The sun shone brightly for the 2007 NeoXenos baptisms, which saw fourteen people get dunked at Walton Hills Lake Club. The September 16th event began with a potluck, followed by a short teaching by Greg Morscher. After he explained the biblical basis and spiritual significance of baptism, the real excitement began. Each of the fourteen shared their testimony, and then got baptized by the people who played a significant role in their decision to accept Christ.
Family and friends in the audience heard about the gospel repeatedly, as well as the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. One woman made the decision to receive Christ then and there. Pray that more spiritual fruit will result from the testimonies people shared.
Many who were baptized described how God has helped them learn to love others and build deep relationships in the Body of Christ. They also shared character issues He’s transformed in them from the inside out. Throughout the testimonies, the goodness of God and His amazing grace shone through, as bright as the sun that warmed the celebration.
Be sure to check out Joe’s Blog about these baptisms…
Angie was in the midst of a crumbling marriage and financial stress when she finally realized she couldn’t make her life work by herself. Abandoning her pride, she prayed for God’s help and forgiveness.
Brian, or B.K., came to high school Word events for two years before realizing the importance of salvation. After acknowledging his need for eternal life, he prayed to receive Christ.
Yana was lonely and depressed after moving to the U.S. from Russia. She turned to drinking in high school, and then school and career goals in college, before realizing that we are saved “by grace through faith, not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph. 2:8,9).
Becky grew up in a church but learned more about God after coming to Word. After investigating these claims more, she made the choice to act on what she believed by asking God for a relationship.
Anele grew up in Xenos, but never understood her need to have a personal relationship with God until she acknowledged the lack of meaning in her life apart from Him. She prayed with her mom to receive Christ when she was twelve and has been maturing ever since.
Marilynn was a skeptical agnostic until she started coming to Bible studies, when she realized that there was evidence for Christianity. After acknowledging her demanding attitude toward God, she humbled herself to start a relationship with God on His terms.
John had many objections to Christianity, but slowly got his questions answered through teachings and conversations at Word. He prayed to receive Christ at last year’s all-night prayer meeting.
Cloe was lonely, scared, and confused until a friend invited her to Word and she learned about God’s love and grace. Her decision to accept Him has “melted her from the inside out” and motivated her to share His love with others.
Shelley was baptized after receiving Christ just the night before. She glowed with the enthusiasm of a brand-new Christian who now understands the power of Christ’s death and resurrection.
Josh never felt accepted until he met a fellow “nerd” who invited him to Word. For a long time he struggled with declaring “Jesus is Lord” (Romans 10:9), but felt the excitement of salvation after he decided to proclaim this.
Antonio came to the U.S. from Mexico to get a Ph.D. After being invited to the college Bible study and learning that “we are saved by grace, not works,” he will be leaving with eternal life as well.
Tina was angry and frustrated before praying to receive Christ at age fifteen. God has helped her forgive the people she was angry with, restore those relationships, and have peace in her life.
Dan learned about God’s love at the college Bible study, but moved away before accepting Christ. At that same time that he was suffering from extreme loneliness, a friend from Bible study had a new burden to share the gospel with him. Since praying for salvation, Dan moved back to Ohio and got involved in the Bible study again.
