A Surprise Step of Faith at FAC Southwest

During the February 1 service at the FAC Southwest Campus, Carmina’s son Nicholas made a spontaneous decision to be baptized. Carmina, who was singing with the FAC Choir that morning, had no idea it was coming. We sat down with her to ask what the moment was like and to share a bit more about the journey that brought Nicholas to step forward that morning. 

FAC: Can you tell us a bit about Nicholas’ early life and upbringing? 

Carmina: “Nicholas is my second son, and he was born 7 weeks before he was due, so he had a challenging entry into this world. He stopped breathing in the NICU three times. It was a tough start. Because he was so early, his lungs were underdeveloped. 

A few months later, he also had 2 febrile seizures. The doctor told us that if it happened one more time, he would be at risk for epilepsy, but thankfully it never happened again. 

Growing up, he was extremely active. He played football, rugby, badminton and went out skiing and mountain biking; he was never still. He also had a couple of concussions along the way. I rode in the ambulance with him more than I did with my other boys. Oh my, this kid! I had to remind myself to “embrace my stubborn child” as this is what kept him alive all those years ago. 

He really is a delight. His personality has always been very outgoing, and he never took no for an answer. He was also very independent and a real go-getter. I thought I might have more trouble with him at school, but he was actually a delight there too. Nobody could stay mad at him because he was always joking and had such a fun personality! 

It wasn’t always an easy upbringing. My husband and I parted ways shortly after Nicholas turned 1. I was a single mom for a few years, and this was especially difficult not having family in the province. I also had an added challenge. When I was 16, I was diagnosed with an eye condition that has left me legally blind. Not being able to drive made it difficult to get the kids to all their activities. However, God provided people in our lives as I needed. Looking back, where we are today would not have been possible without God.  

When I moved to Southwest Calgary, I started attending Southview Alliance because it was close. About 3 years ago, when the church moved to Walden, it became a bit further for me, so I started attending the Southwest Campus of FAC since it’s near my home. 

We were always in church, volunteering and serving. Nicholas was actually dedicated at Bramalea Alliance Church. He was also a camp volunteer during the summers at Southview Alliance. Nicholas has a really strong group of friends, many from Christian backgrounds, and I value that so much. 

Nicholas had one goal for a long time: to go to Australia. After he finished university, I talked to my boys again about baptism and being obedient to God. Nicholas said he didn’t want it to be such a big thing in front of everyone, and that’s what was holding him back. I explained that baptism is a public declaration of faith and left it open, giving him space to think it through and decide for himself.” 

FAC: What happened on the day of his baptism? 

Carmina: “That Sunday, Nicholas came to church mainly because he had just finished work and wanted to watch me sing with the choir. He had actually moved back home for about a month before leaving for Australia. While he was sitting there looking at the words of the song, Pastor Carter invited people to come forward for baptism. Nicholas felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit that he should do it. So he did. He stepped forward. 

What shocked me was that he gave his full name: Jordan Nicholas Samuel Jason. We usually call him Nicholas, so when he said “Jordan,” I didn’t even realize it was him at first. And because I’m visually impaired, I couldn’t see clearly either. 

I had been praying about him getting baptized. When I first heard that the baptism service was happening at the end of January, I started praying and even fasting for both my boys that they would take that step if God was calling them to. I didn’t want to force them. It had to be their decision. But I was praying about it. 

A member of FAC Southwest, Carol, prayed with Nicholas before he went forward. After the service, she told us that while she was praying, she had a vision of God placing His armour on Nicholas. That meant so much to me, and gave me a lot of peace, especially with him going so far away. It gave me a real sense of peace.” 

We asked Nicholas to share in his own words what led him to take that step. 

Nicholas: “Baptism is something that I have wanted to do for a while, but I was hesitant and was worried it was on other people’s terms and not my own. God and I have walked together my whole life. He has been a part of my hardships and blessings. Through it all, He has been by my side.  

Baptism to me is walking in the path of God and living the life He has laid out and practicing His Word. That Sunday, when Pastor Carter said that if you’re feeling any motivation, to feel free to come up, I felt a push to do it. I said, ‘today is the day’ and did it!” 

FAC: What would you say to parents or those praying and believing for their loved ones to come to know Jesus? 

Carmina: “My encouragement to other parents is this: I’ve always believed my children are not really mine. They are a gift from God, and I have the responsibility to care for them and guide them. I believe each person has a path and a purpose that God has for them. So I try to release my children into God’s will, not my own wishes. I guide them and pray for them, but ultimately, I trust them into God’s hands. 

Right now, my youngest is applying to university, and part of me would really love for him to stay in Alberta. But I try to pray, ‘Not my will, Lord, but Yours.’ I want God’s purpose to be fulfilled in their lives. 

The number of people who shared my joy that day was amazing. The love and joy I received were overwhelming. One family from the Southwest Campus even came to our home that afternoon with cake and flowers! They must have known what it means for a parent to see their child step forward like that.  

So many people shared that moment with me. I wasn’t alone. I’m so grateful for our church family!” 

Thank you, Carmina and Nicholas, for sharing your story with us!