Renewed, Redeemed, and Baptized!

On Sunday, July 27, we had the joy of celebrating with those who publicly declared their faith through baptism! Think of baptism as one way we step into the renewal Jesus offers: it is an outward expression of the inward change that happens when we surrender our lives to Jesus.  

Read on to discover the stories of just a few of those who took this step of faith!  

ROY PARK 

“I was living with inner conflict and feeling undeserving of the blessings I have received. I was raised in a strong Christian home with parents who followed Jesus. I married a wonderful woman who is also a devout follower of Jesus. However, like many, I lost my way and rejected Jesus. But through the dedicated prayers of my parents, and the love of my wife, I found Jesus again. I have much greater peace and a renewed sense of purpose. Although I am still learning to follow Jesus, I feel more meaning in my life.” 

ANCA MOCAN  

“For a long time, I did not understand faith. I did not understand what believing in God meant or how to follow Him. I just thought that being a good person was enough. 

But I grew closer to God when I met my husband, Paul. He took me to FAC in 2017, and he showed me stories from the Bible. Every time we went to Sunday's service, I felt like the pastor was talking to me directly, and I was very moved by many of the services.

After experiencing a few miracles, I began to truly understand how powerful prayer is. Now I pray very often, and God helps me a lot. I saw how trusting God helped me and supported me in my life journey. By being baptized, I want to declare I trust God. I tend to worry a lot. Now I worry less and I feel less anxiety, especially after praying.” 

"Have I not commanded you ? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you whenever you go." Joshua 1:9

MELEA LOUISSAINT  

“I was influenced by the world and friends around me. I was raised in church, but I needed to find Jesus on my own. Throughout the years, I was able to learn and understand more about him and how much I truly need Jesus. He has helped me see right from wrong and showed me how to live a life like him. He taught me not to compare myself or follow others with the mindset of the world.  

This verse always reminds me that God is with me even in tough situations or when I feel like I have no one and it shows me that I should keep pushing and not change because of others because Jesus will always be by my side. I want to be baptized to show the relationship that I have built with Jesus and to move forward in life with God.” 

“God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” Psalm 46:5  

DERRICK ROBICHAUD 

“I was in a very dark place. I made many bad decisions: hurt my family and friends and spent many years stuck in addiction, anger, and living in fear. I believed in God my whole life and went to FAC in my youth but drifted from Him. My girlfriend and I started going to church about 2 years ago and while we have struggled, we have come a long way.

I am now ready to take the next steps to follow Jesus and put my past behind me.  Following Jesus has given me good direction on how to protect my family and take care of them. I am ready to give my life to God and I am ready to serve Him!” 

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

DOUGLAS CASSIDY  

“Following recovery from severe alcoholism, my body and mind were better, but I didn't have a relationship with Jesus. I was void of purpose and had lost my marriage and relationship with one son. Once I was brought to Jesus, the completion of my recovery was in place. My spiritual transformation began to match my physical recovery. I was brought to Jesus 2 years ago.  

My now fiancé guided me to church, and I also participated in small groups and a fundamentals of faith program to learn more. It was then that I accepted Jesus as my Saviour, repented my sins, and committed to following him and His teachings. Getting to know more about the life and teachings of Jesus has made a huge impact on my life.

I understand Jesus’ sacrifice was for me and that I am saved!” 

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

CERELITA BERRY 

“Throughout my life, I have been faced with challenges and difficulties. They caused me to be more concerned with the struggles of life instead of reaching out to Jesus for help. It's only been in the last couple of years that I grew close to Jesus, allowing me to positively change my life. I always knew and believed in Jesus and the sacrifice he made for me on the cross, but my lifestyle had me focusing on other things. 

After I decided to go back to church 2 years ago and renew my relationship with him, I made the commitment to follow him. Since my renewed relationship with Jesus, I have become much more trusting of his teachings and to live without anxiety because I trust Him to lead me. “ 

ELIJAH CABALUNA 

“Before I knew Jesus, I felt lost, confused, and misguided by sin. I struggled to understand who Jesus really was. I went to church on Sundays and was raised in a Catholic setting, but something was missing. That changed when my mom decided to try attending FAC in the spring of 2016. That’s when everything began to change. FAC has been a place where my faith has deepened, and my connection to Jesus has grown stronger. 

Jesus has made an incredible impact and difference in my life spiritually, physically, and emotionally. I’m no longer confused, lost, or unsure about who He is and what He has planned for me. He’s become my best friend and my role model, and I strive to be more like Him every day. 

One verse that’s had a big impact on me is Exodus 15:2: “The Lord is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.” This verse reminds me that my strength, my mind, my body—all of me—are not enough on their own. Without Jesus, I would be lost. But with Him, my path is clear, and my strength is found in Him. I used to feel weak, shy, and unsure, but since I’ve really come to know Jesus,

I’ve found courage and strength in Him that I never had before.” 

XIANFEN PENG  

“I was an atheist before I came to Canada. On April 15, 2003, my family moved to Calgary from China. I have been a fitness instructor since 2010, and most of my participants were Christians. One unforgettable event was when I was invited to a church in BC for a memorial service for my instructor, who passed away a few years ago. I gave a speech there, and that experience made me start thinking that maybe I needed to find a church.  

On March 2, 2025, I walked into FAC SW for the first time. The biggest difference I’ve noticed since coming is the smiling faces and kindness of the people around me. It’s contagious! I’ve started reading the Bible (thanks to FAC SW for providing a Chinese/English version!). Some of the passages are still difficult to understand, but I’m committed to learning and asking questions as I take each step closer to God.”  

CARA NELSON 

“Before knowing Jesus personally, I often felt lost, depressed, and that there was a void inside of me that I could never fill. I tried to find purpose in things the world offered, which often led to heartbreak or disappointment. I always believed in God, but 2-3 years ago, I developed a deep relationship with Jesus that transformed me. He took me out of the darkness. He rescued me from a difficult situation and called me to be His child. During that time, I read the Bible and got to know Him on a deep level.  

Since choosing to follow Jesus, my life has completely changed. I’ve turned away from things that separated me from God. He has transformed every part of me from the inside out and I want to follow Him and tell him how much I love him every day for eternity. He is my Lord and Savior and has my whole heart! I hear Jesus and I feel like I was a lost sheep that He personally rescued and brought me to Him. He is my protector, provider, comforter, King, Lord, Savior and has my whole heart. I feel so cared for by him and want to always be obedient to the God that knows me by name and saved me.” 

“My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27  

ETHAN ABALAYAN

“I started praying and memorizing Bible verses when I was about 6 years old because my parents always encouraged me. They told me about Jesus and we went to church every Sunday. When we lived in China, it was harder to go to church but we still went as a family. After moving to Calgary, it became easier and I continued learning more about Jesus. The more I know Him, the more I believe in Him. When I face hard times at school, I ask Him for strength and wisdom. I want to get baptized because I love Jesus and want to obey Him as my Saviour.”

"Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:6

KIKI AKINYEMI 

“I accepted Jesus when I was 3 years old. It started when my mom got me a Bible. At first, I thought the Bible was boring. I found a verse that I liked in Revelation, and it made me realize that I wanted to be a Christian. So, in secret, I prayed for God to be my Saviour. Jesus has made a BIG difference in my life, my actions, my words, and my heart. I want to get baptized because I really want the Holy Spirit.” 

"I am the Alpha & the Omega'' says the Lord God "Who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8

Maybe you see a bit of your own journey in these stories. Maybe you’re still searching, waiting, or wondering what comes next. Wherever you are, know this: Jesus is still making all things new!

Wondering if baptism is the next step for you? We’re here to help!