Jesus is saving and raising people to life! This weekend, we celebrate the new life brought to many through the Gospel. Below, you'll find the testimonies of those being baptized on September 20 & 21 2025 at Church Outside.
We praise God for His great love!

Testimonies are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

Before surrendering to Jesus, I felt empty--as if something was missing. I didn't understand why I felt that way. I have a partner, children, a career, mortgage, all of the things you were told would make a successful life and make you happy. However, I still felt like something was missing. I grew up religious and I believed in God but was never taught the gospel. I didn't know that the answers to any of my troubles could be found in the Word.
I felt a turning point in my life the day my second daughter was born. God told me to go to the hospital. He urged me throughout the entire day. If I had not gone, my daughter would have likely passed from the prolapsed cord. A year later, I was thankful and grateful but suffered from the stress the birth caused. I then experienced some spiritual warfare, started reading the Bible and watching Christians describe the Gospel on social media - God pulled me to him. He was everywhere. I rewatched The Passion of Christ and The Chosen and felt unworthy of his sacrifice but so thankful at the same time. God has moved through my entire family and we have all felt the strong pull - He didn't want to lose us. How can I not Love him?
I feel excited about life now, and excited about the future. I know this life is not the end for us. I have Jesus, my Father, My Friend who knows and loves me more than anyone in this world. Who gave his life for me when I didn't deserve it and never will. I can now confidently explain things to my children and guide them to believe and trust in Jesus as well. My life is fulfilled now.

I was saved many years ago in the 1970s. My walk wasn't always steady because I backslid. In 2019 I recommitted my life to Jesus. He has saved me from my self. Jesus has healed me from deep pain, resentment, and bitterness. Jesus is my Lord and savior today, tomorrow, and forever into eternity.
I am more peaceful now with Him, and aspire to be more like Jesus as I grow deeper in faith.

Before giving my trust and life to Jesus I was depressed had dark thoughts would make depressed music and be in my room all day would be moody and addicted to the sin of pornography and would be drinking every weekend and just a life of degeneracy.
I grew up religious when I was younger lost my way with Jesus and would come back to my Bible now n than and it wasn't till I met my girlfriend started to explore her faith that made me wake up and say hey I should join her on this journey of faith and building a relationship with God. God has blessed me with such an amazing woman who constantly motivates me and encourages me in my faith and completely turned my life around to be more happy and celebrate each day and thanking god for every blessing he bestows on me.
Since putting my faith and my life in Jesus my life has been amazing I'm not as depressed or worried I refrain from old habits like going out to clubs and bars which turned into such negative spaces and you really start seeing all the sin from hook up culture to the music I can't even enjoy old songs I loved cause Jesus opened my ears to how negative and foul they are. Life has been good with the faith of Jesus's and it's only getting started I look forward to the future and living in a life of Jesus where as in the past I didn't even wanna be here and this quote from Bryce Crawford helped change that where he says "if you don't want your life why not give it to Jesus" and that's so powerful being Jesus gave his life for us and we should do the same by putting our faith in him and giving our life for him.

Before fully placing my faith in Jesus, I was lost in my life and didn't know where to find answers or peace.
I grew up as a Christian, but I fully dedicated my life to Jesus after realizing that I needed to put my life fully into his hands because I could not do it alone. Since trusting in Jesus I have found peace, comfort, and a trust that he has a clear plan for my future. My life has been filled with joy.

My life had its up and its downs, but in that time I always felt empty. I've dealt with depression for a very long time, even back into my elementary school years. I've always believed in God, and have felt protected from time to time by the spirit, but it was not something I would actively pursue. When I started dating my now wife, who was and is a born again Christian, is when I started feeling the desire to search. Life still has its ups and its downs and I still have my bouts with depression, but I feel more at ease with it all knowing that I have my Lord and Savior with me. Now the lows don't feel as low and heavy as they did before, and I don't stew in my sadness like I used to. If I am having a bad moment, I pray and give myself to the Lord and I can feel the burdens ease.

Before trusting in Jesus, my life was chaotic. I was stuck in sinful loops and constantly chasing short-term pleasure to fill the emptiness in my heart. I mistreated people who loved me, and I couldn't accept love or give it back. I wasn't showing up for myself, let alone for others. I had no moral compass and no sense of purpose. I was lost, trying to fill myself with things that would never satisfy me instead of letting Jesus' love fill my heart.
When I was younger, I didn't believe in Jesus. I thought faith didn't make sense compared to science and the explanations I read in textbooks. I was skeptical, and because of that, I never opened my heart to really experience God's love.
But about two years ago, I was going through a really difficult time, and I decided to do something different. For the first time, I prayed with a fully open and intentional heart, asking God to reveal Himself to me. That prayer was answered in a way so powerful and magnificent that I could never have imagined it. From that moment on, I began a real relationship with Jesus through prayer. Even though I didn't know much about the Bible yet, the more I prayed and stayed consistent, the more I saw His love, His perfect timing, and His plan for my life. That's when I knew the truth of what Jesus had done for me — and I believed.
Since trusting Jesus, my life has been completely transformed. This past summer I faced some of the hardest challenges I've ever gone through as a man and as a person. Two years ago, I know I would have spiraled and never recovered. But because I had already built a rooted daily relationship with God — one marked by prayer, gratitude, and ongoing conversation with Him — I was able to endure and heal in a way I never thought possible.
Even when my heart was broken, Jesus restored it right away. My recovery was less about fixing my heart and more about my mind catching up to the truth that I was already whole in Him. In moments when I felt alone and even pulled back from family and friends, I was never truly alone — God was with me.
Now I live with a new fire and purpose. I handle trials differently, with peace and confidence that God's plan is perfect and that every challenge has meaning. He's closed the door on old sinful patterns and filled me with a pure motivation to live for Him. Through Christ, I've found strength, joy, gratitude, incredible people, and a true sense of what life is really about.

Before I knew Jesus, I was in college and going through seasons of anxiety and depression. I would constantly measure my value as a person based on my academic and athletic performances. I would push people away if they got too close to my personal life. I isolated myself from those who cared about me because I didn't want to feel like a burden. On the outside, I would put on a smile, but inside I was hurting. To cope, I turned to alcohol and sometimes drugs, trying to numb my feelings. But no matter what I tried, nothing filled the emptiness in my heart. I later realized I was trying to fill a God-sized void with worldly things.
At my lowest point, almost 2 years ago, in a moment of deep despair, I turned to Jesus as a last resort and prayed for Him to save me. And He pulled me out of that. From that point forward, I began pursuing a relationship with Christ by reading Scripture. For months I still stumbled and fell as I still do, but for the first time in my life I was aware of my sin and would repent as I turned back to Him.About a year ago, God used a great friend, Antonio, to point me toward Emergence Church. Since then, I've found true community, friendships rooted in Christ, and encouragement through Bible studies. Curtis Thomson, Chris Manzi, Dennis Mitola and Jack White have all been huge resources for me in my walk and i consider them all brothers in Christ. Today, I see the fruits of the Spirit in my personal life. My heart feels new and overflowing with joy. I am grateful for how Good and gentle our God has been to me even when i dont deserve it.
I want to be baptized today because I've already experienced what it's like to live with myself as the leader of my life—and it only led to despair and self destruction. Now I want to proclaim publicly that I belong to Jesus, that He is my Lord and Savior.

My life before putting my trust in Jesus was a constant struggle to be liked by others. It was also full of anxiety about what people thought of me or what people could be saying about me behind my back. It was a constant struggle to seek validation from the world. My life was also full of doubt about if the God of the bible was the one true God or not. Doubts about if another religion was right an Christianity was wrong. Also, my life was dull of the fear that when I die, what if i end up in hell, or what ive there is no heaven and hell when I die. I was born in a Christian family so the truth of what Jesus has done for me has been repeated many times throughout my life. I responded in thankfulness as well as doubt. Questions kept popping up like "how was Jesus fully man and fully God" or "what if the gospel story wasn't true". Life has been harder because putting my trust in Jesus means that there are worldly desires I have to put beside, things I know i shouldn't do or say. Though it has been hard, it has been worth it. The anxiety is gone, the need to please the world and seek validation from it is gone. I have been freed from the shakles of sin and have been reborn. Life feels more fufilling because that open void has finally been filled theough the Holy Spirit. 

Before knowing Jesus, I was consumed with crippling anxiety, self doubt, and lack of vision for a future where I was truly happy. I grew up catholic, knowing I believed in God and praying once in a while. I tried everything before turning to Jesus; astrology, self help books, over exercising, ignoring the pain and pushing through…all the things the world wants you to turn to. I thought this type of struggle was everyone's experience and I could no longer imagine a world where I was free of it all. It was getting dark, hopeless, and I was running out of options.
My daily struggle was becoming unbearable and I was losing myself. At this time, my mom started to deepen her faith. She encouraged me to come to church, I watched her get baptized, and her advice for me became Christ centered. I started to seek God by watching the Chosen and occasionally attending church. One afternoon I was at the end of my rope and I started to speak to God. I told Him that there was no way I could do it by myself anymore and begged Him to take care of things. He heard me loud and clear…within 24 hours He held me up and gave me the strength to make some very hard decisions. At the time, I explained it as an "out of body experience". I now know it was the strength of the Holy Spirit and God responding to my plea. The strength and peace he equipped me with was so supernatural that I could not deny that this was my God and it was time to surrender to Him, get to know Him, and take His plan for my life seriously.
There is a common phrase, "protect your peace", I used to think I knew what it meant. Never in my life have I had such valuable peace to protect, until now. Jesus has been so gentle with me the past two years as He slowly changed my heart and lifted my eyes to be fixed on Him. He has been patient yet clear about convictions and how what He wants for me is so much more valuable than anything I could ever dream up. There are still challenges, but the burden of those challenges have become lighter knowing He will provide and I can look to Him for confidence, strength, and guidance. I'm so proud to be a child of the Most High and to spread His name and Word in hope that others can experience this kind of love that only He can provide.

Before i put my trust in Jesus, I was lost. I was hanging out with the wrong group of people, smoking, and just doing things that weren't what Jesus wanted me to do.
About 2 years ago is when i really wanted to start putting my trust in Jesus. Since then my faith has always been on and off but just recently i decided to fully commit and give everything to him. He saved me from continuing to smoke and doing unholy things. i quit smoking on easter and i didn't plan to quit on that day it just happened, its like he had that planned for me because he knew it would draw me closer to him. i stopped following a lot of people who weren't leading me in the right direction and started following Jesus who i knew would always lead me to righteousness.
Life has been great since trusting in Jesus. Life was just so dark before and he brought light into it. Fishing, work, friends, and my relationship with my girlfriend has all been so much better after putting my trust in Jesus. He truly is my savior i will always trust in him and i will never stop.

Before I trusted Jesus, I knew about Him from my family, but I hadn't given my heart to him yet.
I heard about Jesus from my family. I was five when I asked Jesus to come into my heart. I still remember that day.
Since I trusted Jesus, I tried to follow Him and learn more about Him. I wanted to go to a Christian school, and now I'm so happy I do.

I was about 5 years old and didn't even know what a god was or who God was.
I grew up in a christian home and was told about Jesus.
Now I know I can have someone to look up to and to trust and to pray to.

Life before trusting Jesus was hell, constantly feeling I was not good enough for anything, constantly feeling I wouldn't fit anywhere, constantly not being able to feel loved, constantly looking for happiness in drugs, that were destroying my life, making me mentally and physically slow, not remembering what had happened the day before. Constantly fighting voices in my head telling me to suicide, that I did not deserve to live a good life. Life before Jesus was lonely and terrifying, life before Jesus consisted in satisfying society to feel accepted but the only acceptance I need and have is from God. I remember one day someone at a previous job told me I had black shadows behind me, trying to get full control of me by talking in my ear. He told me that I was being really strong by fighting them alone but the only way I could defeat them was by going to Jesus Christ and surrender to him. But even after wanting to surrender and wanting God in my life I kept letting temptations get the best of me and push me away from Jesus path. One day I couldn't hold the pain any longer and cried to my aunt and my grandma about it. My aunt gave me a Holy Rosary, and a small cross with a Heart in the middle to feel God closer to me whenever I felt attacked. My mom gave me a Holy Rosary as well, an oil to protect me, and a Bible and they spread Blessed Water in my car. I watched the Testament the Story of Moses and The Passion of the Christ and I couldn't stop crying, I rise to love wanting to know more about Jesus Lord. I stopped smoking and drinking for months and even when I fell on temptation to smoke again three times it did not feel the same as it did in the past, and I knew I had to leave those habits to be able to listen to God because I could hear him calling my name but I couldn't listen to him. God sent me a gift, she brought me to one of the service where I fell in love with the culture, I fell in love with learning about Jesus, and I fell in love with reading the Bible. Life since trusting Jesus has been peaceful, it has been committing to good habits, it has been setting standards, it has been seeing the true value of friendship, it has been self care, it has been growth, it has been seeing obstacles not as obstacles but God preparing me for something I can't even imagine because his plans are better than mine, it has been understanding the power to surrender to Jesus Lord and knowing he is number one in my life over anything and everything. It has been constant happiness and growth. It has been beautiful to learn that God is within us, within each and everyone's heart and he is so respectful and loving that he just knocks on our door waiting for us to let him in, once we let him in, life is just simply better all around. Life with Jesus feels save, it feels lovely. 

My life was full of greed and worldly desires that could never be fully satisfied.
I was very fortunate to be raised in a Christian home and taught the gospel during my early years. And during the years not living at home anymore, I came to realize that I needed Christ's guidance in my life and that I couldn't do it all alone.
Life has been clear, I understand who I am in Christ and I am grateful for what he has done for all of us. I am no longer enslaved by my own desires but I am grateful for the Lords presence and working in my life even if my flesh isn't fully satisfied. His presence is enough.

Before giving my life to Jesus, I searched for fulfillment and tried to fit into what the world called satisfying, but I never found true purpose, contentment, or real happiness.
I grew up as a Christian but I never truly understood who God was or the promises He had for me. The Bible was very difficult for me to read. This year, I was convicted about certain areas in my life, and asked God to help me understand his word. I began reading my bible and felt God open my eyes to where the same words I could never grasp, started making perfect sense to me. I realized that there is REAL gain and contentment in following Him!
Since I surrendered my life to Jesus, I now have a real relationship with Him and have been able to understand his word. He has transformed my life and allowed me to see that he provides me with everything I need, and that there is no value in anything else but Him! He is the one thing that can truly fulfill.

Before trusting in Jesus completely, I struggled with my purpose. I was in a loop of believing I found my way then time showing I was wrong again. I had heard about the truth of what Jesus had done for me throughout my life, but it wasn't until I was in pre-marriage counseling with a pastor and my wife that I came to respond to it. My life now is fulfilling. I have complete confidence for whom I serve at all times.

I don't remember a time before Jesus because I've trusted in Jesus since a little girl. I have always believed that Jesus died on the cross for me and everyone else but specifically in my life, he has given me strength, helped me through the worst days of my life and continues to give me hope each day after getting my health back. He is my savior and he has proven it to me so many times since I was a child until now! I could ramble for hours about all the things he has done for me, the list goes on and on! Life is peaceful, beautiful, quite, kind, healthy and positive! I know that life can have unexpected twists and turns, but it's always happier knowing Jesus is in my corner!

I was on a fast track to nowhere, controlling every possible aspect of my life. I feared dying & what happened after death. My family, my brother, Jacksonville Chapel & Emergence helped me hear and understand the Gospel. Relief. Like my grips can loosen because I'm not the only one driving my life.

When I was younger, I had a fear of missing church because i was told it was a mortal sin. I decided to read the Bible more when I missed church. I didn't have peace about where I would go after death. I was encouraged to attend Emergence and I enjoyed the services.After a serious auto accident where I was a passenger and the car flipped over, I started to realize that Jesus was there for me then and may times over the years.I have a new peace about my life knowing the Lord is always with me and that my eternity is secure. I used to feel alone but not any longer.

My life before Jesus was me feeling lost and scared. I was always concerned what people thought or what was cool. Now i do what i know is right and i have a one on one relationship with Jesus. I started talking to my father in our daily car rides about god and the Bible. A little less than a year after we started talking about god my older brother passed away. If it wasn't for my relationship with god or having someone to ask and understand gods works and my feelings, i don't know where i would be. I have no burdens, no stress, and i am full of love i try to treat everyone as if they were Jesus. I always offer a helping hand whenever i can i always try to spread the good news and pray that good keeps me in the right place at the right time to support others. Even with all this i am also a lot more hard and strict on my self after learning about Jesus' life and knowing that he was in the same body as me. Which helps me become stronger and a better person. 

I was an anxious person who believed in the power of spirituality/the universe vs. God. I identified my whole life around my pain and suffering, and knew nothing outside of it. I was depressed, anxious, and angry at life. I actually mistyped something into Spotify and stumbled upon a christian podcast instead of whatever I was looking for (this was November 2024) Something at that moment pulled me into learning more about Christianity. I became increasingly more aware, curious, awakened. God completely used that moment of curiosity to turn me from someone who was running from Him into somebody who is running back to Him. Now I have Peace everyday, purpose and direction, strength in my struggles, freedom and joy.

I grew up religious, I knew about Jesus and how He saves but I still felt an emptiness and disconnect. I felt there was more that I needed to understand in order too grow closer to God. I would go through periods in my life where i would watch the Christian channels and surround myself with people who followed Christ. I would try to understand the bible and the meaning behind it . It wasn't until I had complications during birth where the doctors were not sure of the outcome that I realized God was with me and it was not my time. My work here on earth was not done and I promised that if i was giving the chance to recover I would continue to spread the word of the gospel.Since trusting Jesus I have been granted more opportunities in my life and have been giving the ability to help those who in need whether it be spiritually, medically or financially. I thank Jesus for giving me these opportunities. I also thank my Aunt for introducing me to Emergence where I have been able to meet wonderful people who are on the same path as me.

My life felt empty and restless. I tried to find peace and meaning in other things, but nothing satisfied me. I carried a lot of worry and guilt, and I didn't really know who I was or what I was living for. I grew up hearing about Jesus, but I came to know him through the love and example of Christians around me. Through reading the Bible, talking with a friend and seeing their peace and joy made me want to understand more, and I knew I wanted to follow Him! Since trusting Jesus, l've found a peace and joy I never had before. I know I'm not alone, and I have hope no matter what I face. I'm learning to put my trust in Him instead of carrying everything by myself.

Before trusting in Jesus, I felt like I had to do everything on my own. I was overwhelmed, frustrated and angry. Although I've felt Gods presence from early in my life, I mostly felt separated from Him. Listening to the sermons at Emergence and being a part of a wonderful small group has really brought the word of God to life for me. It has helped me to grow in ways I never expected. I am truly grateful for the peace and understanding it has brought to my life. I know I have a long way to go, but I look forward to continuing to grow in my understanding and relationship to Jesus. Since developing a relationship with God and trusting in Jesus, I have a lot more peace in my life. Now I know I can bring my concerns to God and he will listen. I also feel like I have a new perspective on the events taking place in the world which gives me hope and lessens my anxiety.

I grew up knowing Jesus, but for the longest time, I still found myself still seeking validation from the world and always trying to satisfy everyone around me. It became exhausting to have to constantly seek approval and surpass expectations. It wasn't until I truly realized my savior, Jesus Christ, is the only one worthy of my praise and effort that everything began to change. I started attending Emergence around 3 years ago and it has truly become my home. I can now start to live free in His name, continually trust Him and glorify Him with everything I do. The path isn't easy but it is the only one that leads to life.

I was living with doubt, anger, resentment. (Even to myself) shame and regret. I was never satisfied where i was, always seeking the perfect job, the perfect place. I was acting like a victim of life, even when it cost me my family. ALL OF MY PLANS ended the same unfulfillied. Sadness, depression, frustration, and dependence on medication was tge result. Followed by self hate for things I did, that drove more negativity into my life.. I was lost and figured i would just do what i could till its over. Not really living. The worst part is I felt hypocritical. Even when I would help someone, because i wasnt the peraon inside that i was outside. I started years ago believing in something more but it wasnt the God of the Bible. I started coming more out of a need to be around people. Eventually i started questioning whatvi was hearing. So i started looking into the science of it. Does History support this? Of course after years of that i was left with the only answer. Yes. I know it because after saying i believe but i dont feel different. I suddenly found myself losing a loved one that felt like death to me. It was my faith that made me face every day and force a smile. He carried me. It wasnt til it later i knew i only made it because of him. I can face anything without fear of the outcome. I have had heart surgery, had 32 broken bones in my life, lost family and loved ones. But i am still here. I can look at the positive and beauty in both my failures and achievments the same now. I can laugh off conflicts and lean toward faith in that we are all in a battle. When you trust in Jesus you realize its a battle of spirit for him. There are only those who love and have faith in life everafter through Jesus gave me hope that i didnt fail. I was just a slow learner. 

I did not grow up religious. Both of my parents were no longer religious due to hurt from the church. I never went to church , never read the Bible, and knew absolutely nothing about God or Jesus. The only thing I could tell you was there was a Father a Son and a Holy Spirit. I always believed there was a God and I do remember a couple of random times through my life (usually when someone / something (a pet) was dying.Throughout my life I was bullied and made fun of extensively and in 7th grade I suffered from a traumatic experience and started harming myself. I would wear a cross necklace everyday but I didn't know what it meant. All I knew was Jesus died on it and Jesus was just another name for God. On anything that asked my religious preferences I would put Catholic because that was the most common church and that's what everyone else I knew was but I couldn't tell you what it meant or the difference between any of them. In highschool my mental health was so low I tried to take my own life. I would go to parties and drink, I worried about the opinions of my peers, I wanted to be accepted by my peers and craved the attention of boys in order to feel worth , pretty, validation , and cared for. I felt hatred for many people. I would hold grudges and if someone wronged or hurt me I would look for a way to get revenge or hurt them. After I graduated i volunteered to be a VBS counselor with my friend ay her Catholic Church in hopes that maybe learning about God could help me become less depressed maybe that's what was missing. That experience unfortunately only proved as personal experience to agree with my parents that the church was a hateful judgmental place that didn't make any sense and I did not agree with. There was a wake in the chapel and we Were told not to tell the kids someone had died but just tell them to be quiet. Anyone who has been around kids knows just telling them to be quiet never works they will ignore you or keep asking why? I found it odd when these were children who go to church where they read and learn about the gruesome bloody murder of Jesus on the cross but I can't tell them an 90 year old man passed away from being old? That makes no sense. The daughter of the youth minister was also one of the meanest girls in my grade. If she was living like Jesus I wanted no part of it. In 2018 I came to Emergence on Easter the my friends family. I enjoyed the service and knew I believed in Jesus and decided to get baptized after but I didn't really know what it meant I didn't give my life to him, I knew nothing about him and did not change my life. After covid my mother and I were kicked out of the home I grew up in by my dad after my parents got divorced. We lived in a couple hotels for almost a year before finding a townhouse to rent. They then raised rent a crazy price after not having heat all winter and we had no where to go again. My mom is still in a hotel to this day. After my mom had been in and out of hospitals sick since around Christmas time on Monday February 3rd I was at work when I got a call that my mother needed emergency open heart surgery after experiencing a heart attack and I needed to come to the hospital ASAP. After the open heart surgery was completed the doctors informed me the bypass went well however her chest cavity was filling up with large amounts of blood that they were unsure of where it was coming from and if it did not stop they would need to go in and do a second open heart surgery to try and find where the bleeding was coming from. They told me I was not allowed to stay overnight and that I should go home and get some rest as if I would be able to sleep. It was 2 am and I was driving home absolutely sobbing. I was desperate I was hopeless I was sad I was fearful I felt broken and so so scared. I didn't know what else I could do other than pray. I called out to God and told him I shouldn't be asking for his help I had no right to ask him for anything as someone who never prayed never read the Bible and had 0 relationship with him I had no right to ask him for anything why should he listen or give me anything but I told him that if he was real if he was truly listening and truly cared to please save my mother. I told him I knew she no longer believed in him due to hurt from the church and prayers she said were unanswered but Shes all I have and I really really need her if he would just save my mother and stop the bleeding and keep her from dying I would do Anything. I would buy and read the Bible I would try and go to church I would talk to him and pray to him and get to know him if he would just do this one thing and save my mother. I finally fell asleep and woke up to a phone call from the hospital that they had taken out the breathing tube and were going to be waking her up from the anesthesia and I could come in and be able to talk to her. Since trusting in Jesus I have read and annotated 12 books of the Bible and read parts of 8 others. I listen to only Christian gospel music. I now longer enjoy watching certain shows / movies or listening to music I would have previously enjoyed. I talk to others about Jesus and the Bible. I feel guilty, shameful, and embarrassed when I notice I sin or do something that I feel would disappoint Jesus and always repent/apologize and ask for forgiveness right after. I have chats with God while driving in the car about my day or my thoughts and feelings just random things. I pray daily. I feel less anxious and depressed. I have learned to forgive and not hold hatred and grudges in my heart but to leave judgment and punishment up to the Lord.I notice when people were Christian apparel or jewelry. I notice who talks about God and who doesn't. I notice what stores sell Christian items. I look back on my life and see all the things I did poorly and the type of person I was. I am much more grateful, happier, kinder, calmer , thankful but also sad, disappointed and scared for those who still living without the Lord. With all of the terrible things that occurred last week I felt something just pushing me towards going to church and decided to come this past Sunday. Before I went in I prayed and asked God if this is your will if this was you pushing me and I'm doing the right thing and I'm at the right church please just send an older woman (motherly / grandmotherly) type presence to me to welcome and acknowledge me. He sent me Carol. I walked past her twice and we had exchanged smiled but on the 3rd time she came up and asked me if I was knew to the church to which I said I had come for Easter this year as well as a couple time in 2018. I asked if I could sit with her and she welcome me with open arms. I've been feeling called to be baptized , wanted to really mean it this time and could not be more excited. Since February I have felt disappointed and ashamed wishing I would have turned to Christ earlier instead of living 25 years without him. 

In my heart I know that I had walked with Jesus, he was with me while I served in Combat, but when I returned home PTSD and other things made my life difficult and instead of running with Jesus I ran away, alcohol and other things became my healer, I became ashamed as I slowly watched things important to me slip away from me yet I sought help from no one, as I felt who would want to help me? I have never felt more alone or in the dark as I had been feeling before I realized that Jesus is not embarrassed of me and I do deserve his love and forgiveness! My oldest son Cory has long been an inspiration to me, in watching him grow as a loving husband and father I could see the spirit of God in him. Cory invited me to church, and since then, it is a place I want to be, to be closer to God and really feel His spirit in me. I no longer feel alone, I sleep better and even if I wake up through the night, instead of worry and fear of the unknown, I thank God for my life and all the blessings in them and return to sleep which is something I could not do before. I am no longer hiding in the dark, I am more willing to talk about my truths so that they may all come to light! I feel that I now can truly love as I feel true love, a weight has been lifted as I accept forgiveness so I am no longer carrying around the sins of my past.

Before surrendering my life to God, I would struggle with debilitating anxiety, overthinking, depression and feelings of unworthiness. I was raised in church as a child but I started to learn more about Jesus as unexplainable, miraculous events kept taking place in my life. They all pointed to him. Through prayer and fasting, I have experienced God's overwhelming love and presence and am grateful for his gift of mercy on us. Since putting my trust in the Lord, I have happier days. There is less worrying and more prayer. It has been easier to let go of the past and focus on being grateful for the present. Now that I've surrendered my life to him, there is peace in my mind and in my heart. I have recently found joy in teaching kids about Jesus at Emergence and I'm excited to keep growing my relationship with God and sharing the good news.

I grew up in a broken home. My grandmother raised me from the age of 4; she was everything to me. Although it was not through her that I came to know Jesus, she taught me many values and guided me to become a man of integrity. At the age of 15, I received Jesus as my Savior. He has always been faithful to me. Yet, in the stress of life, we sometimes lose sight of important details that are difficult to recover. In February of 2016, after my grandmother passed away, my life took a downward turn. I began to neglect my spiritual walk. God had blessed me with a precious family, but my actions led only to self-destruction. I was living a double life—on Sunday mornings I was at church, but at night I was at the club. I was no longer a good example, and I stopped preaching His Word because I felt ashamed of not living according to it. There were many times when I hit rock bottom, and the worst part was that I ended up losing my family. Nobody believed in me anymore because my marriage had become a lie.
But then came a turning point. It was on a Sunday, the 24th, when I ran to the altar and accepted Jesus once again as my Savior. Even at my lowest point, Jesus never changed His mind about me. Even when I fell, He never abandoned me or grew tired of me. He saw the worst in me but never denied His love. On the cross, with His blood, He gave everything. Now my life is a testimony that His love endures forever. To my wife and my children, I ask for forgiveness—for every moment of unhappiness, dishonor, lies, sleepless night, disrespect, shame, and pain I caused. God is faithful and will always remain faithful. The tears have dried from my eyes, and my heart is no longer broken. There is no more mud to stain my life; I can now walk with firm steps. Lord, thank You because You rescued me from death. I will never again be buried in the depths of sin, because with Your blood You cleansed that muddy path and lifted me from the pit where I was lost. You have made me a new and clean man for You, Jesus.

Before I trusted in Jesus, my life felt incomplete. I carried many burdens on my own, and it often felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders. Life seemed darker, harder, and lonelier, even when I was surrounded by people. I tried to fill the emptiness with things that never truly satisfied me, and no matter what I did, there was always a part of me that felt a little lost, like something important was missing that I couldn't understand. I came to hear and respond to the truth of Jesus during the darkest season of my family's life. My mom was fighting stage 3 cancer, my sister was hospitalized for a while with her own serious condition, and inside our home there was constant tension caused by a multitude of reasons. You would think that with a family of seven we would lean on each other, but instead the devil was tearing our once close-knit family apart. We argued, stopped talking, and carried our burdens completely alone. There were brief moments of laughter or support, but overall, we were surrounded by total darkness. One day, the strongest person I know, my mom, said "no more." She decided to believe in something greater than herself. With the influence and support of my Aunt Debbie and her cousin Pamela, everything began to change, not just for her but for our family. Pamela even gifted each of us our very first Bibles, something I will never forget. They introduced us to healing and the power of Christ. My mom took a leap of faith and never looked back, and her decision transformed our entire home. All seven of us, my parents, my four younger siblings, and I were changed forever. Through Jesus, we defeated the enemy, and he is no longer welcome in our family. Today, my mom is cancer-free, my family is healthy, and we are all closer than I ever thought possible, all because of Jesus and the love of God. Life since trusting in Jesus has been better than I ever thought possible. He has helped each one of us grow into the best versions of ourselves, and I've seen incredible transformation in my family, especially in my mom. Mom, I'm so proud of the kind, faith-filled woman you've become. And Dad, I'm grateful for the way you've embraced this journey of faith with us. Your love and guidance have made such a difference, and I'm thankful for the way you lead our family. For me personally, God has opened doors I never imagined. I recently went on a Christian medical mission to Africa as a registered nurse, and it confirmed my desire to keep doing God's work. He has also blessed me with the greatest man and partner back in my life, Mike, I love you. I know that was God's perfect timing and provision. Jesus has completely transformed my life, and now, even when things get hard, I know I am never alone and that I am deeply loved. I want to continue learning, growing, and walking closely with Him, praising Him for everything He has done. I am beyond grateful that my entire family has been saved, and I know this is only the beginning of what He will do through us.

I grew up trusting Jesus. I grew up in the church, and want to publicly confess my love for Jesus. 

I grew up attending church. I've always known about Jesus. Today I want to take a step in faith and publicly commit myself to Jesus. Life with Him has been awesome. I also want my friends to put their faith in Jesus.

Before Jesus, I believed I can handle any situation alone which often led to feeling restless. I reached a point in my life where I realized I couldn't fix my own life. At one point in my life the enemy attacked that cost me my career and almost cost me my marriage. Through Jesus, I came out of that situation with a stronger marriage and a more fulfilling new career. I put my trust in Jesus and realized all things are possible through him.

Before I found trust in Jesus, I felt completely lost. I struggled with a deep sense of purposelessness, and I turned to drugs and alcohol in an attempt to fill the emptiness inside me. I was angry not just at the world, but at myself and even at God. I would often ask Him, "Why me?" whenever things went wrong, but when good things happened, I never took the time to thank Him. I tried living life my way and became lost. My friends invited me to church, and that's when I first heard the good news and decided to truly put my faith in Jesus. Through that, I've learned to be grateful for the gift of life and appreciate everything I have. Jesus became the light I had been searching for when all I could see was darkness. Since I put my trust in Jesus, the weight I carried for so long has been lifted, and I finally feel free. I've found my purpose in Him—to love God, love others, and share the hope I've found. Even though I still struggle, I know He's always there, lifting me up when I fall. I once believed I was too broken, too far gone—but God reached further than I ever thought possible. When He grabbed hold of me, He never let go. I am forever thankful for His love and grace. Thanks be to God.

I always was a person of faith but wasn't consistent in learning more and getting closer to Jesus.and being Jesus like. I want to reaffirm my faith in him. I felt a calling to read the Bible last year I have tried to every day. I still have much to go but it's been 217 days now. I see and feel God and his love. I'm happy that I have been drawn in closer to him during my journey.

I am fortunate that I don't really recall a time when Jesus wasn't in my life in some fashion. I was blessed to be raised in a Christian home with faith-based values and surrounded by believers. However, while this was the case, I don't believe that I always walked alongside Jesus. I recently heard someone use the term 'Chief Sinner.' I, like all of us, certainly earned that title. It's almost as though I was a Christian who was walking around blindfolded not wanting to truly see. I use the analogy of crusty old tape that holds together old handmade art projects that we made as children (…and mom likely still has tucked away somewhere). I often felt like I was held together by that crusty old tape, just barely keeping myself together. My choices and how I experienced the world around me often felt a bit 'off.' At the time, I didn't fully commit myself to understanding the Truth. It's as if I was spiritually lazy. While I have always had a foundation in my Christian faith, I never took the opportunity to truly 'level up' my understanding. Over the past few years, especially the past 1-2 years, my husband and I started to pour ourselves more into truly understanding Jesus. We both felt a calling to dive in and build upon the foundations that we both had. Being vulnerable, our marriage came close to not making it several years ago. I was convinced that it would be near impossible to turn things around, however I relinquished control to God. With commitment to our faith and to one another, we were able to transform our relationship.
We recognized that without Him, we were hollow and without a proper foundation for a loving marriage. For that reason, we commit to reading the Bible with the intention of really understanding God's word. And while it hasn't always been an easy read, we've been learning more about Jesus by diving into the Bible, and spending our time with Bible-based podcasts, shows, study guides, and attending services. I sadly see so much evil in the world, and I see how evil forces are impacting many. We've tried to learn more so that we can address any chinks in our own armor while also learning how to both serve and be better models of what it means to be God-fearing and God-loving servants. Last year, I witnessed my parents both get baptised here at Emergence. They are such beautiful examples of Jesus loving individuals, and they have been a prime example of how God works in a truly loving and respectful marriage. In the same way I am inspired by their faith and how they move through life with God at the forefront, I also want to inspire others to walk alongside Jesus. Since learning into my faith and trusting Jesus even more, my life has transformed. I've noticed that I am a less anxious person. I feel less inclined to control all that's around me. Fear and anger has nearly disappeared, and is almost never present. I experience more love and joy. I have a deeper connection with my gifts and with more awareness of how I can use them to truly serve. Our marriage is stronger than ever. I have deeper conversations with God, often asking him to 'take the wheel.' I also feel that my eyes have been opened even more to both the beauty in the world and to the dark forces that are trying to infiltrate the hearts and minds of God's children. I've continued to work on addressing those chinks in my armor. I've also leaned into not just being a helper to others, but being a servant to God. I certainly have a long way to grow, however I can feel a shift in how I'm meant to love and lead.

Before trusting in Jesus I was always paranoid, I felt like no one really loved me truly, and I didn't think anyone would ever want to know the real me. I first heard about Jesus through my mom, and when I started listening more to what she said about him I listened to other people's stories out of curiosity, and it really got me believing because I heard all of these wonderful things he did. One day I asked Jesus to take me out of the darkness I was living in with all the hurtful sin I was committing to myself and he did exactly that, he thought me how to love myself and others through scripture and also comforted me in my darkest moments. With Jesus in my life I have felt more at peace then I ever have like a heavy weight was lifted of my chest, I feel better about myself, and like I am truly loved and understood.

Before seeking and trusting in Jesus my life was filled with worldly ambitions controlled by the flesh. Seeking social acceptance and engaging in acts of sin that have turned me into a person that I was not enjoying. Filled with greed, anger, addictions, lustful thoughts and actions all while trying to come off as a nice caring person that truly had no relationship with Jesus. Harming relationships and trying to justify myself in most situations, however thinking deep down there must be something wrong with me. Which would lead to turning to idealistic fixes out of my own will. Growing up in an Italian household and going through the Catholic Church as a child I did always believe in Jesus, but the relationship to me was only Jesus loves you and died for your sins. My father was baptized about 13 years ago and I would attend his Christian Church from time to time, just to please him and not the Lord. I attempted to read the Bible on my own in my early 20s but nothing ever stuck. It was not until last September when I was truly not liking whom I was, coming across on the surface as a fun loving, caring individual but inside I felt lost. It was not until my Father went to go check out a new church, which happened to be Emergence, and he sent me a picture with one of my childhood friends which inspired me to come back to the Church and seek the lord. With that being around a year ago, life since trusting in Jesus has been nothing short of incredible. That friend I mentioned before, is here getting baptized today as well and he is one of the now many friends, brothers and sisters that I have met & made through Emergence who remind me that I am not alone in Christ nor the Sins of this World. I have learned so much from my community and peers and continue to learn every day. From going to feeling like I was unfit to be around my caring family who have always loved and supported me in anything I have ever done, or unfit in my career that I studied 4 years for, or unfit to speak at my community group because I lacked the wisdom of the Gospel to now being a unashamed Christian and even handing out bibles to some of my other peers and a rock that my family can rely on would not have been possible for me if I had not gotten out of my own way and thinking Jesus had not saved my heart and I not accept that salvation. Jesus came for Sinners and that is me, where o death is now your sting.

I was very passive before giving my life to Jesus. I thought I knew what having a relationship with God was, but once the blinders came off I realized how far away from an actual relationship I was from him. I thought just by being a good person or doing good things I may go to heaven, but then I saw how wrong I was. My father in law is an evangelist and my wife is also deep in her faith. I began to read the Bible more, and I began to truly understand the price Jesus paid for us and exactly what his 33 years of life were about. Amazing. I suffered from severe anxiety and stress my whole life, but when I have myself entirely to Jesus, all of that went away. Something not even medication had helped me overcome. I am much more peaceful, much more loving, more calm, just a completely different person from how I used to be.

I wasn't raised in a religious home. So growing up, I really didn't think about Jesus. As I got older I became a believer and had faith in Jesus. About 15 years ago, I became a member in a Christian church. Jesus has given me a sense of peace, hope and purpose of life. I look back now and realize Jesus was always with me.

My life before trusting in Jesus was dark. I was constantly filled with sadness, anger and resentment towards those around me. I had difficulty seeing the positive in life or trusting that friends, family, or even Jesus loved me and wanted the best for me. I took medication and spoke to professionals, however, nothing truly made these afflictions better until I came to Christ. I feel as though Jesus has been calling to me from a young age. Although my family was never religious, I had several friends invite me to their Church throughout the years. When I was feeling the most lost I ever had in life, I had a good friend of mine invite me to Emergence. At Emergence, I learned more about what Jesus Christ has done for us and the power of believing in him than at any other church I attended. After a few sermons, I started to feel the heaviness of emotions lifted from my shoulders. I started to be able to forgive others and myself for the first time and let go of the sadness, anger, and resentment that affected me for so long. Since trusting in Jesus, I am no longer afraid. I'm no longer afraid to let down my walls out of fear that I may be hurt by others. I'm no longer afraid to take risks and strive for new opportunities, knowing that if those opportunities are within God's will, they will be become not only possible but successful. I'm no longer afraid to fail, knowing that I am a sinner and I fail everyday, yet, Jesus continues to love me unconditionally and allow me to try again. 

My life before trusting in Jesus was unfulfilled. When i found Jesus, my life felt complete and I felt that i was apart of something greater than myself. Pastor Ryan's talks on the bible and how it related to my life have meant a lot and made things make sense. Trusting in Jesus has made my life feel complete and has displayed to me that Jesus is the holy and righteous one and he deserves all of our faith.

When I was 7 I said that I had been saved. But it just felt like I was lying to God. I felt like this because as I grew up I was hanging out with the wrong people had so much lust. Also when people would ask me if I was Christian I would say yes but in a ashamed voice. Also I never repented and I kept doing what I wanted. I started to question if there is any God. I was really sad, depressed, and hateful. The last thing for comfort I wanted was the Bible. I heard about the truth from this preacher named Peter Ramsey. When I heard him talk about salvation, eternal life, and eternal damnation. But I just ignored it. That is when I said I was saved even though I second guessed the existence of God. Then a few years in 2023 I was in a bad time. So I went to my room and cried. Nothing I did was comforting me. Then I look to the right and see my bible and start reading it. As I read I start getting comfort and the truth. I was skipping around in the Bible when I landed on Matthew 5:28 "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." I realized this related to me so much. Then I came across another verse and it says "Be still and know that I am God" Psalms 46:10. I was like there is someone who really cares for me and he is the calm in the storm and I know that I can have peace. So then I calmed down and that is when I truly excepted Jesus in my heart that he loves me and died on the cross for me because that is the price I could never pay and he loved me to wash my sins away. Also that he is my God and I accepted that. I am so grateful for that and how he has forgiven me. After I have gotten spibaptized I have been seeing so many fruits grow on my branches like peace, kindness, etc. Also all of those bad friends that I had they have been taken out of my life. I have been pulling away from lust and now find it disgusting. With God I am as happy as can be. I still go through trials and tribulations, but now it is easy because I have faith in the Lord and I know he will get me through the tough times. I now feel His love and presence everyday and my cup is over flowing.

I was thinking about a lot of things but I was not thinking about Jesus. I always went to church with my mom and grandma but then I started reading the bible and the bible told me that Jesus came to die for me and to save me. Life has been easier and better because I know Jesus and He is in my heart.

My life although at times full of hope & love , i felt loneliness and hopelessness since my husband passed away . I tried to talk about my overwhelming grief but only time allowed me to share my deep feelings .I found my true love , as before i had bad experiences with other relationships . One sweet night i turned and smiled at my 1st love , all became clear that i wanted to be With this gentle soul . I truly believe the lord bought him to me to share the faith , warmth and goodness God was unveiling in that moment. My son spoke of his journey with Jesus Christ and it would warm my heart that his being was full of goodness , faith and love from God. Where before he felt bitterness , doubt and hopelessness. I feel more alive and appreciate all the goodness given by God and Jesus Christ.

I lost my mom and dad five months apart, then my godson. Most recently my husband after 25 years asked me for a divorce. I stopped believing because of this all of this. My question was, why is god taking away all the people I love so much? If he loved me this wouldn't happen. I Went to a church Riverbend in New Hampshire. That is where I started feeling closer to Jesus. When I had to move back to New Jersey, I knew I needed to find a church like Riverbend I found Emergence, and I've been coming faithfully every Sunday. I have so many people who are supporting me through my divorce, I believe Jesus put these amazing people in my life. Jesus knew I needed help and this is just one way of helping me. My life is getting better, since coming to church, reading the Bible and praying daily. I now know Jesus has a bigger plan for me, and I feel closer to Jesus. I'm trusting in Jesus knowing he will guide me through is hardship. At Emergence, I feel his presence and feel safe.

Before trusting Jesus, my life was a mess. I went through a really difficult few months. I spent time in my room, constantly crying. I distanced myself from my family and friends. I was depressed and thought I had to go through it alone. I grew up going to church, but never had a close relationship with Jesus. Once my life hit rock bottom, I felt a strong pull to my Bible. Jesus saved my life. I started making my relationship with Jesus my top priority, and i'm happier than ever. I pray, journal, and read my Bible. I became friends with people who love Jesus just like me. Jesus gave me the gift of working with children, and blessed me with two great jobs. Jesus turned my life around in so many ways, and I'm so incredibly grateful. 

Before I put my trust in Jesus, I felt worthless and I always felt like I had no purpose. I didn't think anything could help the pain I would going through. Growing up, I always went to church on Sunday's with my family. About 2 years ago, my mom introduced me to emergence and ever since then, I've been going almost every thursday. I have learned so much and grown a lot since I started going to emergence. Since starting to put my faith in Jesus, life has become much more peaceful. He has truly helped me overcome so many obstacles I have been faced with. He lifted me out of a hard time in my life and helped me so much. 

I was lost before I started trusting in Jesus. I was raised Catholic growing up, but still felt like something was missing. I turned on my tv one day to Joel Osteen and heard the testimony of another person. I realized that there were times in my life that I was granted another chance and I know that was because of Jesus. Life has been leading to a profound sense of gratitude and joy. I'm glad that my sister in law has brought me here to Emergence and helped open my eyes even more to the lord.

Was not guided in the right way and did not think Jesus was real . I got exposed to Christian teachings recently through my wife and started coming to church and realized I am so blessed. It has impacted my life through various changes like being grateful that Jesus is always there for me if I submit to Jesus.

I was reckless with my thoughts and actions. As I get older I realize I need guidance. Listening to his stories I accept my faults and believe Jesus is my one and only savior. I've calmed down. Still have a ways to go but when I step back and take a moment and ask him for help I feel a weight removed and my direction pointed in the right way. 

Before trusting Jesus I felt empty and as though something was missing. I felt annoyed by things that I was unable to control. Although having gone to Church for much of my life, after being invited to Emergence by a family friend I have finally begun to truly understand the word of Jesus and found a Church community that feels like a home. I feel fulfilled and at peaceful since placing my trust in Jesus. I feel at ease and relaxed about things that I used to try to control. 

As someone who was raised by Christian parents, there is no distinct moment in the timeline of my life that clearly marks a separation of before and after I believed. Rather, I have always viewed it as a matter of before and after I decided to live my life for Jesus. Growing up, I never really took my faith seriously. I saw God more as a subject we talked about in Sunday school, a classroom topic of sorts, rather than as the all-powerful, personal God He truly is. My understanding was shallow, and my heart wasn't engaged. It wasn't until I began to experience many of the typical milestones most young adults encounter such as graduating, working, facing responsibilities, and wrestling with questions about purpose and identity that I realized my faith was truly being called into question. Life felt like it was moving forward, but something was always missing beneath the surface. A key moment came when I left civilian life behind for six months of military training earlier this year. The transition from civilian to soldier stripped away distractions and comforts, forcing me to confront who I really was without the noise of everyday life. In a space that was challenging, disciplined, and often isolating, I began to see my need for something greater than myself. It was there, in the quiet moments of loneliness, that I found solace in opening the word and meditating on different verses. Upon making the choice to live a life worthy of the sacrifice Jesus made for me, I have been able to love others in ways that are truly reflective of God's love for us, and have been able to confront and overcome sins that I previously thought were indomitable. Thus, I am proud to publicly make a declaration of my faith in the one true God. 

My life was filled with disappointment and loneliness. I sought validation through others and worldly things. I held people to a standard which even I myself had never meet. I was angry inside, and held a lot of resentment but no one ever truly knew because I hid all of it. I struggled to trust others and didn't want to be a burden. For much of my life I struggled with shame, bouts of depression, self hate, and thoughts of ending my life and when I wasn't I was just coasting through life with no real direction or sense of purpose. I have always known who Jesus is. I grew up in a christian household and all my extended family were believers in Christ. At some point in my life though I had simply closed my eyes and ears to him and to all those who would talk about him. I would pretend like I was listening but my heart was closed off. It wasn't until I had hit the lowest point that I had turned to god in earnest. I truly prayed for first time in years that night. It was that night that I humbled myself before god and began to lean on him and it was that night that I felt like I was no longer alone. My life since trusting in Jesus has not been without its struggles but I have far more peace. I have come to recognize the gifts that god has given me and in doing so found purpose and direction. I'm able to walk with confidence knowing that God has a plan for me and that even though I will stumble or fall, Jesus will be right there to help me. 

I grew up attending church, but hadn't surrendered to Jesus. Now that I have, I'm publicly declaring my commitment to Him. 

I grew up with a lot of anger and deceit. I accepted Christ at a young age of 14. I was playing music full time in the church and God was surrounding me with love and the right people. But at the late age of 15 I lost my father which led me to rebel and have such anger towards God. I turned to alcohol and drugs to numb the pain and even attempted suicide once. It was during a message my pastor was giving that i learned to understand the sacrifice that Christ made upon the cross for my sins. I've rededicated my life to Christ these past several years. I'm not going to lie, God has definitely challenged me and my faith and like any Christian i get on my knees and all for forgiveness and pray for mercy. Life has been much better, my relationships are better with my family, i haven't picked up in a long time and i can only credit God strength thru him. 

Before trusting in Jesus, it was difficult to find hope in life and death. I responded to Jesus when I realized I couldn't carry the burdens of life by myself. His love and sacrifice showed me that I don't have to. Knowing the truth of what He's done gave me freedom and joy, and that has changed everything in my life. Anxiety and fear fade in comparison to knowing Him. 

There was not a massive difference but I had always grown up in a Christian household with great parents although I did find that my day to day life was a lot more stressful. I had always known what the Bible had to say and I was constantly reminded about how Jesus died on the cross for me. I didn't have a problem believing he exists and died for me but I had a problem with myself. Thinking I couldn't be baptized or declare my faith until I was perfect. But a few months ago I realized that I don't need to be perfect in order to get baptized. In fact it's not even possible to be perfect before or after being baptized. My relationships have gotten better, people who I thought were good for me broke away and I found a new group who are able to hold me up and support me. Being able to leave everything to him, at first was worrying, but now it's amazing. I don't feel as worried in general at all which helps me be able to be more productive and live life to the fullest. 

I have trusted in Jesus on and off. I trusted him most of the time but not all the time. I used to want attention all the time. I grew up Christian. I heard the Bible at my local church in U.S. Virgin Islands. It was just a fact to me like fire is hot or the grass is green. I didn't really question it till I was 10 but still chose Jesus. I doubted him on and off. It has been a normal life but I do try to stay away from the wrong things like making jokes when I shouldn't or not speaking up when I should. I'm learning how to ask for forgiveness consistently when I mess up. I know God is always there to forgive me.

Before Jesus, I had a fast paced, out of control life. I came to know the Gospel through family and friends, but especially my mom. Since surrendering to Him, my life still gets a little scary, but I'm less angry and more understanding and patient. 

Before having a personal relationship with Jesus, I trusted in myself and was led astray by my Sin. I was lost and searching for meaning and truth, guided by the world and consumed with lies from the Enemy about myself and God. While I grew up in the Church, my personal relationship with Jesus started when I was 13 years old. After a mission trip to Guatemala, I started reading the Bible for myself and read through Romans. I read about the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross, and His death and resurrection. I became aware of my condition as a Sinner, far from God, and I put my faith in Jesus and His Salvation. I was alone in my room and cried out to God, asking that He would reveal Himself to me, save me from my sin, and give me the new life in Christ that I had read about. From that day on, I knew that I was saved by grace, through faith in Jesus and received the gift of salvation that I was unworthy of. Since that moment when I was 13, my life with the Lord has been a journey of growth. There have been moments when I have turned my back on Him, yet I have experienced firsthand the way that He has chased after me, leaving the 99 for me. He has delivered me from past sins and strongholds in my life and completely changed my view of myself and others. He has given me confidence in my identity, which is found in Him, and has given me hope in this life and in eternity. He has used me as a vessel for His Kingdom in ways that I could never have imagined when I first came to believe. He is my Savior, and now I live life for Him! I'm being baptized as an act of obedience to Him, declaring my trust and belief in Him and all that He has done in my life. 

Before trusting Jesus, I didn't really understand him and I was confused about who he was. I went to church every week with my family, and Solid Rock Day Camp where I heard the gospel. Then I knew who God was and I wanted him to be my savior and I want to be with God in heaven. Now I have peace because I know I will go to heaven. I pray and ask God to help me when I am tempted to sin and he helps me. I know now he is in my heart. 

While I grew up in a Christian home, knowing Jesus and having an understanding of the gospel, it wasn't until my 20's that I surrendered my life to Him. Before fully trusting in Jesus, I lived my life on my own terms, focused on whatever I wanted in the moment regardless of whether or not it aligned with my faith. I often found myself full of shame and guilt for my sins and longing to be better. Although I was raised in a Christian home and learned about Christ from a young age, it wasn't until I became a mom that I gave my life to Him. When my first son was born, he was 2 months premature and spent almost 8 weeks in the NICU. Coupled with postpartum struggles, it was an extremely challenging time and I was consumed by stress and anxiety. When I realized how it was affecting my little family, I began listening to Emergence sermons on my commute to and from work. This led to regularly attending service on Sundays and to now being completely devoted to Jesus. As I have grown in relationship with the Lord, it has become crucial to me that my children are raised to know and love Him. This has further encouraged me to prioritize Jesus each day to also disciple them well. Walking with the Lord has brought so much joy to my life. I often find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for the Lord and the ways He has blessed me. I can recognize the change in my heart and the power of the Holy Spirit in me. My priorities are more aligned and I overcome my anxiety through prayer and trust in Jesus. The most important work I am doing as a parent is sharing the gospel with my children and I love their excitement for the Lord. Through serving in eTown, I have had the joy of sharing the gospel with the kids each Thursday and always leave inspired by their longing to learn more about Jesus. As I strive to live a life for Him, I am still a sinner and as I repent, I am so grateful for the mercy he shows me. 

My life was aimless, like a kite without a string flying aimlessly. I heard about Jesus from my grandmother who was a Christian. About 15 years ago I stepped into a Christian church for the first time and I was so attracted that it's been my dream place during the following years. I trust in Jesus, he is my lord. I am subject to his leading. I feel safe and comfortable since trusting in Jesus . I have the confidence that I have been saved and I will go to heaven when I die. I always have the feeling since trusting in Jesus that I have realized my dream and this is the place I should belong to. 

Before trusting in Jesus I felt hopeless, abandoned, and depressed. I was labeled mentally ill by teachers, friends, family, and medical professionals. My problems only got worse and I became suicidal and a runaway. I was separated from my mom, abandoned by my dad and put under the guidance of doctors. I felt like my life didn't belong to me. I had no control over my health and my life and had no say in anything. I was baptized as a baby but I didn't really understand religion and Jesus. I was invited to Emergence youth group 2 years ago and started going to church with my mom and she got baptized last summer. I started learning about Jesus through my youth leaders. I have since reunited with my mom and we are both learning about Jesus. My life is not perfect and I am learning to have grace for myself. I believe Jesus is pulling me out of the darkness day by day. I have seen miracles such as my dog saved by doctors after a brutal dog attack. I have finally been reunited with my mom. God has blessed me with the most amazing cat, Creamsicle. I am hopeful that with Jesus my life can only get better because he has removed the shame and given me a new heart and a new mind. 

Before Jesus, I led a life of a lack of purpose, so often filled with sin and regret. My mother shared her faith with me. She was a lived a life of love, prayer, and devotion to Christ which always encouraged for me. Trusting in Jesus has given me a new sense of faith and compassion. I want to make choices in my life that glorify God, through the guidance of Jesus. I trust him in all things. 

My life was about filling my days and nights with any sort of immediate, ultimately temporary, gratifications that distracted me. Distracted me from this emptiness, this hole in my heart. The awareness of that hole never left me, with the highs of the countless distractions available to us in this world never completely filling it. In between the distractions was the depression, in which I ran to a God I didn't know or understand. I found peace in his Presence, whether in prayer or the bible, that I hadn't felt before. I learned of a God that not only loves me in complete awareness of my every negative thought and weakness and insecurity but has proven it by walking this earth and paying the penalty for my sin on the cross so I can be in relationship with him. That truth has been slowly (yet more and more quickly) grabbing a hold of my heart, and while I still experience ups and downs as all people do, I ultimately have a full heart and peace in the fact that while I am more sinful than I can ever imagine, I am also more loved by God than I can understand. And any time I doubt that all I have to do is look to Jesus. 

I have been searching for answers on this dusty, twisty, path for some time now. I was full of doubt related to faith and confusion about decisions. A life-long friend brought me to a Christmas Eve Eve service and my heart sang with the glory of what I saw and heard. As I began attending more services and meeting like-minded people ahead of me on their own journey, my heart started opening to allow for God's word to enter my mind and soul. My Baptism in spirit happened a year or so ago while painting "Room 12" - as a new friend Cheryl modeled the words and I felt the heat pouring somehow both in and out of my heart. I am so excited to experience my water baptism :)