Ida told us (Lura and me) about a tour group coming to Israel from the states and asked if there was anything we wanted them to bring. Yes! ...we could use 8 single white bed sheets, used or new, to make 8 baptismal gowns. If new…just let us know the cost.
You see, we were blessed with a 9-passenger van. Figured we’d pack it: with me driving, Lura baptizing, along with 7 want-a-Bes. Thus 8 out of 9 passengers getting wet = 8 gowns.
In Israel you can find any other color bed sheets except white. And if you happen to find one it’s gonna cost you out the nose.
Game Plan: I think being baptized in the Jordan is so awesome! So awesome that I want to make it possible for and available to everyone living in Arad at an affordable price, FREE! I’d like to make a run every time we have 7 warm bodies ready to go.
It will be an all day thing (approx. 4 hrs. up, 1 hr there, 4 hrs. back). Everyone eats breakfast before leaving home, packs a brown bag, and eats dinner when they return home. Free ride – Meals not included (smile).
I think it cost $6.50 (US dollars) to rent a white gown which includes a Certificate of Baptismal. $6.50 X 8 = $52.00 a pop.
With homemade reusable gowns the cost is ‘zero’ and we can make Certificates via desktop computer. Thus we will gladly spring for the 1 shekel bath/locker room fee (totaling less than $2.00) and a tank of gas (diesel to be exact)!
Bottom-line: Instead of bringing us 8 used white single bed sheets, we received 11 ready made white gowns, new material, with gold trim!
Decided to keep 9 (in case driver decides to dip 8) and give the remaining two to the Beersheba congregation which has a pool but no gowns.
Edwin Beckford