiful, 60-degree morning with clear blue skies.
The 45-minute ride up to Del Rio is both captivating with all the beautiful scenery of Mexico and a bit intense at times with the steep rocky mountain roads, some of which could use guard rails, due to the 2-300 feet cliffs below. I think to myself “Trust in the Lord.” We arrived at the river and sing praises as we saw the flowing mountain waters of the Del Rio. The excitement is building as one can see on the faces of everyone. The caravan of people consists of elderly grandparents, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters and young children of all ages.
The next hour is used in an assortment of different ways from; some sitting and resting, others watch children playing and some of us building a small rock dam, in order to increase the depth of the pool of water for the baptism.
Soon they are ready as I hear Evangelist Ramiro open up in prayer. Everyone is at the river
banks as Pastor Lulu shares scripture in preparation for the baptisms. Ramiro is a very passionate, outgoing, spirit filled, man of God. Keep in mind as I’m listening, I know NO Spanish and none of the others speak a word of English, except Steve and Arlen. So, I find a large shaded rock, have a seat and go into observation mode. I am in Awe, at these seven, about to profess their faith in Christ, to the world, through water Baptism.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” said Jesus (Matthew 28:19 ESV).
As Pastor Ramiro finishes his message, Pastor Ray, Pastor Lulu, visiting Pastor Francisco and Steve step into the water. They call for the first to be baptized. Watching these seven, surrounded by family and friends makes me so very grateful to be a son of the Most High King and grateful for these seven that they too are sons and daughter of His.
I’m so full of JOY – as I’m witnessing this life changing, biblical event. In such a beautiful, outdoor natural setting; mountains of Mexico, flowing waters of the Del Rio, crisp blue skies, Holy Spirit is certainly here. “Praise God”. It’s such a Blessing that I’m here, and that I am overcome with JOY and HAPPINESS for these seven, who I don’t really even know, yet, we are family in Christ.
After the baptism, the seven are joined in the water for a photograph and then its water play time and all the kids pile in. “FUN” The splashing and playing in the river goes on for an hour or so and then “WE ALL” gather at a local family member’s home and share a meal. I recall Steve saying to me, during the meal in the backyard – “This is what family does.” The Family of Christ, I say.
I “Thank You” Father for bringing me on the journey and I’m so very grateful to be just a small part of this beautiful family.
Thank You
Note: Click on a photo to see it larger.
The 7 baptized with Pastors Rey and Lulu 
We built a small dam to increase water depth 
Avocado trees grow naturally here 
