Across the globe, baptism represents the same spiritual truth—but it often looks very different depending on where you live.
Baptism is a visible sacrament of the Christian faith. When adult Christians are baptized, it marks a new beginning, a public declaration that someone has given their life to Jesus. But for believers in some parts of the world, the act of baptism carries weight far beyond personal commitment—it can come with significant risk.
At Words of Hope, we often hear stories from ministry field leaders in different countries who are celebrating new baptisms. In many of the places where we work, it takes deep courage for people to commit to the visible symbol of baptism, but the unmistakable truth is that God meets his people in the water—no matter the location.
India: Baptized in the River
In India, it’s common for believers to be baptized in rivers, surrounded by pastors, family members, and friends. These moments are beautiful—but not always easy.
One recent video we received showed a group preparing for baptism at the river’s edge. But something was wrong: the river was flooded and fast-moving due to seasonal rains. The woman did not want to wait to be baptized, however. She was ready. She and the Words of Hope leader tied ropes around themselves, which were tethered by people standing on shore holding tight to the other end. The baptism was completed safely in the midst of the rushing river.
For many in India, baptism is more than a symbol—it’s a bold statement that can lead to rejection by family, loss of employment, or even persecution. In some cases, believers have had to leave their villages. Others have been denied access to education or government services.
And yet, the church continues to grow. Baptisms continue. The gospel is moving forward.
In just the last three years, 1,652 people have been baptized through the ministry of Words of Hope in India. Each baptism is a story of bold obedience and personal transformation.
Iran: Baptized in Secret
For Iranian people, however, baptism must happen in secret.
Christians in the country face intense scrutiny and, in many cases, government persecution. Converting from Islam is considered a serious offense, and baptism is often treated as evidence of that conversion.
But that hasn’t stopped believers from stepping into the water.
Words of Hope President Jon Opgenorth remembers how he once traveled to a safe location outside the country of Iran to encourage Iranian believers. One night, he was asked to baptize someone, but there was no place to have the baptism. However, the group realized they could use the bathtub. The space was small, but the moment was sacred.
Now, when Iranians travel outside the country for discipleship conferences with Words of Hope, the hotel swimming pool is often used for baptisms.
Even though they are not inside Iran when they are baptized, the individuals are still risking everything by making their faith public—even within a small trusted circle. The baptism photos of these individuals cannot be shared. Their names must be withheld. And yet, their faith is unshakable.
One Words of Hope volunteer who traveled to the conference described the baptism scene like this:
“There was such joy. People were clapping and singing after each baptism. For them, it’s a no-going-back moment. If they’re ever arrested and asked if they’ve been baptized, that answer could change everything. And yet, their faces were lit with excitement—not just those being baptized, but everyone watching. It was as if they were welcoming new members into the kingdom of God—for real. It was beyond anything I’ve ever experienced.”
One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism
Whether in a river in India or a hotel pool outside Iran, baptism connects believers across cultures and continents. The words of Ephesians 4:5 come to mind: “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.”
At Words of Hope, your support helps make these moments possible. You help people hear the gospel, grow in faith, and take the next step.
You may never be the one at the edge of the river, holding the rope. You may never be the one gathering towels for a quiet baptism in a bathtub. But when you give and pray, you are there in spirit.
President Jon Opgenorth has had the privilege to witness many baptisms. He says:
“Through your freedom and resources, you can encourage and empower these believers. And indeed, you are there with me as the sacraments are shared among brothers and sisters whom you will one day meet in heaven. I can’t wait for you to see each other face to face.”
Thank you for being part of this global family. Thank you for standing with the church around the world—in the water, and beyond.
