The Portal

Read this delightful write-up of the 2008 baptisms, see why Christians just love to tell people about Jesus Christ!

“Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit…” (Matthew 28:18).

Christ’s Great Commission includes the call to baptize believers, so NeoXenos gathered on September 7^th at the Walton Hills Lake Club to witness ten people get dunked for Jesus. The event began with a potluck, followed by a short teaching by Greg Morscher. After he explained the biblical basis and spiritual symbol of baptism, the real excitement began. Each “baptizee” shared his or her testimony and then was baptized by one or two people who played a role in their decision to follow Christ.

Lisa Kostyak grew up in church but never understood the personal decision needed to know Christ. After coming to Bible studies for over a year, she attended the 2007 baptisms where the testimonies moved her to accept Jesus right away. She said asking for God’s forgiveness was “the easiest thing I’ve done in my life” and explained the overwhelming weight of guilt that was lifted afterward.

Elli Morscher grew up in a Christian home in Xenos, but never knew why she went to Bible studies. Jesus certainly wasn’t in her life, as she was a bossy, selfish liar. But 6^th grade Blowout camp caused her to consider handing her life over to God. She was anxious, but decided to ask God into her heart, and now God is teaching her how to love and giving her “something to live for.”

Lauren Dakters was depressed, anti-social, and self-destructive before she knew Christ. Then she was invited to a high school Bible study and learned about God’s forgiveness, which she decided to ask for some time later. She said now “there’s more to life than playing emo songs on guitar,” and she is a happier and more loving person.

Danielle Fazzio grew up Catholic, but she wasn’t interested in God. Her friendships never lasted and she ended up in an abusive relationship. When her friend invited her to a college Bible study, she made fun of her, but eventually she gave it a try. There she admired the relationships and love in the Body of Christ, which caused her to consider the gospel’s claims. Since she became a believer, Christ has helped her to impact her friends in new ways.

Mike Hudock was a lonely gamer when friends started inviting him to the high school Bible study. Despite his refusals, he was surprised they didn’t give up. When he finally started coming, one of the leaders didn’t give up on witnessing to him, either. Finally Ephesians 2:8, 9 convinced him that couldn’t earn his way into heaven. He prayed to receive Christ and since then he gained confidence, became less selfish, and wants to tell people about grace.

Paul Song was raised in a Christian family but he viewed God academically. He was lonely, unemotional, and trying to earn his way to heaven by good works. For a long time he avoided the questions raised at the high school Bible study, but was surprised people still accepted him. Four years later a friend explained the story of Nicodemus in John 3 and he realized it was his pride, not a lack of information, which prevented him from accepting salvation. This occurred just one day before the baptisms!

Tom Smith didn’t know how to interact with people besides using them. He thought needing forgiveness was pathetic, but Christians’ persistent love for him changed his mind over a period of five years. One man challenged him to ask for salvation and finally his tough shell started to soften. Now he can’t imagine where he’d be if he hadn’t accepted God’s forgiveness.

Shelby Roszkowski was the “cliché” girl in middle school, interested in superficial appearances, gossip, and boys. But as the void in her life began to gnaw, she turned to drugs, dating, using people, and a suicide attempt to numb the pain. Her church background reminded her that Jesus died on the cross to pay for sin. So one day she read Isaiah 40:6, a verse about crying out to God. And she did just that, asking Him to forgive her. She realizes God filled a void she could never fill by herself.

Jordan Yoerger grew up in Xenos with Christian parents, but never really believed what he learned about God. He was a jerk and fought with his parents and brother every day. He also argued relentlessly with one of the high school Bible study leaders, who nevertheless told him, “I will never give up on you.” This melted his hard exterior and that night he prayed for God to come into his life. His new faith has motivated him spiritually in a whole new way.

Jim “the James” grew up in an old-line institutional church but didn’t understand the gospel until he attended the Hughes Home Church. He was working with Michelle and she invited him to home church. He came regularly and started attending CT. He was saved over a year ago but didn’t get baptized last year because of his intense fear of water. However, this year he overcame that phobia because he just had to tell everyone publicly what a difference Jesus Christ has made in his life. He now has loving relationships in the body of Christ and is learning to serve the body.

Ephesians 2:8, 9 sounded as a refrain throughout many of the testimonies: “It is by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” How freeing God’s gift is when we realize our sin has been paid for in full! Throughout the testimonies, the goodness of God and His amazing grace shone through, as bright as the sun that warmed the celebration.

Family and friends in the audience heard the gospel repeatedly, as well as the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Two people made the decision to receive Christ during conversations after the baptisms. Pray that more spiritual fruit will result from the testimonies people shared.

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