Skip to content
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • Log In
  • Subscribe
  • Renew
  • Donate
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • Log In
  • Subscribe
  • Renew
  • Donate
The Baptist Paper
The Baptist Paper
  • SBC 2025
  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Your state news
  • Classifieds
  • SBC 2025
  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Your state news
  • Classifieds

First known believer baptized among people group

  • May 31, 2022
  • International Mission Board
  • International Mission Board, Latest News, Missions
IMB missionary Travis Burkhalter baptizes Sarah, a new believer.
(IMB Photo)

First known believer baptized among people group

In 2021, the International Mission Board published a story about IMB missionaries Travis and Beth Burkhalter and their work among the Embera people of Colombia. Travis was learning a difficult and unwritten language to share the gospel with an unreached people group.

“It is a daunting task,” Travis said, “but I am extremely motivated because I know souls hang in the balance.”

In early April 2022, Travis waded into the rushing waters of a jungle river to baptize Sarah, the first known follower of Christ among her tribe. With tribe members watching from the bank of the river and on nearby rocks, Sarah took this bold step of faith.

“In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I baptize you,” Travis said in her language before lowering her into the river, raising her to her feet, and offering a warm hug.

Prayers making the difference

Sarah explained her decision to accept Christ with her community. The Burkhalters and others on the team shared with her for three years. As Travis learned more of her spoken vocabulary, he taught Bible stories in her heart language. The more she learned, the more she understood the truth of what Jesus had done for her. Finally, she expressed her belief in Christ and desire to follow Him.

Your prayers are making the difference among the Embera people.

Please continue to lift them to the Lord as you praise Him for this one who believed.

Pray for the Burkhalters as they disciple Sarah and guide her away from harmful addiction.

Ask God to use Sarah’s testimony and witness to bring many more of her people to salvation.

Pray for the missionary team in Colombia as they faithfully share the truth throughout the country.

Ask God to protect them as they make dangerous trips into the jungles of Colombia so that many more will believe.

Some names have been changed for security reasons.


EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Leslie Peacock Caldwell and originally published by the International Mission Board. 

Share with others:

Facebook
X/Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

Latest News

  • First person: 10 reasons why unchurched people may find your small group uncomfortable
    First person: 10 reasons why unchurched people may find your small group uncomfortable
    July 12, 2025/
    0 Comments
  • Free training available for churches to address sexual abuse
    Free training available for churches to address sexual abuse
    July 11, 2025/
    0 Comments
  • First person: Where is God in our pain?
    First person: Where is God in our pain?
    July 11, 2025/
    0 Comments

Sign up for the Highlights

Get all latest content delivered to your email a few times a month.
Email is required Email is not valid
Thanks for your subscription.
Failed to subscribe, please contact admin.

Related Posts

First person: 10 reasons why unchurched people may find your small group uncomfortable

The healthiest churches I know have small groups that are intentional about reaching non-believers. They set that goal, and they seek to reach lost people and then disciple new believers. At the same time, though, I’m reminded of reasons unchurched or newly-churched folks may be uncomfortable attending your small group.

Free training available for churches to address sexual abuse

Many churches have begun using background checks to help prevent abuse, but fewer are trained in reporting potential abuse. Lifeway Christian Resources and Clear Investigative

First person: Where is God in our pain?

The recent flooding in Texas has left so many of us reeling. The loss of lives, especially the lives of children at Camp Mystic, is beyond comprehension.

BGCT churches unite to aid Kerr County flood relief efforts

Baptist General Convention of Texas churches in Kerrville, Texas, and surrounding areas are mobilizing their members to aid in relief efforts after the flooding of the Guadalupe River on July 4. 

Want to receive news highlights throughout the week? Sign up here!

Email is required Email is not valid
Thanks for your subscription.
Failed to subscribe, please contact admin.

About

  • Our Story
  • Our Team
  • Our Partners
  • Advertise and Promote
  • Classifieds
  • Contact us
  • Our Story
  • Our Team
  • Our Partners
  • Advertise and Promote
  • Classifieds
  • Contact us

Explore

  • State-specific news
  • Archive
  • Opinion pieces
  • Sunday School lessons
  • Persecuted Church
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • State-specific news
  • Archive
  • Opinion pieces
  • Sunday School lessons
  • Persecuted Church
  • Podcasts
  • Videos

Submissions

  • Story suggestions
  • Your Voice/Letter to the Editor
  • Photos / Videos
  • Corrections/other
  • Submission Policy
  • Story suggestions
  • Your Voice/Letter to the Editor
  • Photos / Videos
  • Corrections/other
  • Submission Policy

Subscribe

  • Subscribe
  • Renew subscription
  • Gift a subscription
  • Start a new member subscription
  • Start a new group subscription
  • Start a new subscription at the group rate
  • Hosted Church
  • Manage your group
  • Manage your account
  • Request free trial
  • Subscribe
  • Renew subscription
  • Gift a subscription
  • Start a new member subscription
  • Start a new group subscription
  • Start a new subscription at the group rate
  • Hosted Church
  • Manage your group
  • Manage your account
  • Request free trial
The Baptist Paper
Address:
3310 Independence Dr.
Birmingham, AL 35209
Copyright © 2025 TAB Media Group
  • Privacy/Terms of Use
  • Help
  • FAQ
  • Privacy/Terms of Use
  • Help
  • FAQ

Email:
news@thebaptistpaper.org

About

  • Our Team
  • Advertise and Promote
  • Classifieds
  • Donate
  • Photo Galleries
  • Contact us
  • Hosted Church
  • Our Team
  • Advertise and Promote
  • Classifieds
  • Donate
  • Photo Galleries
  • Contact us
  • Hosted Church

Explore

  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Your State News
  • Persecuted Church
  • Editorials
  • Opinions
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Archive
  • Submit your news
  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Your State News
  • Persecuted Church
  • Editorials
  • Opinions
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Archive
  • Submit your news

Subscribe

  • Manage your group
  • Manage your account
  • Subscribe
  • Start a new subscription at the group rate
  • Manage your group
  • Manage your account
  • Subscribe
  • Start a new subscription at the group rate

Log Out?

Lost your password?

Log In

Lost your password?

Log in

Become a part of our community!
Forgot your password? Get help
Privacy/Terms of Use

Reset password

Recover your password
A password reset link will be e-mailed to you.
Privacy/Terms of Use
Back to
Login
×
Close Panel