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  • Posted:
  • April 24, 2025
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Stepping into Life with Jesus!

There is no greater transformation than when we fully surrender our lives to Jesus! Baptism is the symbol of that transformation—of moving from old life to new life in Christ. Here are the stories of those who have experienced this change firsthand and took the step of baptism during the April 12/13, 2025 weekend services.

ELIANA WONDESH

“I accepted Jesus Christ when I was seven and started to really understand what we learned at church. I want to get baptized because I feel ready, and I am ready to follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour for the rest of my life.”

EMILY HILLER

“I was born into a Christian family, and I’ve always believed in God. I believe that He created me with a purpose, and I know He is always with me. I know that Jesus’ love never fails, and I want to live my life for Him.”

DOUG JONES

“It was a cold and snowy, blustery Sunday afternoon in March. I was channel surfing, looking for a movie to watch. I happened to come across a television station that had a pastor preaching. I listened intently until the end of the program. I decided to change the channel, but something drew me back to that same station. After that program finished, another one came on with a different pastor. After watching these programs for many weeks, it finally dawned on me that this was no coincidence. I bought both series study guides. Finally, I said yes to Jesus. I haven’t stopped researching. I have so much more to learn about God and Christianity.”

RONALD BRYDEN

“Before I knew Jesus, I was bound in chains. Then I learned the devil is real, but also that Jesus is real. Everything has changed. The old has passed away, and everything has become new.”


“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.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

CHANG WOO

“I am slowly learning about Jesus. Through baptism, I want to be reborn and follow Jesus.”

NHI TRAN

“I have known there was a God of the universe my entire life, but I never took the chance to get to know Him. It wasn’t until I came back to FAC last year that I encountered Jesus. I have felt such joy and peace while getting to know Him, and I hope to feel His love throughout my life.”

COLLETTE MAHAL

“When I was three, we were driving in the car under a green bridge and my mom asked, ‘Do you believe in Jesus?’ I answered, ‘Before I didn’t, but now I do.’ We prayed together, and I accepted Jesus as my Saviour. I believe in Jesus and I love Him. Jesus is the Lion of Judah and the true King. I want to be baptized so that everyone will know.”

RAKINDER MAHAL

“My life was lonely, cold, and overwhelming. Life before accepting Jesus was chaotic and exhausting. My girlfriend (now wife) told me about Jesus, and I started going to church. Then one day, I distinctly remember the choir singing praises to Jesus, and I felt the presence of God and accepted Him into my heart. He has given me energy and purpose.

I have a sense of calm because I no longer have a desire to compete for worldly possessions. Before Jesus, it was like I was watching a 3D movie without 3D glasses — everything was obscured and blurry. After accepting Jesus, my vision has become ultra-focused and crisp on what really matters: glorifying God. Whenever I make a decision that doesn’t glorify God, the end result is poor — it’s really that simple.”

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Psalm 23:1 (NIV)

LUCY IRWIN

“I want to get baptized because I want to show I’m on Jesus’ team.”

JACOB ROBINSON

“I have always known Jesus, but for years I was just going through the motions. I didn’t have a deep relationship with Him, and I wasn’t sure what path I was on. Growing up, we attended church from time to time, but I never formed a solid connection. Over the last few years, I have gone through some difficult times (my daughter was born three months early, my father passed away, financial struggles, to name a few), and they had me turning to God for answers.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

2024 was a big year for my family — reconnecting with the church and building consistency. We never lost faith, but we were back and forth on attending regularly. There were a couple of sermons from Pastor James and Pastor Kyle from late 2024 and early 2025 that really solidified this shift I was feeling. Pastor James spoke about how the disciples dropped everything and put their faith in Jesus when they were called to follow Him. Pastor Kyle spoke about God calling Samuel, and how if we miss His call at first, He will call again.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.’” Matthew 16:24-25 (NIV)

I feel that He has called me. I may have missed it before, but I am listening now. It is time for me to drop everything and follow Jesus. Building a relationship with Jesus has given me a purpose and a sense of direction that I lacked before. He has shown me the path I am meant to be on. My faith in Him has allowed me to surrender my worries, my future, and all parts of my life to Him.

““The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’” 1 Samuel 3:10 (NIV)

BRETT SANDERCOCK

“My life before Jesus was sinful and lacking spiritual fulfillment. The Holy Spirit found me and led me to the Word. It has strengthened my marriage, made me a better father, and helped me get rid of sinful habits that I could not break on my own.”

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)

TYRON DRESSER

“I was drifting. I came to know Jesus through my wife. I’m now anchored.”

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26 (NIV)

HEVERTON CASECA

“Eu era afastado de Igreja desde adolescente, aos poucos fui percebendo que o meu caminho não era o melhor. Hoje sinto que estou no caminho certo. Conheci na Igreja e também através de minha esposa Me ajudou a tomar as decisões certas e seguir o caminho certo.”

DENISE CASECA 

“Cresci em um lar evangélico, ia à igreja sempre, mas sentia que algo me faltava. Aos 13 anos, num acampamento para adolescentes, entreguei minha vida a Cristo. Ao lado dele sei que minha vida está completa. Passei por momentos difíceis, mas sabia que Ele estava comigo.”

No matter your story, Jesus is ready to meet you where you are and lead you into the life He has for you! Our next baptism service will be all campuses gathering together outdoors on Sunday, July 27.

Are you ready to be baptized and step into life with Jesus? Register for our online Baptism Info Session!

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