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Recent Baptism Stories - WOW!
When anticipating my baptism I expected that it would be a pivotal moment in my life. I looked forward to Sunday, when I confessed to all that I was a follower of Jesus Christ. Sunday was a wonderful day, and I experienced joy and peace all day long.
On Monday, I woke with the thought that this was the day that I was to begin telling others of the miracle of a life centered on the Lord. At lunchtime, I asked a friend, a self-proclaimed ego-maniac, to join me for lunch. She's a nice person, but can be judgemental and has very "me first" tendencies.
As we were leaving the office I noticed a woman who had recently joined our firm, but I had not met or talked with yet. We asked her to join us and she did. After a bit of small-talk, I said to them that I had done something really wonderful on Sunday. They asked what, and I said, "I was baptised!" I wish you could have seen the look on their faces. The new girl smiled knowingly, and welcomed me to the kingdom. My friend began to ask questions in rapid-fire. Then the two of us, the new girl and I ,worked together to answer her many questions, as best we could, about faith, love and God's daily miracles.
When we first began our journey, I often wondered if I would ever be able to eloquently explain what my faith means to me. I guess I didn't know at the time that God had the power to give me the words I need when I witness for Him. What happened on Monday proved it!
Posted by Vickie Carroll on May 21, 2008
- Thank You
Thank you for baptizing Jeff, Noah and myself.
I asked Noah on the way home if he felt "washed" and he said, "Maybe."
Tonight while I was tucking Noah into bed he told me, "Mom, I feel washed. I feel lighter. Like all of my insides are lighter. Or like if I had lots of fat on my body and now it's just gone."
Jeff and I were both talking about our experience and that we were both feeling an inner peace and calm. You know that feeling you get when you know you did the right thing, yeah, that's the one.
Posted by Jeff and Karen and Noah on May 21, 2008
- Thank You
Thank you so much for providing the Baptism and cookout yesterday! It was such an amazing day. I really am glad that Lucy invited me to Quest! It has changed my life forever. I know that you have said that it is hard to provide a church for people who don't like to go to church. Honestly, you have succeeded! I always wanted to go to church throughout my life, but everytime I had built up the courage, I would end up at a church full of people who were so judgemental and it wasn't an environment I could go to, but Quest is so different. I just wanted to let you know that you are making a difference. Thank you so much. And you were right.....I will never forget yesterday!!!!
Posted by Carrie Sullivan on May 21, 2008
- Children understand what it is about...
Both Michael and Alyssa have been growing in their faith now for many years (probably since the ages of 3 and 5). We have been growing together every since beginning our journey at Mclean Bible. And of course finding the Quest has made the greatest impact of all with our family as a whole. Having the intimacy of a small church to where we have the opportunity to build close relationships with people such as your family who've helped us strengthen our relationship with God and Jesus and grow in our faith to where we are now is a blessing. Michael and Alyssa have grown so much in Quest Kidz as well. This enviornment that caters to them gives them the a fun and easy way to understand how we should live for God. They have accepted Jesus into their lives as their savior, the leader of their life and we are so so so so proud and blessed to be able to see them take this step.
Posted by Alyssa and Michael on May 21, 2008
- I decided to get baptized...
I decided to get baptized back in Texas. Little did I know what God has planned for us. I do know that the Lord's love is stronger than any tragedy and He comforts us through it all. So when the world came crashing down crushing our hearts into a million pieces, in the middle of the storm I see the light of Jesus shimmering through my grandson. In his most delicate stage my grandson tries to comfort us. I know and understood then our sweet Jesus dwells in all of us and so I would like to acknowledge Him before men by getting baptized. I want to show Him how much I love Him and try to live His way.
Posted by Gracie Gutierrez on May 21, 2008
- I want to be baptized...
The reason why I want to be baptized is because I love the fact that Jesus gave his life for me. I want to be baptized to show him that I love Him.
Posted by Katilyn Costis on May 21, 2008
- I want to be baptized...
The reason I want to be baptized is that I believe in God, because he brings hope into my life and Jesus has helped me through hard times. I love Jesus.
Posted by Matthew Costis on May 21, 2008
- In recent years I found myself running...
In recent years, I found myself running further and further away from God! As a youth I had been an active member of the youth group and believed I knew the lord, but when life circumstances tested my faith, I have to admit, I failed to place my life and fate in god’s hands. As I attempted to plan my life according to what I believed to be the right path, I continuously failed. Failed marriages, Domestic abuse, financial insecurity, single parenting, and still I continued to fix it all myself, or so I thought. “I needed to get my life together and secure my children’s future, rather than placing my life in god’s hands. I kept trying to do things on my own. Like a typical runner, I began to run further and further away, ignoring the tug I felt within. I continued to make myself believe I could make my own decisions and make my own future. I kept running from what I new the truth to be. I was disappointed in my life and the choices I had made, I wanted to blame someone and question why god would let me go through “Hell on Earth”. Slowly I started to begin to reacquaint myself with god, through an uncle of mine who is a very devoted Christian, we had begun to discuss the bible and worship and I felt happy, but still not enough to place my life in his hands entirely. I refused to listen once again and continued on my path of destruction, when I received the news about my nephew Matthew; I was devastated to learn that he was diagnosed with brain cancer. Surprisingly I turned to the only TRUTH that I ever new, the LORD, I asked the lord to forgive me for being so stupid and for believing I could handle things on my own. I placed Matthew’ s health in his hands and I knew from the inner faith that I had suppressed for so long that Matthew’s entire life was in god’s hands and surprisingly found PEACE. God continued tugging on me as we experienced the struggles that came with Matthew needing surgery, financial burdens etc. I just placed it all in god’s hands. The more I did WHOLE-heartedly, I saw that GOD answered my prayers and sent his Angels to help us in this difficult time. God worked again when a friend invited me to the Quest, I knew it was god because I was so longing for a Church family, I really felt something was missing and was Crystal clear about what it was, A relationship with god. I visited the Quest the Sunday before Easter, though I was late I felt so plugged in and could not wait to return Easter Sunday and each Sunday after that. I was hungry for the word and each time felt armed and ready for all the issues to come. I was especially moved by two of the messages, the one on Runners because God was talking to me and the story of Jonah, You see I realized that everything that I had experienced in the last several years was GOD pulling me back, and attempting to keep me from continuing on my path of destruction. I realized that god LOVED me so much and that I was WORTH enough to him to allow me to experience my “Hell on Earth”, so that I would RETURN to him. I want to be baptized because I want to “SHOUT TO THE WORLD”, that I LOVE JESUS AND HE LOVES ME. Everyday we are blessed by god’s people and I and I have not doubt that he is with my family and me in our time of need and always, and will never let us go. I have decided to Follow Jesus, Thou none go with me “STILL SHALL I FOLLOW, NO TURNING BACK, NO TURNING BACK!
Posted by Vanessa Ortiz on May 21, 2008
- I want to be baptized....
I am Priscilla Costis, the mother of Matthew Costis, I would like to try to explain the reason why I would like to be baptized (washed in the teaching of Christ). During this difficult time, people continuously comment on my strength and courage, at these comments all I can do is laugh and hang my head in shame. What people fail to see is I am drained of strength and, I have no courage left, yet I wake every morning and face the day with a smile, this is not my doing. My precious little boy is a constant reminder of Christ’ love, you see before Matthew was born I was not sure if I still believed. However, the moment I looked into his eyes, I saw the light of heaven and I knew that Jesus Christ had sent me one of his angels; I have never doubted since. After Matthews birth, I studied the New Testament, my faith grew, and the magnitude of Jesus Christ sacrifice was finally realized. I have wanted to be baptized ever since the only problem is I needed to find the person who was meant for this task you see what I realize now is that I wasn’t searching for just myself I was searching for Matthew as well; I believe Jesus led us to you. We have been to many churches and spoken to many pastors but no one has moved me with their faith the way you have. I believe Jesus Christ has given Matthew a special task in his life whether it is something big like becoming President or simply the pure faith of a child, I think him being baptized is an important first step. Today when I spoke to Matthew, I asked him if he was ready to stand up in front of everyone and protest his belief in Jesus Christ as the Messiah. Matthew instantly stood up put his hand in the air and said, “I believe in Jesus Christ”, all I can do is laugh, I also asked if he knew Jesus’ golden rule to this he simply said, “To Love”. So I hope you can see where my strength comes from my complete and udder faith in Jesus Christ through the life of an Amazing little boy who I am blessed to call my son. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and we look forward to many years of worship.
Posted by Priscilla Costis on May 21, 2008
- I was in alot of trouble...
About a year and a half ago I was into a lot of trouble. I was addicted to drugs, then things started to get deeper and next thing I knew I was selling them. I was at a point in my life where I thought I had everything but in reality I had nothing. I had money, fast cars, anything I wanted, but there was something missing in my life. Almost a year ago today God stepped in for an intervention and sent the Loudon County Sheriffs office to arrest me on 5 felony drug charges. That's right I believe that God sent for them to arrest me. I was at a point in my life where if I kept going down the road I was on I would either die from the drugs, or from the people I was getting them from. I was struggling, angry and in and out of court when my friend Luis invited me out to The Quest and told me there was a better way of life. After coming to The Quest I met Jesus Christ and my life went full speed in a different direction. I asked for my salvation, got off the drugs, got far away from the people I was dealing with and felt the love God has to give. I now live every day for God, I believe with all my heart that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior and I want to tell the world! I'm here the get washed and show the world that you can mess up and people may not give you second chances, but God always will.
Posted by Will Hall on May 21, 2008
- My story has begun today...
Last week Pastor Paul asked us to write our story for the day of our baptism and for a moment I was worry. I asked myself what is my story? How can I put my story in not only words, but also in English? I thought my story was far too simple and wouldn’t be able to put it in writing. I didn’t know how to start and I didn’t even attempt to. But today I understood that my story began today.
On our way home my husband asked me “How do you feel?” I stopped to think and find the right words to describe what I was feeling. I kept quiet for a moment and the only word I found that closely described my feeling was HAPPY. My heart is filled with peace, tranquility, and happiness. I feel this way, not only because I let the world know that I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, my Counselor and the one who holds me up but because after hearing each and everyone’s story, all the stories that made me cry, the stories that were far more interesting compared to mine. Each story, as well as mine, had a happy ending. Long or short the testimonies all touched my heart, we all felt the same way, with tears in our eyes, with broken hearts, and the same ending. God is here with us. God can heal us. God gives us hope. He forgives us and gives us the opportunity to start a new story, a new life.
Thank you Pastor Paul for gathering all of us in the same place where we had the chance to discover not only some incredible stories, but also an unforgettable ending.
Posted by Lucy High on May 21, 2008
- The real journey started when I was in high school
I was saved almost 2 years ago after being an atheist for almost 20 years. The real journey started while in High School and realizing there might be more to life. I started playing the devil’s advocate with Christians and tried to shake their foundation of belief. I pursued many text books to research strong points to retaliate with and stir trouble with saved Christians and other religions. I spoke with different people who believed in different faiths and religions. Looking back at it now I realized how much I was being used by the devil to cast doubts into people’s hearts especially to Christians. All the while I was on the course of being saved by Jesus Christ.
This trend continued throughout my years at college. I continued my pursuit of researching reasons and opinions on how not to believe in any God or Creator and how Jesus was just a man or even a story that was invented by humans. I attacked Buddhists, Jews, Catholics, Muslims, and many other religions. I even join the Campus Cursade for Christ (CCC) to argue my point and cast doubt to the members. My quest was to debunk people’s belief systems. I didn’t try to influence my own on them but raised enough doubt that caused some people to reconsider their faiths. At times I felt bad but the majority of the time I felt good about my success in raising doubt. I was being used by the devil and didn’t even realize it.
My atheist belief was re-enforced as I read text books about scientists using Darwinism, Big Bang, String Theory, Singularity, and Evolution to explain the atheist’s point of view. I was so infatuated with certain authors that I began admiring them. I started to read about these famous scientists’ biographies. But then realized these particular reputable people believed in God. They believed because their own research led them to a conclusion that inevitable supported an intelligent designer which explains the existence of God. This sparked a greater interest in me to investigate further. I wondered why these scientists wrote about these scientific theories that supported the non existence of a God but yet some believed in God and some even believed in faiths and religions.
My research then got steered into the direction of supporting the existence of a God. This resulted in me becoming a agnostic and believing in God. It turns out that the Big Bang Theory, String Theory, Evolution/Darwinism, Biology Bang; all support the existence of a God. It fascinated me that science proved the existence of God. I was shocked to realize I considered myself a agnostic but I was.
I continued my research in this field and during this time I was commissioned in the Air Force and was now in the North Dakota and married. My beliefs at times got me in trouble with my wife and other people when I argued the point of the existence of a God and dismissed people’s religions and faith system. Upon my pursuit to continue to debunk people’s beliefs I was introduced to a Master Sergeant‘s wife and family who invited my wife and I to a foreign born spouse get-together. I didn’t realize at the moment that this invitation would change my life forever.
This get-together opened my mind to a different perspective and belief system. It introduced me in a chance to know Christ. I was given some quotes from the bible that I was to ponder upon and pursued additional books that were recommended to me. All this happened while attacking their beliefs in the bible and in Jesus Christ. I was introduced to Lee Strobel’s books and they accompanied me while deployed in the Middle East. These books talk about a journalist’s journey to prove to his wife that Jesus Christ never existed. The series of the books describe a journey which was a striking similarity to my journey. I felt like I was reading about myself. These were very powerful books for me during this time of my life. My journey led me to believe in Christ and be saved. My analytical logical perception that kept me from believing in God and Christ before or any religion for that matter was the fulcrum of my belief now. Logically, I was able to believe and have faith in the existence in God and Jesus Christ and his purpose for us. His salvation is for all of us on Earth.
The foundation of my schooling and research was the foundation of my belief in not believing in God or Jesus Christ but now it is the foundation of believing in God and Jesus Christ. It was a revelation for me on how God was involved in my life throughout this time to show me of His existence and His Son Jesus Christ. His love and graced saved me from damnation and an eternity of grinning of my teeth. My relationship with God and Christ has grown stronger since then and brought me today to get Baptist here at Quest Church.
Thank you God for having grace for me and forgiving my sins. Thank you for showing me Your way is the truth.
Posted by Richard High on May 21, 2008
- It is really simple...
It is really simple. Basically I should not be here do to the life I have lead. I know the lord has always been with me, but I never answered the door. With the support of my beautiful wife and wonderful kids we walked through the door of the Quest. Here I was informed on how to answer the door and let Christ in my life. This has changed my out look on life and became a better person for it. Now I am proudly talking with anyone and every one how this can change lives forever! I can’t wait to shout out too the world I’M IN LIKE FLINT!
Thank you and everyone at the Quest for helping me and my family find the way
Posted by Scott on May 21, 2008
- I grew up in the Methodist Church...
I grew up in the Methodist Church, but converted to Catholicism when I married my first husband. We were not active church-goers, and I never felt conected to the teachings of the Catholic faith. After we divorced, years went by and I raised my two daughters, mostly as a single parent without exposing them to church. In October of last year, my oldest daughter was experiencing frustration with friends that struggle with addictions. She told me one day that she felt she needed to find some new friends and would like to attend church. I told her that I would go with her and we decided to try out several of the area churches to see if there was one where we would fit in. Our first church visit was to the Quest. The sermon that day was from the Dave series and I truly believe that God led me to that place on that day so that He could welcome me back with open arms. From that day things in my life began to change. I experienced true peace adn empowerment. I began to pray, mostly in the car going from one appointment to another. At this time, I was being challenged with a slow real estate market and broken relationships with family members. I found that my heavenly Father was there to take my burdens and give me a focus and strength that I would not have thought possible. Today, Charlie and I pray together each night before bed. We read the Bible together every morning. And I never forget to who I have to thank for all of the blessings in my life.
Posted by Vickie on May 21, 2008
- I was raised a Catholic
I was raised in the Catholic Church and attended Catholic schools. As an adult, I seldom attended church services and organized religion was not a part of my life. I still maintained beliefs about the Holy Trinity and knew that God sent his Son to die for our sins, but spiritually my life was lacking. When Vickie came home from visiting the Quest that first Sunday, she was filled with such excitement and joy as she told me of her experience. She asked me to join her the following Sunday. I did so mostly for her, but I was so moved by Pastor Paul's message that I was left waiting excitedly for the following Sunday. There were still questions and skepticism but each week I began to find answers. It was walking the first mile that crystallized so much for me and now I'm looking forward to Mile 2. Daily prayer and Bible reading have helped us to further understand that God does have a purpose for us and if we let Jesus guide us we'll recieve eternal salvation.
Posted by Charlie Carroll on May 21, 2008
- I have always believed in God...
I have always believed in God my whole life, but it wasn't until recently that I actually got to know him. By God's hand, Lucy invited me to come check out the Quest. She had perfect timing. My family was going through a rough time. My mother had been diagnosed with cervical cancer, my mother-in-law had been diagnosed with breast cancer, my uncle had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and my little 7 year old cousin had been diagnosed with leukemia (all within one month). I came to the Quest during your Tempted series and one thing that you said kept repeating in my head. You said for those of us that had come to church that week and had decided we were ready for God to be in our life, to pray and tell him one thing "Your will with my life".
I did that. I was at a point when alot of my family was sick and I did not know how to make sense of it. I prayed and told God that I was ready to let him show me the way. So I said those words "Your will with my life, God." Since then, my life has changed. I say that in my prayer everytime I run into a situation that I need guidance through.
Since I have accepted Him into my life and allowed Him to do his work in my life, my life has changed. My 4 family members have all had their respective surgeries and chemotherapy and have all been cleared of all cancer cells. The Lord has blessed me and my family and I will never go through life without His guidance and love in my life again.
Posted by Carrie on May 21, 2008
- My life journey has been quite complicated...
My life journey has been quite complicated and tumultuous over the years leading me to temporarily lose my faith with God. Most recently within the past three years, I found myself pregnant with my second child and homeless. Around the same time my mother was diagnosed with Emphysema and COPD. This was absolutely devastating to not only myself but to my family. Not only did I feel alone, but I felt like the worst possible mother on the face of the Earth because I was not able to sufficiently provide for myself or for my children. In addition, I had absolutely zero relationship with God, therefore I was filled with nothing but emptiness inside.
Several months later with the birth of my second baby girl Janessa I started to regain control of my life. I actually got a working car and had a consistent home to stay in. Regretfully though, I had still not made that connection with God yet.
Within the past few months my eldest, Gabby had began to ask more frequently about Jesus and about where you go when you pass. She became increasingly concerned with my mothers health and about whether or not, "Grandma was going to heaven". During this time it struck me that the time had arrived to start re-acquainting my family and I with God. I felt a huge piece of our life was incomplete because I constantly felt as if something was missing. Fortunately, Will and Luis (who were already regular attenders of The Quest) invited me to come to your Easter Service which jump-started my road to mending my relationship with the Lord. Coming to The Quest truly changed my life, as well as my family. I feel that we finally filled the "void" in our life. We feel a sense of belonging in The Quest and look forward to each Sunday we spend together at The Quest.
Posted by Kim on May 21, 2008
- It's only the beginning...
I'm really excited about the Baptism next weekend, and esp. excited that there are so many people who are ready to tell everyone that they are on God's team! I have been a Christ follower now for almost 3 years, and I can tell you, it's certainly not always easy but well worth the journey! God will be smiling down on all those getting baptized next weekend, and there will be a party in Heaven that is far bigger and more exciting than any birthday or Superbowl party here on this Earth could ever be!
Welcome to God's family! I will be praying for all of you!
Posted by Michelle Hogan on May 11, 2008
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