Renewal of Baptism at Bethany Beyond the Jordan

On our last day in Jordan we travelled down from the height of the mountains and descended below the sea.  To Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the traditional site of Jesus baptism..With Jordanian soldiers on our side looking at Israeli soldiers on the other it takes a moment to remember where you are.  A mere fifteen feet between us at the shores of the river bank - the Jordan isn't as large a river as people think  Be

Because it is Sunday, and because we're having a service, I wear my clergy shirt.Everywhere we go it causes quite a stir.  Look, a woman who thinks she's a priest.All day i feel like a sideshow exhibit but i do it to make a statement.... progress is possible.

The river is muddy,not clear as one might hope.  There are stairs leading down to the river and people line up for the chance to touch the flowing water.  They have a font of sorts that is filled with filtered water and it is here that Jim and I stand.

"Remember your baptism and feel the power of the Holy Spirit and walk in the ways of Jesus Christ."  One by one they come and we call them by name.  In the back ground people sing "Take My Life" and the spirit descends upon us all.  

We are blessed to be in this place, blessed to be together on this journey and we all endeavor to continue to walk in the ways of Christ.