Before I asked Jesus into my heart, I was often afraid. Last year, I accepted Jesus as my Savior. Now I pray when I'm afraid, and feel Jesus comfort me.

Psalm 56:3, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee."

There is a verse I love, which is John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world, you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world.” This verse always reminds me that life is not always fair and kind, but as long as I have the Creator with me, then I have hope.

Before encountering Christ, I searched for fulfillment in worldly things, but through His love and the promise of rest in Matthew 11:28, I found peace, purpose, and transformation, no longer defined by my past but by His grace.

The Bible says to, “Believe and be baptized”. I know I am a sinner, and also know that I am saved by Jesus dying for me on the cross. This is why I am being baptized today…to show obedience to God and to show others that I am a Christian.

Somehow, I always seemed to be on the wrong path.  I kept feeling as if I was wandering and getting lost in the dark.  One day, I heard the music, the song that changed my compass, Truth Be Told by Matthew West. I then saw it was the Lord using His people to guide me to Jesus. I am being baptized today to publicly show that I am a believer in Jesus!

I am a sophomore in high school. I gave my life to Christ when I was much younger at a church VBS, and due to my age, I didn’t fully understand what “giving” my life meant. Last year was a personally difficult time for me and I lost hope and loyalty to God- afraid that He had lost his love for me. Living my way was incredibly painful, but since then I have redirected my life back to Him. Today I shall publicly claim Him as Lord of my life, for He has returned me once again into His everlasting grace.

I had been wandering lost for most of my life, burdened by guilt and sin, angry and frustrated with GOD. Yet Jesus still welcomed me into his arms. All my past deeds had been wiped clean. As he had already washed them away for me. In Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NLT)

I was raised Catholic, and I believed in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, but I did not know Christ as my Lord and Savior yet. Pastor Zak talked about “belonging, believing, and behaving,” and I wanted to belong, so I joined two small groups. Through doing that and reading my Bible, I came to know the Lord as my Savior, I believe He is where I have peace.

I am here today because I put my trust in Christ last year. He got me out of loneliness, so I will share the good news of Jesus to all who need it.

Before I met Christ,  I saw God’s love through my parents, at home, and church. When I was 7, I was struggling at school, and   my mom said, “You need Jesus!”  So the two of us prayed a simple prayer for Him to come into my heart and save me, and I asked Him to be Lord of my life. My favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;” I chose this verse because it is my daily reminder to trust God with everything!!  He shows me so much love.  He truly is my strength and comfort!

A couple years ago I did not know Jesus at all but after learning about Him and seeing His healing love in my family, I knew that He is my Savior. Now when I am stressed, I know to turn to God and pray he will guide and comfort me. I know that Jesus has brought me to church and put me in a safe and good place that makes me feel happier than I was before I knew Him! I feel so much more connected with the church and my family because of God! Romans 15:13 - “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ" (Philippians 4:6-7). 

I grew up going to church every Sunday but never really connected with God or the messages I was hearing and in my mid 20’s I turned my back on God. My life was full of anxiety and fear until a few years ago; I realized that the trials God had given me were all to bring me back to Him and to strengthen my relationship with Him. While I may not understand the path He has for me, I am no longer filled with anxiety and worry over what may come because I trust in God. I am reminded of His love for me when I think of His words in Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

I have experienced a big transformation through my faith, and baptism is a significant step in my journey to commit my life to Jesus. It symbolizes my desire to let go of my past and embrace a new life of purpose, love, and service. I am blessed to declare my faith and continue growing in my relationship with God.

Starting around 15, I’ve struggled on and off with depression and anxiety. I’ve walked through seasons of joy and sadness. I was so broken and lost that eventually I dropped down to my knees in tears, begging God to be here for me; to help me. As I started living for the Lord, I noticed the change. My sadness eased drastically, faith was growing more day by day, and my anxiety was no longer an issue. God saved me and showed me that there is so much more to life through Him. He gave his only son, so now I give him my life.

Before Christ, I thought I had it all. I was a nonbeliever who thought material things and status meant that I was on the right path. But inside I was broken, hurt and alone. But in Christ, I am loved unconditionally, forgiven and full. I know that He was and will always be with me through it all.

I chose a path of self-destruction and my weapon was alcohol. I used it to mask my failures and make me feel in control. It almost cost me my family and marriage. I wake up every day thankful to God and for never giving up on me. The anger in my heart is gone and he is truly guiding me and showing me how to be the Godly man, husband and father that I am supposed to be.

Before coming to GBC I felt like there was something missing in my life but I could never pinpoint it. It wasn't until this time last year that a person very close to me invited me to attend the Easter service with them. After that service I began going every week and growing my connection with Jesus. Overtime, I realized that I had found what I was missing. Through my baptism today I am symbolizing and embracing the new life God has given me in Jesus.