There IS a Difference - Baptism

We're firm believers in spiritual warfare in our home. We think Scripture is pretty clear that there is a war in the heavens and here on earth that we can't see with our eyes. From the beginning of our adoption process, we've sensed warfare over M's adoption. Family members have received visions from the Lord regarding the adoption and we've had many Holy Spirit "moments" (as we call them) along the way.

While in China, R and I sensed a strong spirit of darkness over the land. Specifically in our hotel in Changsha, we had several instances of being overwhelmed by it.

Before traveling, we wondered what M's spiritual "state" would be. Most likely she wouldn't have had contact with Christians (some orphans do thanks to ministries by Christian orphanages there or secret Christians in China). We wondered, though, if she would be resistant to the Gospel. We learned right before traveling, that other than Tibet, M's province is the most unreached province with the Gospel in China!

While in China, we sensed DEFINITE resistance to the Holy Spirit by her. Here at home, the same thing. It sounds odd to explain, but for example, when we would lay hands on her head and pray for her as she lay in her bed, she would push us, squirm, wiggle away....ANYTHING but be prayed over. She never did this at ANY OTHER TIME but when we were in prayer. We began to prayer more fervently for her heart to be made ready for the Gospel. We knew M's baptism was soon after our return to the States.

M was baptised on October 12. SERIOUSLY, THAT night she lay perfectly still for prayer, seemingly filled with peace for the first time. From then on, she not only lays still, but turns her head for a blessing, asks for the prayer, and more! It is unexplainable to us except that God is working in her heart. It moves us to tears.