One week before Christmas, we celebrated three baptisms, rejoicing with those who made a public declaration to live with Jesus as King of their lives. Read their stories below. We pray God will be glorified in the sharing of their stories here and in the continued testimony of their forever changed lives.
Alyssa J.
Jesus has long been after my heart. Growing up, I was blessed with a loving and integral family, and I wanted for nothing. Still, I found myself yearning and romanticizing what I thought life might look like and what might complete me. I had no idea I was feeding a destructive addiction to a chase that would never end.
I was chasing everything of the world. Its validation, its comforts, and its standards. How can I fit in? How can I stand out? Work harder, make more money, lose more weight, be more beautiful, be more interesting, be unassuming- don’t rock boats but make big impact, prove your worth, increase your worth, question your worth.
These were the things that rewrote everything inside of my mind every day. It left me directionless, unsure of my own identity, and prey to brokenness over the years.
I became desperate for someone in the world to make me feel seen and worthy, and I sought that in everything.
My uncle Mike invited me to BridgePointe and it began to restore my strength; hearing the sermons reminded me weekly of the way I wanted to live, but I still hadn’t brought Jesus into everything. I wasn’t laying my pain down before Him, and I wasn’t trusting him with control over the comings and goings in my life.
It wasn’t until I reached my breaking point, the day that I wanted nothing more than to sleep and not be asked to wake up for another day of performance for the world, that I truly saw how much I needed Jesus.
So today I give it all to Him, put my full faith in Him, and celebrate the peace I can feel knowing that He is in full control, that He is for me, and that in Him I can do all things.
Shannon S.
Everything felt like it failed me in life. For some unknown reason, I turned away from Jesus. I took a chance and Jesus gave me the opportunity to be better in life and gave me peace in my soul. I just know in my heart this is where I need to be: one with Jesus.
Melissa L.
I have lived a very hard life full of trauma and abuse. Then one day, I met a wonderful man, my husband Joseph Leonard. We have had our ups and downs. A few times in our marriage over the past 13 years, we both thought about giving up on each other. Around two years ago, Joseph started coming to Bridgepointe with his family. At first, I was attending but my anxiety and PTSD held me back. I didn't understand the change he was going through and fought with my feelings about having a relationship with Jesus. This past year, I have noticed a big change in Joe. He was happier and praying all the time. He has become more patient, caring and compassionate. My husband's faith has inspired me to want to surrender my life and grow my relationship with Jesus. So, today I am honored that my husband and best friend is baptizing me.