“He brought me back to life!”

During the January 31/February 1 weekend services, we celebrated 44 people publicly saying “yes” to Jesus through baptism! Here is a glimpse into their lives and the ways they have experienced new life and renewal in Jesus. 

Trigger Warning: substance abuse, suicide 

NANA APPIAHENE-GYAMFI  

“I have known Jesus my whole life. I decided to live for him because he showed me grace, kindness, and never-ending love. He has changed my life. Every time my family and I get sick, He heals us even if it is not right away. My favourite Bible verse is John 3:16, because God tells me how much He loves me that He sent His son to die on the cross for me and my sins. I want to get baptized because I know God loves me and cares for me, and I want to show obedience to God!”

BRENDA HODDINOTT  

 

“Before Jesus, my life was difficult with no sense of purpose or direction. I decided to follow Jesus in 1997 after struggling with my mental health. He has brought me peace, strength, and purpose.”

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

MALCOLM NICHOLAS

“My life before Jesus consisted of struggling with depression and anxiety all the time. I lived a life of addiction to alcohol, drugs and gambling. My sister started taking me to church with her and her family around 2019. In 2023, before attempting suicide, I heard God’s voice call to me. After that day, l decided to follow Jesus fully and my life has been renewed. Jesus saved me from depression, anxiety, and addictions. My relationships with my family have also improved.”

SHAWNA LU 

“Before Jesus, I always felt someone always guiding me through my life. I felt a presence in my heart that was protecting me. My friends and family introduced me to Jesus during my time in university when I wanted the answers to who was with me throughout my life. Jesus was, and is with me every day! All the blessings and lessons I have had and will have are all because of him.”

BENJAMIN KIIST  

“I was raised in a Christian family and have been a believer for as long as I can remember. Seeing Jesus’ love and mercy for all, especially through my family, has convinced me to live for him. The Lord is a rock on which to stand, who removes worries from my life. I know I don’t need to fear what will happen with myself or my family; God has a plan for those who believe.”

Proverbs 3: 5-6

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

CHLOE TARON 

“I’ve been blessed to know Jesus my entire life. My family grew up attending church every Sunday and was involved in several church programs. I attended Bible camp every summer for several years. I couldn’t imagine a life without Jesus at the centre. I became a Christian when I was 6 years old. I asked Jesus into my heart during a church summer program, when I learned how God our Father sent His son Jesus to pay for our sins. I realized just how much Jesus must truly love us if He gave his life to save me.

He is the truth, He is peace, He is the only true light in this world, and I chose to follow and give thanks to him for the rest of my life. Jesus saved my life. He has guided me out of darkness several times throughout my life and has blessed me even when I have felt undeserving. He shows just how much He loves me daily. He has gifted me an incredible family, wonderful friends, and everything that I ever need in this life - most importantly His love. Jesus has helped me through all my hard times, and I am grateful to Him for his unconditional love.”

Matthew 5:10-12

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Romans 12:9

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil, cling to what is good.”

TOMIDE BAMIGBOYE  

“Before I knew Jesus, my life had no purpose. I lived a meaningless life. I have always been a Christian, but a lukewarm Christian. I decided to take my faith more seriously because my life felt empty. Jesus has calmed my anxiety.”

Matthew 6:33

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”

RYAN MAZO 

“Before I had known Jesus, I had felt lost, confused and no guidance. I felt stressed, had low confidence and anxiety. But later in my life, I discovered life without God is impossible and that He had died and sacrificed himself for me. My family had been following Jesus for a long time. Ever since I was young, I have been taught to pray, have faith in Him and to always believe in him.

Jesus has saved me from my sins and shown me mercy every time I’ve fallen short of his word. Every single time I sin, God gives me a second chance to repent and not sin again. I would like to be baptized so I can have a refresh and to be renewed in my faith. I want to restart my relationship with Him. I want to be able to get close to Him again and strengthen my faith with him.”

Philippians 4:13

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

LORI PEDERSEN

“I’ve always believed in Jesus. My mom raised us in a Christian home and I have always believed, but I’ve just never been baptized. My faith has especially strengthened over the last 4 years. Jesus helped me through my darkest times of depression and suicidal ideation. Knowing how Jesus was there for me and saved me has increased my faith. I want to be baptized and closer to him.

I am grateful to Jesus for saving me and for giving me back my life. I am thankful to Him for helping me through depression and leading me back to the light. Recent life events have led me to strengthen my faith and follow Him more. He gave me the strength to keep persevering, even in my darkest days. He saved me when I was incapable of saving myself. He gave me life when I wanted to take my own. My life is better now than it was before my mental health struggles.”

Proverbs 4:23

“Above all else, protect your heart, for everything you do, flows from it.”

REBEKAH AVILA  

“I've known Jesus my whole life and feel like it's time to get baptized so I can grow closer to Him. I grew up learning about and loving Jesus and have always wanted to follow Him. I grew up with a mother who loves Jesus and always had Him at the centre of our lives. She always encouraged me to spend time reading my Bible and praying so that I could get to know Jesus.

Jesus has given me peace beyond understanding. He's been with me in my best times and my hardest times. He's always there even when I don't put the effort into my relationship like I should. He's taught me to be patient in times of waiting. He's given me blessings beyond what I've ever prayed for.”

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Each story reminds us that God meets each of us exactly where we are. Our next baptism weekend is March 21/22, 2026. Are you ready to take this step? We would love to hear from you!