A couple of months ago I watched my friend, Jennifer, get baptized at church and I thought that I should be baptized too because I wanted to follow God’s teaching. I accepted Jesus as my Savior after a Sunday KidsWorld lesson led by Andrea. Many of the teachers in KidsWorld have helped me learn more about God and help me have a closer relationship with him. Thank you to Ty, Andrea, Jess, and Mr. Piszczek. I am thankful for my EPIC leaders, Ms. Jenny and  Ms. Amy too. They helped our whole group learn and grow closer to God. I would like my faith to grow stronger in God as I grow up. Everyone here at church should accept God as their savior!

My name is Lilly and I am nine years old. I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior when I was four. My mom and dad have helped guide me in my relationship with Christ by helping me study Bible verses and teaching me how to pray. I have attended Kids World, AWANA, and American Heritage Girls, all which taught me more about Jesus. Whenever I am scared in a storm or when I feel lonely, I know God is always right by my side. I want to be baptized to show others that I believe in Christ. Romans 10:9 says, “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” I believe the words in that verse and I will follow Christ forever.

My name is Breanna and I’m eleven years old. I always knew God was there. I believe that Jesus took the punishment of sin for me and died on the cross and rose again on the third day so I can be with Jesus someday. I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior when I was in first grade in KidsWorld on Easter.

God is so many things to me, but he is especially my Lord and Savior. God has given me many things since becoming a Christian but one of the things I’m thankful he gave me is patience, hope, and faith. God has given me challenges in my life, but through it all they have brought me closer to Him and proved how much God loves me. I choose to follow Jesus because he has never turned his back on me, forgotten about me, and he has always forgiven me for the sins I've done. 

God has given me scripture to remind me to never give in and to stay strong and courageous. One of my favorite verses is Deuteronomy 31:6, "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or terrified because of them for the Lord your God goes with you he will never leave you nor forsake you." 

My mom, dad, sister, family, friends, and teachers at Aurora Christian have helped me through my journey of faith. Being baptized means to me that I’m ready to take the next step in my journey of faith. My life will be different because my eyes will be more focused on God and his plan for me.

When I was younger, I always went to church, but I didn’t understand much, so I completely stopped paying attention. I’d listen a little but never enough to make out what the meanings of the stories are.
Then, last year I noticed myself drifting away from God and being so selfish and focused on what I wanted. After I noticed this, I tried my best to focus on things besides myself and started paying more attention in church. I did feel closer to God but I still felt far away. That year I went to SBR for the first time. I felt closer to God then ever before and truly put my faith in Christ. Since putting my faith and trust in Jesus I’ve noticed that my life has changed. I am more relaxed and closer to my friends and family.
When I got home from SBR I felt like a new person. Now I attend genesis and have started serving in KidsWorld. When my brother was baptized I realized that it was something I should do too because I knew I should publicly declare my faith in Jesus. Jesus said “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6. I know now how important this is and I am ready to take this very large step in my faith.

Ever since I was a baby, my parents have taken me to church. I was baptized as an infant in a Lutheran church but didn’t know what was going on. Several years later, we started going to Christ Community Church and I remember moving into the third grade KidsWorld classroom with Andrea and Cesar Chavez. It was the two of them that really opened my eyes to God‘s word and they helped me memorize Bible verses. The Bible verses they taught me stayed in my heart and help me get through hard times. My favorite verse is Isaiah 41:10 “so do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Now that I am in middle school, I attend the Wednesday night Genesis group and my group leader is Taylor Parrott. She has helped guide me on the right path and I am praying more often. I have enjoyed bringing my friends to Genesis and talking to them about why it’s so important to put your trust in Jesus. I want to be baptized today because I feel like It will help me be more connected to Jesus and I want to declare to everyone around me that He is my Savior!

Before Jesus was a central part of my life, I never felt truly fulfilled and my happiness was rooted in worldly things. However, Kaitlyn Stangl introduced me to SBR where I was truly exposed to the love of Christ. Each summer I brought the teachings of Jesus back home with me. Alongside the guidance of Maria Ziemba, is where I began to want to learn more about Jesus on my own and really implement Him into my daily life.
When I came home from SBR last summer, I found my dad battling for his life in the hospital. With the trust I had so faithfully put in Christ that past week at camp, I found myself connecting with God in ways I never had before. I trusted that God would watch over my dad - who is here now today attending my baptism.
Since then, I can say I have experienced and connected with Christ deeper than I ever had before. I attend church weekly - whether I’m away at college or at home, I’m an active leader at a Christian athlete group that I helped kick-start at my school, and I feel like I have developed stronger relationships with my friends and family ever since. With the unconditional love of my family and SBR experiences, I feel overcome by Jesus and in Galatians 3:27 it says, “for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourself with Christ.”

My name is Clara and I am 10 years old. Two years ago, I asked my mom to help me pray to accept Jesus Christ as my Savior. God is my heavenly father who has given me so much to be thankful for. He has given me a beautiful singing voice to use to sing praises to Him and healthy eyes so I can read my bible, a funny brother, a loving mother and father, a safe home, and so much more!
Sometimes I struggle with fears and I worry. But I know that God will help me through my worries. One verse that I have memorized and helps me is Philippians 4:6-7; 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 Christ Jesus. I often shorten this up and tell myself, “Do not worry about anything, instead pray about everything.” I am grateful that Jesus died for me, and gave his life for my sins. I want to give my worry to God.
My parents have helped me grow my relationship with God by praying with me and reading the bible with me. I’ve also enjoyed being a part of a small group in EPIC, led by Ms. Amy and Ms. Jenny, where I can learn and discuss my daily bible readings on another night of the week besides Sundays.
I am choosing to be baptized today because it is God’s command and I want to publicly tell people that I am putting my life in Gods hands. I have come to realize how much He loves me and that God will be with me through any troubles or fears I face.

Before I trusted in Jesus to guide my life, I was trying to be a good man but with no clear guidance as to how to do it.
When I married my wife Aubrie, we decided to practice in the faith she was raised in and began attending Christian Church. My job sent me to Christ Community Church to paint the Hub as it was being built. During the 2 months I was working there, I met a lot of wonderful people and decided this is where I wanted my family to root our faith. I have since joined a men's group and learned of all the ways Jesus is working in my life to rid me of my sinful behaviors such as envy, pride, lust, deceit, and addictions. I confessed these sins and humbly asked Jesus to forgive me and take control of my life.
Today I can truly say my life has changed. By putting Jesus first, My family is stronger than ever. I lead my wife and son in prayer every day. I enjoy serving the church through my men's group. As it says in Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another". I will continue to strive to be the spiritual leader of my family so that we may serve Jesus together, now and forever.

I’ve been attending Christ Community since I was 2 years old. Since the time I was old enough to go, I’ve attended Awana, Epic, and summer camp. I’ve had a lot of fun and really liked learning about Jesus and hearing all the stories from the Bible.

I believe in Jesus and I love him. I first learned about baptism in KidsWorld when we got to watch one and then I knew it was something I wanted to do. Now I’m in 5th grade and I've decided I want to be baptized to show that I’ve surrendered my life to Jesus. I know that I need Jesus in my life and I will trust him and believe in him.

I’m 9 years old and I’ve been raised in a Christian home.  I believe Jesus died for my sins. I gave my life to Jesus at church during communion this April. I said a prayer thanking Jesus for dying for me, asking him to forgive my sins and agreeing to put my faith in Jesus daily. A few weeks after that, I wanted to get baptized.

My parents , grandmas, Kidsworld/Epic leaders  and school teachers have taught me about God and that makes me want to get baptized.  I also want to get baptized because God tells us to follow Jesus’ example. By getting baptized, I feel like it will help me look to God more for answers to problems I may face and how best to treat others.

Before high school, I attended a different church in the area and was I confirmed there, but I still didn’t know what it meant to surrender my life to Christ. After I was confirmed, I stopped attending church altogether. 

Three years ago in March, my best friend’s parents invited me to Christ Community and, within a month of attending services here, I surrendered my life to Christ on Easter 2016.
Since then, I started serving on the First Impressions Team and wherever else I’m needed. Now, I put others needs before my own and I pray every night before I go to bed.

My name is Logan and I’m 10 years old. I was born into a Christian family. I was baptized as an infant in the Catholic church. As long as I can remember, I payed attention in church. When we started going to Christ Community, I finally felt we had found a church that was perfect for me, but I still felt the heavy weight of sin dragging me down. I asked for forgiveness from God & he gave it to me. When I was in 3rd grade I wanted to get baptized for a second time because this time it would be my choice but I wasn’t old enough yet, so I waited. I’m finally old enough to make my own decision to follow Jesus every day.

As long as I can remember, I’ve attended church with my family. As time went on, I began to understand what I was hearing and learning.  In elementary school, I started to figure out the importance of church, who God was, and the story of Jesus, specifically what he did for me and how he died to save us from our sins.

In middle school, I started to go to Genesis and one of the messages stood out. We were praying and there, I gave my life to Christ. Since that day three years ago, I’ve committed to learning more and applying God’s word as l try to live my life in God's image.

I started attending Christ Community when I was a child, but I was just going through the motions without a relationship with Jesus. I attended Genesis throughout middle school and, as time passed, I started to see that I needed to accept Jesus into my life and receive forgive my sins. I was in eighth grade when I gave my life to Jesus with the help of my small group leader, Scott.

Since then, I can confidently say that my life has changed. I attend a Bible study every week and enjoy serving in KidsWorld.

Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Before I really trusted in Jesus, I was in 2nd grade. I knew who Jesus was but I was unsure of his story and why everyone put so much trust in him. 

Then throughout second and third grade, my parents and my grandmother taught me more about Jesus, but my grandmother really opened up my eyes and made me understand how Jesus died for our sins. Then towards the end of 3rd grade my grandmother passed away, and shortly after I surrendered my life to Christ. 

Since then, I feel like I have become a much stronger person and have become very involved with the church.

Growing up, I attended Sunday School and youth group and learned Jesus died for my sins, but I wasn’t growing in a relationship with him. When Dan and I started our family, I felt something was missing. I wanted to raise our children knowing and loving Jesus, but I had to know that love if I was going to lead them.

In 2005, I was invited to a Bible study. The Holy Spirit began to work in me and I made the decision to surrender my life to Jesus. Now, I try to put him first. 

I’ve felt God calling me to be baptized but dismissed it. Thankfully, my husband prompted a discussion, leading us to obey God's command to be baptized, which we’re doing today as a family.

Raised in a Christian home, I attended church and was a Christ-follower. I accepted Jesus as my savior when I was a teenager, but withdrew from church as a young adult, getting wrapped up in “me time” activities. It took my wife and close friends challenging my theory that being a good person was the key to heaven. My friend Jeremy said the key to heaven was hung on a nail. In 2007, I recommitted my life to Jesus and understood what it meant.
While I attend church, read the bible, pray, and attend a community group, I’ve ignored the need for baptism, but, as Acts 22:16 says: “And now what are you waiting for?  Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on Jesus’s name.”

My family is a Christian family. When I was two, I started a relationship with Jesus but never even thought about getting baptized. We talked about baptism in KidsWorld, but that was it.
One day a message from God came when I was praying: he wanted me to be baptized. At first, I was unsure if I should really do this, but after lots of praying, I reached my decision. I wanted to show everyone I had accepted Jesus and I wanted to follow him. I told my parents I wanted to be baptized. I went to a baptism class and that helped me understand baptism even better.  That was the final step. I was ready to do whatever Jesus wanted me to do.

I’ve spent most of my life following others’ plans for me, being more concerned with pleasing them than anything else, and being more focused on possessions than I should be.
In October, I had a life-changing event and I left my comfort zone in the rear view mirror, literally. Feeling lost and alone, I drove eight hours to attend a conference with someone I had never met before. The conference opened with the founder saying “God loves you!” Right then, my life began to change. Discovering Jesus died for my sins inspired me to confess those sins and surrender my life to him. Now I turn to prayer in almost every situation and that helps me to God in everything. I trust in His plan for me.

I was baptized as an infant and grew up in a strong Christian home, attending church regularly and having a close relationship with God. As I’ve grown older and became a father to four wonderful children, I’ve felt a stronger pull to be baptized as an adult and to make a public declaration of rededicating my life to Christ and following him more fully and intentionally. I also strive to be a good example for my children and, through baptism, I can help show them the importance of baptism and the commitment to Christ that it brings. Being fully committed to Christ through baptism and serving Him wherever he leads me is extremely exciting!

Before I trusted Jesus, I thought I was in control of my life which resulted in chaos. My mother and father talked to me regularly about being the leader of my family by going to church and learning about Jesus did for me.

My wife, Johanna, and I began attending Christ Community and I began to understand what Jesus did for me. I realized I’m a flawed sinner who can’t do this on my own and surrendered my life to Jesus when Jim lead us in closing prayer during the “Great I Am” series.

Since that day, my life has changed. There’s a calming presence to life now. I’ve discovered, by putting all my faith and trust in Jesus, I’m a better man, husband, and father.

Before I dedicated myself to Christ, my life was riddled with addiction, despair, abuse, and feelings of worthlessness.

It took hitting rock bottom to realize I needed God. In desperation, I attended a Sunday service here. The pastor spoke directly to my situation and I finally realized the hole I’d been trying to fill with destructive behaviors could only be filled by Jesus, which he has done.

Since then, I’ve been filled with joy from the Lord. Even in my darkest hour, I have peace knowing I’m not alone. I’ve begun reading the Bible daily, praying, serving, and getting involved in the church. Thankfully, God transformed my heart and made me a new person.

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

My name is Amanda and I’m 11 years old. Because I grew up in a Christian home, I have always known about God. When I was young, I suffered from severe eczema which was very difficult for me because the itching was so bad. When I was five, I remember lying in bed and decided that night to surrender my life to Jesus Christ. I told God that I was sorry for my sins and that I wanted to follow him for the rest of my life.
Since then, several things have changed. First of all, God has healed me from my eczema. While the healing isn’t complete, the patches that still remain remind me of all the things that God has done for me. It also reminds me that I can turn to Him for anything. I pray daily and continue to ask Him to help me with things I have going on in my life. Since surrendering my life to Jesus, I have also become more involved at Christ Community Church. I have enjoyed serving on the Creative Arts Team and in KidsWorld.

I grew up in the church and also in a Christian school so I was always around positive influences in my life. As I got a little older, I knew that I was ready to make the decision to follow Christ. 

When I was 7 years old, during a vacation Bible school with a friend, I decided to pray and ask Jesus into my life. After that we moved to a new city and started coming to Christ Community Church and I knew that when I turned 11, I wanted to be baptized. 

Now that I am saved, I feel more confident to witness to friends and family that might not be saved. I pray and learn the Bible every day at school and at church, and I enjoy growing closer to Jesus everyday. I feel lucky to always have my family, school, and church for support.

I had been on my own for approximately 12 years of my life, and did not have a connection with church or God. It was a successful period of my life, in which I started a business and made more money than I ever had. I was busy and traveled extensively, but I was alone. It was an empty life and I realized that money cannot buy happiness.
I met my wife, who is a Christian, in February 2017. Shortly after, she told me that she had previously attended Christ Community Church, and would like to start attending again. We started coming to CCC on a regular basis. I always feel welcome and at home in the church. The messages presented in the service are always meaningful, and are related to my personal experiences. The christian experience has filled the void I was experiencing in my prior life.
When I met and got close to my wife, I felt God had sent an angel to bring me home, which can be a frightening thought. Overtime, what I have learned by attending CCC and accepting Jesus into my heart is that the christian walk is not just about going to heaven someday, but is about allowing Jesus to be Lord of my life daily. Being thankful for what I have, remorseful for my sins, and more accepting of others, makes every day of life more enjoyable and fulfilling. I have learned to live my life forward, with the end in sight.

The only church that I remember is Christ Community Church. I was always surrounded by family that believed in Jesus and loved him. As I got older, I heard the KidsWorld pastors always talking about putting your faith and trust in Jesus.
I had put my faith and trust in Jesus when I was in kindergarten. In kindergarten, I did not really know what putting your faith and trust in Jesus really meant, so later I felt I didn’t actually put my faith and trust in Jesus. In 4th grade, I watched my sister get baptized, and she was an example that greatly moved me. Also in 4th and 5th grade you get the chance to watch the baptism service, and these services really opened my eyes to what baptism really meant. The next time I was in KidsWorld, I put my faith and trust in Jesus.
Now I am in 6th grade, and God has truly spoken to me with the Holy Spirit during Genesis and is leading me on the right path. I have gotten very close with God and I am excited to continue my relationship with him!

For as long as I can remember I have felt the presence of God in my heart. Over the years my wife Sherri and I have made attempts to attend church regularly. After attending several churches, I was not growing in my faith. I gave up on church. A little over 2 years ago my life was in turmoil, and I needed help. 

My wife suggested we try going to church again. We attended a service at Christ Community Church and it was different in a very positive way. The music at the beginning of the service created a feeling to seek more, and then Pastor Jim taught the Gospel with explanations and helped me understand God's word. My hunger to learn was growing, the radio in my car was tuned to Christian radio, I found myself thinking about God all of the time, and something was changing in me. Pastor Clayton's Bible study about books of the Old Testament was incredible, and the scriptures and God's pursuit of my wife and I became very clear. This is when I gave my life to Christ. 

Rob Hoffman told his story of giving his life to Christ and how his baptism had created the same desire in his sons. I could feel God calling out to me about my need to be baptized. I love him for his relentless pursuit. My baptism is another way I can show God my love.

Looking back on my life, I recognize that God was guiding me throughout life, but my mind and eyes were not open to his word. Never making an earnest effort to understand, I lived my life sinfully, selfishly, set in my own way. Mostly feeling empty, and always seeking value and purpose, finally, I became ready to listen.
My husband and I found our way to Christ Community Church. The pastors of the church spoke truths that hit home. Value and purpose started to take on meaning. Thank you Lord for keeping me near even when I did not deserve it. I have surrendered my life to you.  
I am blessed and grateful for God’s mercy and grace. I thank God and his son Jesus for giving me the chance to make changes in my life.

I am very thankful that I was raised in a Christian home.  I have not always taken Christ as seriously as I knew I could have, and my relationship with Jesus was like a roller coaster. For a couple of days I would keep him in my life, and then when life was busy or stressful, the relationship would fade away. I would find myself struggling to keep a connection with him, until this past year.
I'm excited that I am now making this commitment of placing my trust and life in Jesus in hopes that I can be a light to others and bring them to Christ as well. I started to realize the strength and happiness I have when I make Jesus my priority in life. Because my parents raised me and my siblings as Christians is a big reason why I feel this way. My older brother and role model, Alessandro, has been for me is very impactful in my life. I have seen the adult he has grown into because of his relationship with God.
Pastors Jim Nicodem and Clayton Keenon have been two people that I am very thankful for. I don’t know them personally, but certain sermons and phrases have stuck with me, ultimately shaping me to become a better person. I know that just because I’m taking this important step forward in my life, that it doesn’t mean that I won't come across any challenging obstacles.

After 35 years of marriage, the course of my marriage changed when my wife, Barbara received the devastating news of a diagnosis of Alzheimer Brain disease. I prayed over it and decided to quit my job to take care of her in her declining years on a full time basis for six and a half years. It was the hardest job of a lifetime. She needed constant care and supervision. I became bitter toward Jesus for robbing us both of our retirement years!
I prayed for patience and wisdom for dealing with this dark side of our married years.

Now Barbara is gone to heaven, and I needed to move on with my life without her. I joined a grief support class at Christ Community Church, where I surrendered my life to Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe in Jesus as my savior and redeemer! I met a gal named Joy, and she too has lost her spouse. This Christian group has brought me out of depression and sadness and has enabled me to move on with my life.
Thank you God for guiding my life back into a christian setting. Jesus gives me strength and is the love of my life!  Praise be to you, oh Lord, for bringing me back on a new and brighter path.

Growing up in a Christian household was the extent of my faith for a good chunk of my life. I accepted Christ at around 10, but that’s all it was up until the last year or so. I believed in God and knew he was real, but did not really do anything with it. After I graduated high school, I started to take things more seriously and make Christ my own. 

God uses the weirdest and most out there things to bring his people closer to him. I really believe that.  I'm a Christian furry. That just means that I'm a big fan of cartoon animals, foxes, etc. It's something that God has used in my life to bring me closer to him.

I am in a group of around 30 other Christian furries who believe that God has brought us into this fandom to shine his light in a dark place, and grow his kingdom here! I participated in a 21-day fast with them leading up to Easter, and through that I got into daily habits of reading my Bible, a devotional, and praying for myself and others. I've continued that since the fast ended, and I've been seeing Christ in "everything, all day" as the song says, and begun to seek him and really want to grow my relationship with him.

My name is Nathaniel and I am 11 years old.
I surrendered my life to Jesus when I was 5 years old. I know God as my savior and the only God. I want to be like Jesus but nobody is perfect.

Before I trusted Jesus, I went my own way, not in a rebellious way, but rather I didn’t know there was an alternative that God had designed for us. I knew something was missing as I was raised Catholic, and was confused trying to understand and obey all the rules. I went to Christ Community Church briefly in middle school and accepted Christ during an event my friend invited me to, but drifted away after that friendship ended. I questioned whether it really happened, and continued suffering from fear and anxiety.

Then, I was blessed with dear friends, Anna and James Smead, who helped me to understand Christianity in more depth and let me ask a lot of questions. They invited me to their community group which has truly been a blessing. I learned how Christians live their life for Christ on a daily basis. It has given me confidence in myself, and that what I believe is true. I faced my fears and started to get involved in church ministries including attending an Alpha class, Financial Peace University and a spiritual gifts class. These ministries have helped me to understand God’s design for me in this big world.

I know now how much I am loved by God no matter what and I no longer stumble as much through fear and anxiety. I’m reminded of the truth through the song “Reckless Love” that Jesus purses me just the way I am and helps me to have courage every day.

Prior to me becoming a Christian, I was heading down the wrong path in life; living as a sinner.
Then my wife introduced me to the Christian church, which led me to my salvation; Jesus Christ.
Thanks to Jesus, statistically I overcame many odds. Each day I strive to grow and follow the path of faith; as mentioned in 2 Peter 3:18, “'but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever, Amen.”

I was raised and baptized Lutheran. As a grown-up, attending church was sporadic. Then when we had kids we went more regularly. All three kids went to Sunday School and Confirmation. I was a Sunday School teacher a couple years and a confirmation leader for my high school children.
Lutherans are very structured and ceremonial. I wish we had found Christ Community Church sooner! But now that we found it I am much happier. The minute the first service started I was hooked. Pastor Jim was the first person who said anything about accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I listened to his words and they really affected me. So, I accepted Jesus as my savior that day.
Church has much more meaning to me.  Now I cannot wait to be baptized and become a member here.

We were a devout Catholic family. I loved the Lord but didn’t know about having a relationship with Christ, until during college when roommate was a born again Christian who tried to mentor me. At the time, I was lost and checking out different religions. Then, between my junior and senior year I was going to work and was hit head-on at 40 mph. The other driver was reading a book on her lap and turned in my lane. I lost consciousness and was going through a tunnel of light. Getting closer to the bright light, a voice said, “it’s not your time yet, you are still needed.” As I came back, the driver behind me, an off duty paramedic said he called me in as a DOA. He said I had no heartbeat for over four minutes, even five. No brain damage, minimal internal injuries. At that point, I knew my life was saved.
I married, joined my wife’s Lutheran Church but I still felt empty. Thanks to two Christian co-workers, I learned about having a relationship with Christ and gave my life to Christ. My wife and I came to Christ Community Church and felt at home. We are ready to take the next step, to be baptized and profess our love of Christ. We will continue having a relationship with Christ.

Growing up I always knew Jesus. I believed in God but I had never surrendered my life, and I was not living a life of obedience. I lived for myself and was selfish and sinful. All the wonderful blessings in my life were mine and I didn’t give credit to the one who had blessed me with all that I had, God. 

In 2017, I joined a moms group at Christ Community Church with close friends. Soon after, I started attending services. Through my involvement in my group, the relationships I formed with group members, and the messages at weekend services, I realized what was missing. I craved a relationship with Christ. I needed him to take control of my life and wanted it so badly for myself and for my family. At the second service I attended, I surrendered my life to Christ and I wanted to share it with my husband. On Easter Sunday, he surrendered his life to Christ and only by God's perfect design we are getting baptized together today. I am so thankful that God has brought us on this journey together! 

Since having a relationship with Jesus, my life has changed! I feel renewed in my faith, and find so much joy in the fact that God is for me and loves me! I love attending Church with my family and growing in our faith together. “It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me.” Galatians 2:2

I was born in London to amazing parents who provided an upbringing full of love and happiness. My brother and I were raised in a non-religious household, with my parents of the belief that we were free to find our own religious path.

I moved to the US in 2004 and met my wife, Dina, the mother of our three children, Preston, Penelope, and Parker. In 2017, I suffered through depression and anxiety. There was a void that could not be explained or be filled by any person or anything materialistic. I felt lost and empty. Psalm 34:17.

During this difficult time, Dina began attending CCC and she urged me to do the same. I attended my first service in Spring 2018. During the service, I immediately felt the presence of God in my life. I felt like the words being taught were aimed directly at me. I attended Alpha and then surrendered my life to Jesus during the Easter service. We dedicated our three children on Mother’s Day and I am so excited to be baptized, along with Dina. I am happy. I now have peace in my heart. My relationships with my wife, children, family, and friends have never been stronger. I feel no anger or anxiety over the things I cannot control as I understand my life is moving under the direction of God’s plan. Philippians 4:13.

I needed to seek Christ because when I entered the 6th grade I started to swear a lot. I went from never swearing to swearing 3-5 times every sentence. When I was little, I went to church with my Dad, and then in maybe second grade we stopped going. When I was in fourth grade, we started going every week again. In 6th grade, I started falling asleep in church.
Then, when I entered 7th grade, I took it way more seriously. On Easter Sunday of 2019, I surrendered my life to Christ.
Having that relationship with Jesus has helped me stop swearing, and it also helped me with my anxiety by knowing that I could count on him to help me through it.

Before I trusted in Jesus, I knew something was missing in my life. I had done everything I thought to do in order to find happiness. I had a career, a husband, a house, a dog, and even a beautiful baby girl. I had it all but still there was a void in my heart.
One day, while driving past the St. Charles campus, I stumbled upon Christian radio and Jesus pulled at my heartstrings via Lauren Daigle's "You Say." Then, I started watching Christ Community's live broadcasts. While the messages were inspiring, I still felt alone, even in a crowded room.
It wasn't until  6 months later, walking down the aisle in the library, when I felt a subconscious tug to stop and to grab this random book off the shelf, "Heaven is for Real." I don't know the absolute validity of the story, but it rang true loud and clear for me. I don't believe in coincidences. The next weekend I attended Christ Community Church in person for the first time with Angela and Eric Wesemann. The following weekend I surrendered my life to Jesus as Savior and King. My life will never be the same. Now, when I pray and read the Bible daily my heart is full and I'm more at peace.
"The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace." Psalm 29:11 

Through Jesus I am finding my way to what truly matters: Peace, Love, and most importantly Faith.

Before I was saved and trusted in Jesus, I always felt like something was missing in my life. I did not know what that was, so I was always focusing on accomplishing the next goal, obtaining the next possession, and could not wait for the next phase of my life to bring happiness. From time to time I would attend church, exploring different religions and different churches but nothing very consistently. I was truly the definition of a Chreaster.
Then, I met my girlfriend, Melissa Nicholson, and as our relationship developed, our conversations became more meaningful and deeper, and we started to discuss Christianity and faith. I started to attend Christ Community with Melissa. As our attendance became regular, I came to realize that happiness was not going to be found in the next accomplishment or possession. The only way to be happy and to meet life’s challenges with patience, kindness, and faith, was to pursue a relationship with Jesus. I was saved on November 4, 2018.
Since then, I have found a new peace and outlook on life. As a new Christian, I have been met with challenges, but I remain strong in my faith and continue to grow my relationship through prayer, confession, reading God’s word, and attending service every Sunday.
Ecclesiastes 2:11 says “Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and that I toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing of the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”

I grew up in a good home for the most part. I was a bad kid, ran the streets and did what I wanted. I got into drugs and hung around with the wrong people. I was convicted for a crime I did not commit and it took 20 years of my life, and I still have a label on me.
So, finally, I said, “I give up God! I can’t do this anymore!” I turned my life to Christ and everything started to turn around for the better. I know without him I cannot achieve eternal salvation!!!
So, I live my live through this passage: Philippians 4:13 I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME.
My mother Laurie Moreno has been my inspiration through this all, and I am very thankful for Steve Gallaher for reaching his hand out for guidance. I am going to start my new groups and grow in my faith to help other people who need it.

I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior when I was three years old. I still remember how happy I was to be saved! I was so excited that I danced and played my little recorder around the living room for hours. All I wanted to do was worship God!
Through most of my early teen years I struggled with depression and home life was rocky. I became more focused on maintaining friendships than walking in God's grace. Sophomore year of high school I found out I was pregnant. I immediately started reading my Bible again. Shortly after my son was born, I joined a local church. I knew I wanted my child to grow up knowing God's love.
Through all of life's ups and downs, the only consistent thing has been Jesus' love for me. He's always been my comfort and my shelter. (Psalm 91) (Jer. 29:11)
I want to be baptized to publicly proclaim that I am a child of God! I want to show my 5 children that I am going to continue living for Christ because I'm overwhelmingly thankful that he died for me.
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1

I know that nobody is born saved, but as long as I can remember, I have believed in Jesus as my Savior and not just as a religion. I have a living relationship with him and I want to be an example to my family and the church, showing that I am following Jesus and have surrendered my life and chosen to follow him.
Because Christ is my Savior, he helps me to have confidence and peace in my everyday life. I know as long as I believe in him, everything will work out for the best. This is especially important as my three children continue to grow up. I feel that it is important for me to lead my family in making the church a core part of their upbringing. Because I’m in Christ, I feel I learn something every time I go to church and it makes me a better person, husband and father. Jesus is my hero and I am so thankful to have him to believe in.

Before I surrendered my life to Jesus, I allowed my sense of worth to be defined by other people’s approval of me. I tried too hard, as if I had control over whether or not I could meet worldly expectations. In my mind I always fell short. I became confused, anxious and overwhelmed.
In my darkest time, God led me to a pastor who took the time to personally explain the Good News of Jesus to me. I responded by asking Jesus to become the Lord of my life and to and change me.
I have grown in my faith by answering God’s call to attend church, serve in the children’s ministry, and read the Bible daily. There are times when other activities pull me away from these practices, but my soul becomes uneasy, just as it did when I thought I could control everything. Jesus always welcomes me back.
Now I work to please the Lord. I know that by grace I am saved, and that His love for me is beyond my comprehension. It is because of this that I strive to learn and do His will. I find comfort that Jesus says, “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.” (Matthew 11:28-29).

Before knowing Jesus, I had no prayer life. I was living a selfish lifestyle. I was in the world always trying to surpass other people with material items. But then I surrendered my life to Jesus.
More recently, I was watching ministry YouTube videos and started to see that I was a "lukewarm" Christian.  I wanted to change. I had a Bible on my desk for a long time, and so started reading a little at a time. It turned into a couple hours a day of reading. I was convicted through reading, looking at my sin and learning what the Bible said.
Since then, I continually ask Jesus to show me my sin and help me from the inside out. I have conquered many sins. I feel I have a stronger marriage, and been blessed with a beautiful house and child.

I was struggling with my past relationships, my desire to become a mom, and I felt like my life was stuck. I tried taking matters into my own hands instead of turning to Jesus, and did not know how to move forward.
I went to a service at Christ Community Church, to seek out someone to talk to. The message seemed to speak to me. I prayed with some of the elders of the church, and they helped me take that first step in strengthening my relationship with God. I asked God for forgiveness and surrendered my life to Jesus that day.
After that, everything in my life started falling into place. My boyfriend and I started attending CCC together, and praying together. We got married soon after and have been blessed with a beautiful baby girl.

Ever since I was born, we had an amazing Christian family. Every morning we would read the Bible. My family and I have gone through some difficult times. My parents got divorced and moved, but I, no matter what, had my trust in God.
I knew I wanted to give my life to Jesus. When I prayed a prayer I have never prayed, I was ready. By getting baptized, I will never give up, be a better Christian, and make better choices.

I knew that was lost in sin and that the only way out was by accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as my savior.

I gave my life to Jesus when I was four or five at my grandmother’s house.

I feel God’s presence with me everywhere, helping me in times of need, giving me the strength to persevere through all of the challenges I face in life.

I grew up going to church and believing in God but not understanding or appreciating what Jesus had done for me on the cross. I believed that I had to handle difficulties myself without help from anyone else.

It was not until around the time my first wife was dying, I told God that I could not cope alone anymore. I asked Him to help me and I was sorry for trying to do life myself. As soon as I prayed for His forgiveness, and said, “Here I am Lord, I am yours,” I felt a darkness like a heavy weight was lifted off me.

With my Bible opened in my lap, 2 Timothy 2:1 was “lit up” to me. “Oh Timothy my son be strong with the strength Christ Jesus gives you.”

Since then my life has been so blessed. God brought a woman into my life that loves Jesus. I began worshiping at Christ Community and we entered our marriage making Christ the center of it. We study scripture and pray together every day. We serve together, are community group members and even went on a Go Team together.

I want to grow closer to Jesus daily, lean on him, and thank him for loving me and never giving up on me. My surrender to him shows me, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Philippians 4:6

I was baptized catholic as a baby, but wasn’t brought up to know God’s truth or values. After the death of my daughter Brittney thirteen years ago, I stopped believing in God and everything else. I slowly, over the next two years, fell into darkness, which grew over the next ten years causing my marriage and family to suffer greatly. I didn’t know what to do. One day, I caught a red light by the church. I was crying with my head in my hands, looked at the cross on top of the church and asked for God to help. I heard him say, “Windy I’m always here for you to talk to.” I shook all the way home where I investigated the church. I went to church that Sunday and was at peace being here. I spoke to Steve Gallaher who made me feel comfortable, gave me advice and prayed. I have been going to church ever since!
I would not be where I am today without attending Alpha and finding answers about God. I’ve met many wonderful, caring people there and in care group. These wonderful people help more than words can say. On February 22, I surrendered my life and marriage to Jesus and asked for forgiveness for all I’ve done wrong.
I want a greater relationship with God and to get baptized. I am still on a journey. Every day I talk to God, pray and am so thankful. I’m finally a happier person and my life is going better. Praise God!

Growing up I did not attend church on a regular basis. I thought that if I was a generally good person with good moral character that would be enough to guide me through life. That way of thinking worked as a child, but I started needing more as an adult. My entire perspective changed once I became a mother.  
My family started attending Christ Community Church shortly after the birth of my second daughter. Immediately, I felt like the weekly message was being spoken to me to save me. I heard that Jesus died for my sins because he loved me. I felt comforted and starting allowing myself to grow in faith and accept Jesus as my savior.
My life is changing for the good as I continue to grow. Although I still have struggles, I feel a sense of hope and strength like never before. My husband, oldest daughter and I do not like to miss church on Sunday and try to reflect on the message during the week. I intend to bring Christ into my marriage and into the lives of my daughters.

Before coming to Christ, I was a very angry person and I was not religious. I ignored everything involving Christianity and I did not want anything to do with it. My family prayed that I would grow to have a relationship with Christ and I had to attend Christ Community every weekend.
I believe that due to the prayers of my loved ones, my life turned for the better. Eventually, the Lord opened my eyes to his good news, and showed me that I was a sinner in need of forgiveness. I confessed that I am a sinner and asked the Lord for forgiveness and then I asked the Lord to take control of my life.
Christ took center stage in my life when I was eighteen, and ever since then I have dedicated my life to living for the Lord. I absolutely love serving in multiple ministries, and I love my 20s community group. I know there will be trials in my future, but I know the Lord will give me the strength I need to face them. No matter what happens, I know God is good.

I was raised in a Christian household by an amazing mother and father who have been examples in Christ for me. Before I accepted Christ as my Savior, I always lived life with a "me first" attitude.

At the time my family attended another church, and I would attend church summer camps. When I was 13 years old, I accepted Christ to be my Savior. I could name every member of the worship band for that summer camp. Gabriel was the lead guitar player, and we had a time of worship where it was just him and an acoustic. After he finished, he led a prayer. After I prayed, I walked by the lake in the rain. I remember dropping to my knees on the shore, having the rain soak me. I laughed, and cried, and felt this feeling of awe, and amazement.

Since I have accepted Christ, I have strived to be a light for others for Christ. My wife and I are active in church both on campus, and online. When flying on deployment in Afghanistan there would be times where I would just pray. I remember looking out mid flight, in Northern Afghanistan there is a Lake called Lake Kajaki. In the middle of one of the worst places I have ever been there is a crystal clear water lake, with beautiful cliffs that overlook it. While looking down at this lake, I remember being amazed at the glory of God. Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

I had a long term relationship with a girl who was catholic. When I got into the relationship I would have described my faith as being a baby Christian. I was raised in the church my entire upbringing, and believed in Jesus and asked him to be my savior, but I did not pursue reading the Bible actively, or to myself I didn’t feel like I was doing all I could be.

My relationship continued on with this catholic girl and the more I learned about her faith and the questions she asked me, pushed me to learn about mine. To understand my own faith I knew I needed to read more into scripture so that is what I did. Eventually, a year down the road, we got into an argument about our faiths and the differences between them, and I realized it would not work out between us.

After I broke up with her, I continued to want to learn more. So, I sat down with pastor Clayton and asked him questions about what it meant to be a Christian, and discovered to myself what it really meant to be a God loving Christian with a strong relationship with him. After a lot of reading and understanding, and talking about scripture and what Jesus has done for me I wanted to make a public declaration that I was following him.

I cannot remember a specific time when I surrendered my life to Christ. I was raised in a Christian home and both of my parents are religious. Before Jesus I know I was lost in darkness and wasn’t saved.

I believe that Christ died for my sins and through his death I am saved. I’m excited to see how God will work in my life.

One day my father was baptized. The day I saw my father get baptized I said to myself, “One day I’m going to be up on that stage to take my next step in my walk with Christ.” I feel like now is the time to take that next step in my life with Christ.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

“For whoever finds me finds life; and receives favor from the Lord.” Proverbs 8:35

There has always been a strong faith in our family. I was baptized as a baby and now, as an adult I would like to be baptized as a sign of my faith, and to share that I believe in Jesus and that he is my savior.
I am thankful for the blessings in my life. My husband and son, my sisters and brothers, friends, and people I work with have all been a blessing and instrumental in my faith.
In a time of grief, sorrow, despair, and hopelessness I prayed that God would give me strength. I felt God’s presence come over me to give me strength, comfort and peace. At times when I did not feel God’s presence it felt empty.
A prayer that gives me reassurance that God cares for us is from Psalm 121:

 “ I lift my eyes to the mountain where does my help come from,

  My help comes from the Lord, maker of Heaven and Earth.

  He will not let your foot slip...”
After I am baptized, I look forward to see what the Lord will do in my life, and how he will use me. I pray that what I do is for God’s glory, that I can make a difference and that I can be an example of what the Lord can do.

Youth group at the West house made me see the need for Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I have a very quick and imaginative mind, and I noticed the calming presence of the Spirit at Youthgroup, because “wherever two or more are gathered, there I will be also.” I noticed the Spirit calming my mind and not jumping so often, a peace that simply is not present anywhere else.

I have gone to Christ Community Church since my parents had me dedicated, but for some reason, I felt God telling me not to get baptized yet, like there was something he wanted me to learn.The first time I felt that God told me to be baptized was one day while working on my homework after school. The idea that I should be baptized popped into my head while listening to music and thinking about the calculus problem in front of me. That was when I decided to follow Jesus as my Lord and Savior, and began to learn.

What I’ve noticed since accepting Jesus was how God was teaching me to interact with people. Whenever I get angry I’ve begun to remember that the person making me angry is created in God’s image and deserving of love and respect. I notice the Spirit’s presence advising me and notice the image of God in people, which has helped me to put myself in someone else’s shoes when I get angry at them, and allows me to better understand their reasoning.

Although I had attended other churches for many years, watching a Christ Community Church baptism was a moving experience.  Baptism as an Episcopalian at a few months old did not have the meaning offered by the CCC Baptism. My parents wanted me to be churched, but it never represented my commitment to Jesus Christ. In my 40’s and 50’s, I tried to live a Christ-like life but was not seriously committed. I believe baptism confirms my new commitment to fully surrender my life to Jesus as Savior and King.
After arguing with myself whether I could accept this commandment, I decided to attend the class. The instructor stated that we did not have to be free from sin but rather work diligently to reduce it, I decided I could participate. I look forward to the public statement of faith. Perhaps it’s my advanced life stage that reinforces my enthusiasm.  
Now, as I face my closest friends (and fiercest criticizers) I can take heart in my public resolution to give my whole life to Jesus and accept the free gift of eternal life that he offers.  I had a second heart bypass surgery last fall and the doctors were not encouraging. God’s Grace spared me then and I believe He has a mission for me. Although I know I can never be close to the standards set by Jesus, I want everyone to know I am trying.  With God’s blessed grace, I can be found worthy of living eternally in Heaven.

Before I fully put my trust in Jesus, things in my life were in chaos and I went through dark times at a young age.
My father, who also made a turning point in his life to the Lord, showed me my first steps on the path to following the Lord. I learned from the book of Proverbs about how to live my life. With that, I started to change after all the bad experiences to become a better person and become closer to the Lord. This is my next step.
For about two years of having a solid relationship with Jesus, I have to say my life has become calmer and I was able to build myself up more and to become a better person overall while trying to leave a positive impact on the people around me. I want to help out more people in my life as I get older in the name of the Lord and guide them on the right path. I have been blessed in life more than I ever have before and I thank God for that.

I attended Catholic school from preschool to 12th grade. Throughout these years, I believed there was a God, but only prayed to him in times of hopelessness. I was overwhelmed by the various crises that occurred in my life. Then, in college, I allowed others to disrespect me emotionally and physically. In turn, I made choices that disconnected me from Christ. All my life I tried filling a void. I now know God has been craving a relationship with me as I him. As a mother of two beautiful boys and a wife of a loving man, I want to share God’s love in our home. I want to share this truth: “When I felt no worth, he paid it all for me.” Now, I surrender my life to Christ overwhelmed for a different reason: his never-ending, reckless love.