During my short time here at Hospital of Hope in Mango, Togo. I have been blessed to witness three separate baptisms. Each different, each the same, all beautiful public examples that drew curious eyes.
The first baptism was back in January for two Fulani believers and one MK. Involved Fulfulde and French. It was held at the Hippo Pond. One of the Chaplains at the hospital is Fulani, and held the service together with the father of the MK who was being baptized. It was a more serious affair, punctuated by prayer and a message was given before the baptism. A few locals paused their gathering of water to watch from a distance.
The second baptism was held at the Oti River out by the village church of Koumongoukan. Involved Anoufo and French. It took place on Easter morning and was a boisterous affair. There was singing and clapping and dancing starting at the church, as we loaded up the vehicles, en route to the river and then throughout the entire baptismal service. Each individual baptism punctuated by singing. The locals gathered along the banks, even swimming from across the river to get a closer view of the celebration. Seven souls were baptized, 6 female and 1 male, all ages.
The third was held at a pond west of Mango created by a dam (Barrage de Magna). There were 8 of the MKs baptized, 4 boys & 4 girls. The service was English, but then translated to French. Service was in between the previous two on energy level, and punctuated by clapping. The locals gathered up along the dam and around to watch the happenings.
Much Love.