Ellieora Battig – daughter of Mark and Celeste Battig

I want to be baptized because Jesus is the light in my heart I want to share with others. My parents have helped me understand my need for Jesus and I want to share this with others. My name means “God is my light” and I want to be an example and a light to others for Jesus.

Reese Beasley – daughter of Vince and Lindsay Beasley

Over the past few years, I’ve been blessed to experience the love, peace, and salvation that Jesus brings to life. I want to be baptized to publicly announce my faith in Jesus, and to continue my journey with Christ. Although I grew up in the Church, over the past few years my involvement and love for Christ has grown more than ever. As I’ve grown older, I’ve faced more struggles in life, and being able to give my life to Jesus and build his picture over mine has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Thankfully, I’ve been blessed with such an amazing community of fellow believers who have made a huge impact on my journey, and being able to grow with all of them has taught me so much. I want to thank my family for supporting me in all I do and loving me always, my youth group leaders and pastors who have guided me to where I am today, Dani Jones, my small group leader, for leading me to practice my faith and through her own actions, and for welcoming me to be one of the girls she never had. And lastly, I want to thank my best friend, Mckenna, for being the person who has held me accountable through it all. I wouldn’t be here without all of you, so thank you, for continuously helping me grow my faith and love for Jesus. I’m so excited to continue to follow the steps of Jesus and to grow in my faith.

Owen Brown

I am here today to confess my belief in Jesus Christ. I am able to say with confidence this is where I have been called to be. This is because for many years, God had been meeting me halfway, patiently waiting for me to realize this. Through my faith, I pray I will continue to grow and mature into the man that I want my son to look up to and my daughters to measure against. I no longer want to be half-in or half-out with my pursuit of God. I am committed to being the man that God has been gently pushing and shaping me to be. I have to thank my wife for instilling Christian values into our children as I seek out Jesus for myself and find my own way to Him. Today, I’m washing away my former self and the man that now stands before you is reborn as a man of Christ. 

Lisa-Marie Clark

I have felt God speaking to me for a long time. I am ready to surrender to Him.  When I was a child my neighbors really helped me understand and resolve issues through Christ.  Life went on and I lost my way.  I ran away from home and drank and dabbled in drugs. I was living in sin and at the age of 29 the doctor gave me 5 – 7 years left to live due to my drinking. At age 30 I became pregnant and God helped me change my lifestyle and stop partying. Today I thank God I am clear from cirrhosis and have a 12 year old daughter Maycie. 

Olivia Dailey – daughter of Derek and Cherie Shrack

I have decided to get baptized because of everything Jesus has done for me, and to publicly declare my faith. After going to CIY (Move) church camp with my church family, I really felt God pushing me to get baptized and to surrender my life to him. My step sister, Leigh-Ann Oesch was the one who really brought me to Christ and had me always wanting to learn more and dig deeper into his word, and so that’s what I did and I never stopped. And because of her faith , my faith has grown tremendously. Because of this I am eager to publicly proclaim my faith and continue growing my relationship with Jesus through the act of baptism. 

Henry Day – son of Stan and Kristina Day

I began going to NWCOG when I was just a baby and have gone to Kidz Cove on Sundays and Wednesdays. My Mom and Dad introduced me to Jesus first and I have learned more about Jesus from Emilee at Kidz Cove and at church camp at Lakewood this Summer. I told my Mom and Dad that I wanted to be baptized while swimming at a pool recently. I want to be baptized to show everyone that I believe in God and to show people that Jesus is my forever friend. I want to share Jesus with everyone. I feel proud, happy, and brave to show people my love for Jesus.

After a hard adolescence of quitting school, being hospitalized for mental illness and suicidal temptations, leaving home at 16 and beginning my family by having kids at 19 and 21. My fiancé and I fell apart and lost ourselves in codependency.  Our family was broken and we separated for a month.  I prayed for unity and focused on depending on Jesus.  After many convictions, we reunited and joined NWCOG, began repairing and rebuilding our relationship with Christ and each other.  God healed our hearts and minds.  We now live separately as we excitedly await to become a covenant in Christ after our wedding in November.

Samantha Engle – daughter of Jason and Kathryn Engle

My bible teacher at school helps me understand the bible more by answering my questions. Devotionals and God’s Word led me to baptism.  After He was baptized Jesus told us to be baptized too.  I want to be baptized to be more like Jesus.

Alec Gainey

Growing up, God was not talked about and as I got older, I began to drink and do drugs. In April 2018 after I stole from a local store, I went home and laid everything out on the bed and felt so sad at what I had done, I felt like I had sinned. I didn’t know how to pray so I got on my knees and I said ” God I don’t know how to pray please give me a sign that you hear me, please forgive me of all of my sins.” I began to cry and as I did, the room got brighter and a feeling of warmth and love washed over me. Over my head I heard ” Yes” God confirmed that He is real and that I can pray to Him and He will hear me. 

Cambrie Garden – daughter of Ben and Jennifer Garden

I decided to get baptized because life was a little hard being the person I was without Jesus.  I wanted to leave my old life behind and start a new life with Jesus.

Cooper Garden – son of Ben and Jennifer Garden

I have always attended church for as long as I could remember.  I had a very blessed life growing up. We went to another church where I just went through the motions not really taking in what was going on in the service. I had gone to a friend’s house and was introduced to NWCOG and loved it.  I loved it so much I invited my parents to attend, and they loved it just as much as I did.  Over the next couple of years, I had started attending EPIC with Pastor JJ and we had gone on a youth trip to the MOVE conference where I made my recommitment to God. I wanted to be all in, so I started going to church more often, helping in Kids Cove Jr., and went to another CIY/MOVE conference. It was at the second conference with Pastor Jeff where I had a reality check. I wanted to expand my faith and move closer to God and declare that I am a follower of Jesus Christ.  I wanted to be baptized!

Ben Garden

My walk with Jesus is one of progression. In the beginning, I “knew of” the Lord but lived my life as I desired along a dark path.  As I continued to travel down this dark path, I would come upon these intersections of light and opportunity often through engagements with Jesus followers. I realized that the more I listened and sponged up their lifestyle and beliefs, the better my life became. I was on a brighter path; however, they say seeing is believing and the miracle of life is a blessing.  I have witnessed the birth and growth of four miracles, my children. My wife has often reminded me that I may be the only Bible that the people I interact with will read including my children. Being baptized is my public and personal devotion to be a soldier for the Lord to continue down my bright earthly path with confidence to share and lead people to
the Kingdom. 

Abbigayle Harris – daughter of Todd and Kristene Harris

My family, friends, and our church youth group have influenced my path with God.  I want to be baptized to publicly show that I believe in God and that He sent his one and only Son down to earth to die on the cross for my sins.  Baptism will show my family and friends that God is number one in my life and that they can keep me accountable to God.

Lillian Haywood

I want to be baptized to show my faith in Jesus and my commitment to him. In my childhood, I grew up in church and got saved at church camp at seven years old with my grandma by my side. I was young and understood salvation but didn’t follow through with my personal relationship with Jesus until later on in my early teen years. Last year, as my family suffered through a heartbreaking divorce. I really questioned my faith and questioned God and it wasn’t until my mom and I started coming to church that I began to repair my relationship with God. He showed me love and comfort and that led me to rededicate my life to him. He has truly changed my life forever! He is healing my heart and shown me so much love; a love that is beyond my own understanding. Jesus has changed my perspective on life; and shown me that He is a father, a healer, a comforter and that He will never forsake me. He is so good!

Claire Jagger – daughter of Wade and Wendy Jagger

I have been lucky to have a mom, dad, many other family members, Miss Emilee, Sunday school leaders, and my preschool teachers who shared Jesus with me. Growing up learning about the bible, Jesus, and God has made me want to get baptized.  I want to be baptized because it is the right thing to do.  It is the right step to take, living just like Jesus did.  I have Jesus in my heart and I want to live my life
for him.

I want to be baptized because I’m a sinner and Jesus has saved me.  I thank God for my parents and family members for bringing me to church, teaching me, and praying with me.  I’m also thankful for all my Sunday School teachers at church for teaching us about Jesus.  God has spoken to us through the Bible.  He is changing my life for good by teaching me to trust him more and learning how God wants us to live.  I know I need the Holy Spirit to help me make good choices every day.  We all do!

Quentin Likens – son of Melissa and Jeremy Likens

I want to be baptized because I want to show people I trust Jesus.  Sometimes me and my mom read the bible.  My life will be different because I will start praying every day and reading the bible.

Olivia Lilly

I want to be baptized because growing up, I always tried to live a life that was pleasing to God. I grew up Christian in a Christian household and I feel as though being baptized will enhance my relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. I’m using this baptism as an opportunity to start fresh. I want to be baptized to not only start fresh but to also give myself to God to show that I do believe in him and want to be saved. I am not perfect, but I know that as long as I try to live the life that God wants me to live I will be saved no matter the flaws and imperfections. Growing up, it was tough for me as I acquired type 1 diabetes. It started out as this unbearably journey. Every day was a struggle. Somedays still are, but I hoped for life to get better and eventually it did. I always asked for strength and that’s exactly what He gave me. Even on my worst days he is always there by my side, leading me on.

EmmaLee Manes

My husband, one year old and my 6 month pregnant self, moved from Washington state roughly a year ago to Indiana. No real rhyme or reason we just needed a change of scenery and a safe place to raise our kids. My husband’s grandmother & mother followed us shortly after we left. My husband’s mom was the most perfect woman I’d ever met. Kind, nurturing, patient, smart and a Christian. I remember thinking I wanted to mother like she did. Not long after living here I felt the nudge to bring my questions of God to her. I unloaded all the questions I could think of. And she said “ I can’t explain him, nor do I know, but he’ll show you” I said my sinners prayer that same day. A few days passed and I saw a cross in the sky from two plane end trials and I heard Him in my heart. He has softened my heart and my way of thinking. He has been working on me and I’m so grateful to have the family I have. I feel like meeting my husband, and his mom really brought me to God and right where I am today.

Ryan McNamara

While attending NWCOG with my wife and three children for the last five years, I have grown strong in my faith and belief in Jesus.  During the last several months I have had some tough times and have looked to God for guidance.  During this time, I have also felt a strong connection/pull to give my life to Jesus and live my life through Him. 

This is why I have chosen to get baptized.

Audrey McNamara – daughter of Ryan and Stephanie McNamara

My parents, grandparents and Sunday school teachers have been a significant part in my path to God.  The reason I want to be baptized is to show that I am giving my life
to God. 

Ainsley McNamara – daughter of Ryan and Stephanie McNamara

My parents and my Sunday school teachers are the people who have been a significant influence in my path with God.  I want to follow Jesus and be baptized.  I know it is the right step for me.

Aiden McNamara – son of Ryan and Stephanie McNamara

My parents and teachers have been a significant influence in my path with God.  I want to be baptized to follow Jesus.  This is the right step for me because I have always wanted to be baptized.

Noelle Nethaway – daughter of RJ and Kathy Nethaway

I want to get baptized because I have accepted the Lord as my Savior.  I was born into a very Christian family. This has taught me a lot about Jesus and my purpose.  I have learned that my purpose is to spread the word and accept Jesus into my life forever.  I feel that getting baptized is a way of showing others that I have made the decision to accept God. Jesus is my passion and so is the Bible.  The Bible is a big part of my life.  It has been there whenever I have been down and whenever I have needed to be lifted up.  I love Jesus and the fact I am being baptized is amazing to not only my family but to myself.  I have wanted to be baptized for a long time and I finally have the chance and I am so excited to be here today. I am so thankful to my God, my Savior for creating me and sending His only Son to die for my sins.  I know I was made for a certain reason, yet I’m not sure what that is yet.  I know I will sooner or later.  I thank my family and all of my friends for helping me get to this point in my life.  I also want to thank all the church staff for helping me understand Jesus and helping me understand more about myself.

Scarlett Pfenning – daughter of Jonathan and Shonda Pfenning

I have been going to church my whole life. Ms. Angie and Ms. Emily have taught me about God through worship and small group time at Sunday school. My Dad and Mom read the bible with me and have taught me how to pray. When I went to VBS this summer I learned about putting on the armor of God, and I decided to accept Jesus into my heart. Today, I want to be baptized because I want to show others that I am a follower of God. Once everyone knows that I am a follower of God they will expect me to be kind and loving to my family, friends, and neighbors. Jesus is my savior and I want to love others like Jesus.

Alison Powell

I want to be baptized because I choose to leave sin behind me and have a new life. I want to publicly announce my walk with Jesus and encourage others to do the same. I didn’t grow up in a family that went to church, but I always felt Jesus with me. My life was just standard for many years along with so many disparities. In 2018, my father fell terribly ill with stage 4 metastatic cancer. As his disease progressed, we talked about many things including how he lived his life and his thoughts about death. As I traveled this journey with him, I began thinking about my own life and sins I was engaged in. Even though I knew daddy believed and was such a giving and caring man, I couldn’t help but wonder if he’d go to heaven. I knew I had to change the outcome of my eternity. I was scared to trust a church community as we’d been deceived before, but my daughter was invited to perform at the North Webster Church of God with her special choir and my family stayed for service. I felt like I was in a place I could once again walk with God. For a few months I’ve felt the draw to permanently proclaim my faith and give myself to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Scott W Ralston

The central fact of my life today is the absolute certainty that my Creator has entered into my heart and life in a way which is indeed miraculous. It’s been over 2 years now that I came to a crossroad in my life. I made a decision to turn my will and my life over to the care of God. I was at a place that God “is” or “isn’t”. The Holy Spirit is in my life, and it is indescribable! “God Is”. I make an honest, God conscious effort on a daily basis to try to quietly live in God’s Will. I try to share my experience, strength and hope with others that God Is. And what God has truly done for me, what I could not do for myself. I have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I believe in my heart that Jesus came to pay the price for my sins by crucifixion, died was buried and rose again defeating death and now sits at the right hand of the Father. The power of God is very real today.

Andrew Seulean

A short time after being born, my parents Augie and Anita dedicated me to be raised as a Christian.  I believe in the trinity, that God created man and woman and everything around us.  God’s only son Jesus was born by the Virgin Mary, was crucified and died for our sins, rose from the dead on the 3^rd day and sits at the right hand of God to judge good from evil. We must openly proclaim our faith and belief in public.  If we truly believe and live accordingly, Jesus will remember us on judgement day and will save our souls.  If we deny Him, He will deny us.

Fabiola Sewell

During the summer of 2013 I joined Fight Club. Little did I know God was working on me for what was to come. I learned to trust, love, believe, have faith and patience. In February 2017 I was diagnosed with Breast cancer. God was teaching me, shaping me into a Godly woman. I learned more about believing, having patience and loving myself. Especially trusting his timing.

Tonna Slusher

Today I declare to the church and the whole world that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.  Because on May 28^th I went to the altar with Pastor Jeff and he helped me pray to receive Jesus.  My sister Toni has been a big encouragement to me.

Maycie-Antoria Smith – daughter of Lisa-Marie Clark

Pastors Todd and Jeff and my family have helped me to understand who Jesus Christ really is.  They broke down the complicating parts so I could have a clear and thorough understanding of who God is.  My relationship with Jesus Christ has helped me to understand some of the things I have done wrong.  I have witnessed His doings in helping to right those wrongs. I have felt and heard Him in my times of fear.  It is time to be baptized to show I give myself fully to Christ.

Michael Spangle

I believe in the salvation of Jesus Christ and was saved at the age of 17 and now this being the 50th year anniversary of my salvation I feel the calling to be baptized. For several years I didn’t attend Church because of some bad experiences with people trying to control the church instead of letting the Lord be in charge . My wife and I started attending a different church about 5 years ago but then we started attending The North Webster Church Of God and the values are more in line with what I believe. Now, I desire to rededicate my life and fulfill my desire to be baptized and publicly display an inward salvation. My hope is to be an example to my wife, children, grandkids, extended family, and also friends.

Today, I stand here humbled, accepting Jesus Christ as my Savior. My spiritual journey began more than a decade ago when I started attending church alongside my future wife, Krista. Over the years, her gentle encouragement and love for Christ motivated me to dig further into Christ’s teachings. Now several years into attending church with our young family, my children’s genuine faith in God and eagerness to share it with me has provided even more inspiration to grow my own faith. This journey has opened my eyes to foundational truths. I discovered the power of grace, compassion, and love through Christ’s teachings. I recognize that I have been extremely blessed in my life, and I owe it all to Him. As I take this step of baptism, I embrace His love and sacrifice, committing to a life guided by Christ. With gratitude, I embark on this path with my family, united in faith and eager to continue growing together.

Cavan Tom – son of Garry and Missy Tom

I would like to be baptized to be closer to God and have everyone know that I
worship God.

Leighton Warstler – daughter of Joel and Susan Warstler
When I was little my grandma read me and my cousins bible stories and devotionals every day. I went to church with my family and sang songs because I believed in Jesus.  But when I was little, I don’t think I knew what that meant very well.  Now that I’m older, I have begun to read the bible more often and pray more.  Now that I understand better I want to show everyone that I follow and believe in Jesus.

Alanya White – daughter of Bryan and Mary White

The people who helped me learn about God are Elyse and Emilee and my family.  I want to be baptized to show people that I love Jesus.