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Sweltering …
Sticky …
Gloomy …
Glorious.
Yes, absolutely glorious.
Despite the stifling heat, the ominous clouds and traces of thunder rolling in from the west on Sunday afternoon, seven candidates publicly proclaimed their faith in Jesus Christ during Pathway’s annual baptism celebration at Darlington Lake. And as they did, it was as if a marvelous light shone through the oncoming darkness.
“Who was encouraged by what they heard today?” Pastor Jeff asked those who gathered for the celebration. “We heard some awesome sermons, didn’t we?”
For sure.
From those who grew up in the church.
From those who followed a different path.
From those who battled drug addiction.
From those who dealt with a difficult home life.
Though their stories were vastly different, there was a common theme: At some point in their lives, they all came to accept God’s free gift of grace.
And on Sunday, they wanted everyone to hear that great news. Here are excerpts from their stories:
***
Carson Drake
“Last year, my wife accepted Christ and I saw a big change in her life. My brother, Eric, has been praying for me to be saved for more than 30 years. On February 28, it happened. God was there all along for me. I just had to say yes to his grace.”
***
Liza Drake
“I am here today only by the grace of God through faith. My parents provided a Christian foundation for me, but what I needed was a relationship with Christ. I feel it in my heart that I’m not alone. I now live in the presence of God.”
***
Kelsie Martin
“I believe that God loves me no matter what — on my good days and on my bad days. I have come to believe with all my heart that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.”
***
Lexie McGee
“Before Christ, I felt helpless and broken. I was having a tough time at home. I have found peace and discovered that God has a greater plan for me than I could ever have for myself.”
***
Kyle Stark
“I hung out with the wrong crowd and I found myself going down the wrong road. Eventually, I got caught up in a big drug habit. When I checked into rehab, I not only found help for my drug problem, but I discovered my Lord and Savior. That’s why I’m taking this step to renew my walk with Christ.”
***
Grayson Stroupe
“I want people to know that I love God and He’s my Savior.”
***
Susan Weido
“I am thankful that God is faithful and never gave up on me. I was recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, and I am trusting Him through the good times and the challenging times. God is now the priority of my life. I trust His plan for my life.”