CESIS: A year in the life of . . .: TOMS' BAPTISM

We met Toms during our first Cesis basketball camp in 2002. I remember him distinctly because we were writing name-tags and we finally had a name that we knew. Actually his name is not pronounced like Tom but like Twoumms. But, since that time he has been a friend each summer and a great help since we moved here over three years ago.

He now works with his father in Norway but makes it back to Cesis about every 2-3 months. We have watched him mature through the youth groups, camps and just daily living. It is always great when you can see a young boy develop into a young man.

Toms professed his faith in Christ several months ago and was ready for believer's baptism. Yesterday turned out to be a beautiful day and it could not have been a more perfect event.

Toms had many friends, family and church members show up at Araisi Lake for this important celebration. Most churches in Latvia do not have any facilities for baptisms, so when the weather warms up enough, you travel to the lake or river. After singing several songs, Pastor Olegs said a few words and explained the meaning of being baptized and why it is important in a Christian's life.

As Toms and Olegs went into the water, Landry joined them with his guitar and the two sang 'Amazing Grace'. Olegs performed the ceremony and then Landry and Toms sang the chorus again. I had never seen that done before and it really added a lot.

After the presentation of flowers and good-wishes, the entire troop headed over to another beautiful spot for a picnic and relaxing fellowship.

We are sure that Toms will continue to grow as a Christian and spread the Gospel as he works and lives in a foreign country. We need many more young men in Latvia to step up and be the type of Christian that Toms aspires to be.

God bless you Toms.