February 11, 2007

"Now, you are my brother!" That’s what Iwan Lagona and his wife Joice, said to their eldest son, who was baptized during the Manado church’s retreat last December 31, 2006.

Iwan was converted from another religion. He is well known for his very serving heart, so is Joice, who has been very zealous serving in the Kid’s kingdom. To be able to see their three children becoming disciples of Jesus has been the goal in their lives. Frio or Io is their eldest son, and is the first child raised in the Manado church.

Everyday, Iwan prays with his children, while Joice makes sure they read their Bibles. Very often Iwan would bring Io to the beach not too far from their house, to pray together before leaving for his work. The two are very close to each other. At home daily, each of the three children has their own responsibilities. All tasks around the house are done together and they are very well organized. Io’s biggest dream is to win over his schoolmates and to be able to help his siblings to be disciples of Jesus.

During the retreat, there are also another brother and sister baptized into Christ, Neldy and Yuli. Neldy is a son of a disciple. Many stories shared during their baptism were so touching that everybody shed their tears in joy and were so much inspired. Our goal is for every disciple to bear fruit for God in this year. To God be the glory!