Twenty-One Baptisms and One Adult Confirmation of Nepali Christians Celebrated

One of the main aspects of the season of Epiphany is the recognition that Jesus Christ is the Savior who has come for all nations. This wonderful truth was very much evident at Ascension Lutheran Church in St. Louis on Sunday, January 12 during the congregation's 11 am service where 21 Nepali worshipers were baptized and one adult, Gagan Gurung, was confirmed.

Over the past three years, Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) helped connect these new Americans from Nepal to Ascension for Word and Sacrament ministry. Thanks to the dedication of many lay volunteers, 20-25 Nepali worshipers get a ride to and from worship at Ascension each Sunday morning. At Ascension, Nepali Christians participate in a bilingual Bible study, worship, and enjoy fellowship.

The partnership between CFNA and Ascension is reminiscent of the apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”

Individuals from CFNA, Ascension, and the Nepali community have labored among this group of immigrants, and yet God is the One who has given this growth. May the Lord of the harvest continue to bless the work of CFNA and the congregations with which they partner!

By: Rev. Matt Clark, Ascension Lutheran Church

Photos by LCMS Communications/Eric M. Lunsford

See all the pictures at the LCMS Photo Site.