Mission Stories

Susie’s Stand
By: Melissa Sissons
May 26, 2003

   “Susie, don’t you dare go through with this!  I mean it!”  Susie’s mother yelled across the Kimbia church dock.  Susie didn’t move.  She stared into the murky brown waters of the Berbice River as the head elder continued to read her the baptismal vows.  “Susie!  Come here now!  I refuse to allow this to happen.  First your father goes against me, and now you.”  Her mother’s voice, full of anger and resentment, rose above the silent crowd.    
    A single tear rolled down Susie’s soft cheek.  Her mother’s assaults pierced into her mind, there was no escape.  She couldn’t hold back the tears anymore.  Slowly the school staff intervened and held back the baptism. In utter discouragement, Susie retreated to her mother’s side to try and bring resolution.
    Susie has been a student at Kimbia Mission Academy for two years.  At the tender age of thirteen, she is a determined and independent young girl.  Much of her integrity and strong work ethic stem from many difficult days on the family farm.  Her self-sufficiency comes inherently as countless days were spent nurturing her little siblings and learning to manage the household as the eldest daughter.  Six months ago, it was no surprise to the staff when she decided to join the bible study class to prepare for baptism.  Her inquisitive spirit led her to deeply search the scriptures and boldly ask questions when others were too ashamed.  Susie earnestly wanted to be baptized and begin her new life in the Lord.  She had the support of her father, her older brother, her friends, the church, and the staff. Unfortunately, her mother defied her daughter’s decision.  Could Susie take this stand, forsaking everything for the Lord?
   With the baptism on hold, Susie returned to the school campus with her mind in confusion.  She felt the pressure of the invisible battle being fought on the spiritual realm between the Devil and the Holy Spirit; the battle for her soul.  Evening crept across the darkening sky, while Susie met with her mother at the school dock for one last discussion.  Standing on the bow of her boat, Susie’s mother again enforced her position.  “How can you turn against your own Mother?” she demanded. 
   “I want to get baptized Mommy, please understand that this is important to me.”  Susie cried.
   “If you go through with this Susie,” her mother growled, “you no longer have a mother!”  Susie uncontrollably sobbed as her family’s boat pulled away across the dark water, leaving nothing but the hideous words behind.
   The fog was just beginning to lift off the river, and the cool morning chill hung on the small group that was drawing together at the school dock.  A single guitar played some favored hymns, while the students and staff lifted their voices in praise to our Almighty God.  Susie stood in the center of the gathering, unafraid and firm in her renewed decision. Once again, the baptismal vows were read.  Susie then went down into the water, and was baptized.  The battle was won.
   The students are taking Susie’s stand very seriously.  Others now want to join her in unwavering devotion to God.  Eyes are being opened to the reality of the spiritual warfare that surrounds us constantly, and lives are being changed on the campus of Kimbia Mission Academy.  Praise God we have been called to work with these tender souls to lead them closer to Jesus.