Winter Baptism

Two days after I arrived, I celebrated my 28th birthday. I celebrated this birthday with a very special young man named, Kushtrim. February 5th was his 18th birthday. Since coming here we've developed a wonderful friendship. I'mnot sure who's been a bigger encouragement to whom, but if you want my opinion, I'd say Kushtrim has been the bigger one.


Kushtrim is the only believer in his family, his school, in his village. He has endured more persecution over the last few months than I have my entire life. This young man has endured verbal and physical abuse from his own family, from those in his village. His mother recently burned his only copy of the Bible when she recently found it.


However, even in the midst of all of that, God has empowered Kushtrim with strength to endure and a heart to forgive. Just last week, Kushtrim made the decision to be baptized. We filled a tub with water, then just before Kushtrim was to get in a pot of boiling water was added to cut the chill.


I am so incredibly proud to call this young man my brother. Please keep Kushtrim in your prayers as he continues to grow into a strong man of God.