Any time there’s a baptism—that of a child or an adult—there is great cause for celebration. Scripture says that even the angels in heaven rejoice when God's family of believers increases in number. But when an adult who was raised in a non-Christian environment in a foreign land becomes a child of God through the sacrament of baptism, it is a thrilling thing to witness! The SWD International Friendship Center (IFC), located in the heart of downtown Madison and the UW campus, has witnessed two such events recently. 

Vicky, a UW—Madison undergraduate student from Taiwan, began attending English conversation classes at the IFC in 2006. She liked the classes because she met many nice people there and learned idioms which helped with her English. One night she decided to go to the Bible study group and found herself attending this class almost every week thereafter. Having no religious background, she says she didn't know what kept her going to the Bible classes. But now she does! While she didn't feel pressured, the group's members shared their thoughts and experiences with her, and helped her to understand by answering her questions. "I started thinking of God's Word when I was making decisions," Vicky said, "and I got strength from God when I felt weak. And right before I went back to my home country [just before Christmas], I decided to get baptized and share my happiness with the IFC group."

Nalynn is a UW—Madison graduate student from southeast Asia. The sign outside the IFC says "Welcome International Students," so Nalynn stopped in one day to use the phone. There she met Judy Henke, IFC's director, who invited Nalynn to their Bible study that night. That was two years ago. Since then, she's been attending conversation classes, special events and more Bible classes. On March 1, the day after Nalynn's birthday, she was baptized into the Christian faith. A friend of hers, also from southeast Asia and studying at a college out west, came to celebrate Nalynn's birthday with her. He has been a Christian all his life, and also encouraged Nalynn in her faith. Just last semester he became a member of the LCMS campus ministry at his school.

A volunteer from Living Christ Lutheran Church in Madison spends his personal time with students like Vicky and Nalynn, meeting with them individually on a weekly basis. He is able to give clear explanations for the questions they have and help them grow in their faith.

Vicky and Nalynn, two new members of God’s family, are now ready to return to their homes with the message of Jesus Christ in their hearts and on their lips. Foreign mission work is accomplished in our own backyards. Angels are rejoicing—so are we!