A celebration that will last an eternity.

Sunday was an amazing day. We hoped. We prayed. But none of us could have expected what happened. During the worship services and the Summer Kickoff later that day, 21 people were baptized into Christ through BridgePointe. Even as I write this, I am moved nearly to tears, not by the number but by the names, faces, and stories. One of the people baptized texted me the next day to say, “It feels like a celebration that will last an eternity.” He’s right. Heaven is forever changed because of this day. 

Since Sunday, people have asked me to describe the day and explain how it happened. My response has been consistent… I can’t. I don’t know how. Words aren’t enough. All I can say is that I think this is what happens when Jesus is lifted up above all else. It’s what happens when the Holy Spirit is asked to soften hearts and open minds to the message of Jesus. It’s what happens when people find their place in the mission of the church and ask God for one person to share His love with.  

Let’s praise God and Pray for One more.

Impacting Eternity

After Jesus finished His work on earth, He entrusted His disciples to take this message to all people. Two thousand years later, the church is still spreading the message of hope in Jesus and lives are being changed.  Here are two new stories of people who gave their lives to Jesus through baptism on Sunday, April 26. 

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BOBBY G.

Bobby was born with Fragile X, a condition that prevents him from being able to read or write. His family has cared for him and watched out for him throughout his life. Bobby’s brother, Ralph, shared, “We really worry about Bobby. The streets are not kind to people like him.”  Because of Ralph and other members of his family, Bobby found acceptance at BridgePointe and hope in Jesus. When Bobby witnessed the baptism of his other brother, Ricky, he expressed curiosity about being baptized himself. Understanding baptism as a commitment to Jesus, Bobby was ready to be baptized and asked his brother and sister to baptize him into Jesus. 

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ANDREA H.

I am taking this step in baptism to solidify my relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to publicly proclaim Him as the ONE who died for me.  The ONE whose teachings I commit here to follow to the best of my ability. The One who is the only way to the Father. 

He has been my rock and salvation through so much: the deaths of my closest supporters, my Mother and my sister, through an abusive relationship, and being a single parent living with PTSD, to name just a few. Thankfully he taught me so young to lean on Him rather then this world, because  His love truly NEVER fails. I am forever grateful today and with this step of baptism I can boldly proclaim "As for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord."

Jesus Changes Everything

The resurrection of Jesus changes everything. Here are people who have been changed by Jesus. They are living proof that Jesus is Alive!

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KatY St. J.

“I grew up in a very strong Christian household. During my teenage years, I started straying from God and making the wrong choices. I came to a point in my life where I knew I needed God. So, I began coming to BridgePointe and have felt God’s love and forgiveness. I am choosing to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and be baptized.” 

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Aliah M. P.

“As long as I can remember, I have felt like something was missing from my life. Whether it was my father, mother, or just a companion. I felt like something wasn’t there. But coming to BridgePointe, I have finally found what I was missing and it was the love of God, the awesomeness of Jesus, and the warmth of the Holy Spirit. And I’m thankful for everything that the Lord has done for me and for the people around me.”

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ARIELLE C.

"I was born and raised as a Catholic. But after I did my confirmation, I didn’t go to church or pray except on holidays like Christmas or Easter. My life seemed to turn in a direction I never expected. I had a job I hated. I was stuck in an abusive relationship. I lost my best friend over 9 years over an argument. I would cry almost every night. I was in a dark place. I turned to God and asked him to forgive me for making such poor decisions and thinking I didn’t need him. Even though I was scared, I trusted God. My friend forgave me and brought me to BridgePointe. I’ve been going ever since with her. I’m choosing to be baptized because I wouldn’t be here today without God. I want to start walking with Jesus and serving and praising him for all that he’s done for me.”

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AARON R.

“Growing up, my mother would make us go to church every Sunday. Growing up in Boston, I was surrounded by shootings, drug dealing, and police activity. I watched my older brother become victim to the street life and violence. I knew I didn’t want to go down the same path, so I took an opportunity to get out of the city. God must have always had a hand on me. When I met Krystal, she was into God and church. But I still felt like going to church was a hassle because I would rather stay home and watch football. But then I was faced with the possibility of losing my family. I started to reevaluate my choices and decided to start attending BridgePointe. I was introduced to John and Maggie, who have helped me with my journey. I have been thinking about baptism for a long time and now is the time to give it all to God. I have a lot more learning to do, but I am ready to take this step in my faith.”

Watch more stories on the BridgePointe Vimeo channel: 

vimeo.com/channels/903124