Streams in the Desert
The Middle East is a land of striking contrast. Some regions are lush and Mediterranean, while others are vast, dry deserts where survival depends on wisdom, endurance, and careful stewardship of limited resources. Summers can be brutally hot, winters can be unexpectedly cold, and rain is precious. In these landscapes, water has always meant life. Flowing through this dry and rugged terrain is the Jordan River, a powerful reminder that God brings renewal even in the hardest and most barren places.
The Jordan River holds deep spiritual significance. It was the river the Israelites crossed as they entered the Promised Land, and it is where Jesus Himself was baptized, marking the beginning of His public ministry. Scripture tells us, “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John” (Matthew 3:13). In a land where water is treasured, the Jordan stands as a symbol of repentance, restoration, and new beginnings.
While we were in the Middle East, several Arab friends asked if we would baptize them in the Jordan River. They had never been baptized before and wanted to take that step of faith while we were there. A local friend brought us to a quiet, protected baptism site that is not commercial and is primarily used by the Catholic Church. Many in the region believe this is the very place where Jesus was baptized. It is private and preserved, and being invited into that space was an honor we do not take lightly.
To baptize people from different nations in the waters of the Jordan was one of the most meaningful moments of our lives. It felt like watching hearts move from dry land into living water, from darkness into light. Baptism is one of the most sacred ceremonies on the earth, and to be trusted with that moment was a profound gift. In a land shaped by desert and hardship, God continues to bring life, hope, and transformation, and we are forever grateful to witness it.
