Love God || Love People || Make Disciples
August 15, 2026 Baptisms
Holland State Park
Holland State Park
SAVANNAH ALDERINK - Age 19, Grace Campus
Before accepting Christ, I was unsure of life. I felt lost. I know the difference between right and wrong, but needed God to strengthen me. I decided a while ago that I wanted to make Him my Savior, but needed to do my own search. I started to feel Jesus' presence and knew I needed Him every day. Without Him, I feel lost. Since making a decision to put my faith in Jesus, I feel more peace. As a teenager the world is confusing and feels big and small at the same time. I cannot progress in this life without grace and peace.
I am choosing baptism as a bond and promise that I make to Him and want to honor publicly that Jesus is my Lord.
BRIANNA BEDOLLA - Age 29, Redwood Campus
I grew up off and on attending church, mostly for major holidays or events. The whole concept has always felt like something I’ve believed in but it was something I was never educated enough in to talk about. Although I would pray and have conversations with God, I never felt a close relationship.
I am currently engaged and getting married (8/19). My fiancé Ryan has brought me much closer to God and helped me get a better understanding of Christianity as a whole. I was not raised in a household that had strong religious values so it’s helpful to be with someone who can push me to be closer and help me along the way. We are both taking this leap to get baptized together before we get married and make God the center of our marriage.
Before accepting Jesus my life felt very heavy and anxious like I was carrying everything on my own. Now putting my faith in Jesus and knowing I am not alone in any struggle, there is comfort.
Although I was baptized as a child, I’m choosing to take the step as an adult to dedicate my life to Jesus and have a holy marriage as well.
TYLER BOEVE - Age 25, Ebenezer Campus
Before accepting Christ, I was in a bit of a dark place with my anger and I didn't really treat my parents with respect. I hung out with some people I shouldn't. I was drinking and smoked a couple times which doesn't help.
I decided to put my faith in Jesus more when my dad got diagnosed with cancer. I was struggling to accept for a long time that he may not be on Earth anymore but in eternal Heaven. One Sunday morning, I was shoveling at Ebenezer and Steve Paige asked if I want to go to Bible study. Since then, I feel better about my faith. I'm reading and learning stuff I have never before, but I still have many regrets.
Since trusting Jesus, my life has been calmer and I feel more motivated. I moved out into my sisters to get away a little from what was going on at my parents with dad's cancer and felt like there was a lot of pressure going on. I've changed alot over the last few months since I moved and am choosing to be baptized to grow my faith.
KEANNA BROWN - Age 21, Redwood Campus
Before accepting Jesus as my Savior, my life was very hard. I didn’t understand what was going on in my life at all until I went to church one day and I was woken up by God! My life has changed so much over the past couple months and I believe it was because of Jesus.
I am being baptized as I'm ready to give my life to God!
QUINN COMPAGNER - Age 10, Redwood Campus
I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was in 4th grade. I was at GEMs at my Grandma’s church and I understood he died for us. Since following Jesus, I became nicer and my relationship with Him means a lot, like a lot to me. It makes me feel closer to him and feel more loved.
I am being baptized because I love Jesus and he washed my sins away. I want to feel closer to God and want to share that I believe Jesus is my savior. I have faith and I believe and am ready to be baptized again, the last time I was a little baby. I’m ready to feel even closer to him than before.
SHANNON CONEY-Age 45, Redwood Campus
Before accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I lived a life of solitude, traveling and working for my own fame and glory. As much as I thought I was winning, everything else that was really important was crumbling around me. This caused divorce, anger, anxiety, and the lack of love and trust in people grew daily. I followed the worldly path for worldly reasons, losing touch with the way that I was raised. My faith drifted so far away it felt almost unreachable. I surrounded myself with the wrong people constantly.
On April 19th, 2024, after getting home from work around 3:30pm (at the lowest point in my life). I felt The Holy Spirit push me to my knees in my living room and tell me to pray (which I hadn't done in +10 years). In tears, I asked Him to save me. From myself. From my emotions. From addiction to chewing tobacco. I asked Him to forgive me of all my sin, literally everything that was wrong with me. I committed my life to Him in that prayer. I lost track of time and place, but after a while I felt a warmth rush through me from head to toe. I heard, "Now, get up!" I didn't realize that I was flat on my back or how long I was there, but I felt completely different. He buried the old me that day! He took it all away from me, the pain, the hate, the anger, the anxiety, and the addiction was gone too! It was all gone and replaced with joy and an unexplainable fullness. I actually felt loved.
Since putting my faith in Jesus, I no longer worry about the worldly things that I used to, I let Him handle it. He's constantly bringing new and amazing people into my life. He's shown me the power of prayer. My career has become so much easier and enjoyable. I wake up every day filled with joy and gratefulness with a charitable heart. He's given me the gift of discernment and that is really weird, but amazing at the same time. He has created healthier friendships for me. He's brought my family closer together. He's molding me into a soldier for Him. He's giving me the ability to talk to people again. He's shown me that we are stronger together. There is so much more...
I am choosing to be baptized because Jesus asked us to. It's an outward expression of my faith (I owe Him that at the very least). I was born again and made new on April 19, 2024.
JAN EARLE - Age 70, Redwood Campus
I grew up in the church and raised my child in the church but have not attended on a regular basis as an older adult. I was feeling empty and knew I needed the Lord back in my life.
Family issues and being a nurse are two of the things that have brought me to the point of placing my faith in Jesus. I saw God at work in these areas and knew he was calling me back. I now feel more at peace and am being baptized because I feel God calling me to do this.
RYAN HAVERDINK - Age 30, Redwood Campus
Before accepting Christ into my life, I struggled to find my purpose. I made choices that pulled me away from God and wasn’t becoming the man He created me to be. But when I surrendered my life to Jesus, He gave me purpose, direction, and a desire to live differently. I’m still growing, but through His grace, I am becoming a better husband, father, and follower of Christ.
I grew up in church, but during my teenage years and early adulthood, I drifted away from God. Through difficult circumstances, bad choices, and the wrong influences, I found myself far from where God wanted me to be. Looking back, I can see God’s protection over my life, even when I wasn’t fully following Him.
Becoming a father and meeting my fiancée changed my heart and gave me a desire to become a better man and a better example of Christ. After praying for a new job opportunity, God opened a door, but that season brought challenges and eventually led to me losing that job. What felt like a setback became a turning point. I realized I needed to stop relying on myself and fully surrender my life to God.
Since then, God has been faithful. He has provided for my family, opened doors, and drawn me closer to Him. My desire is no longer just to receive His blessings, but to follow Him and allow Him to lead every area of my life.
I know I am not perfect, but I trust that God will continue to guide me. I want to be baptized as a public declaration of my faith in Jesus and my commitment to follow Him wherever He leads.
MICHAEL HENRY - Age 48, Ebenezer Campus
I have spent a big part of my life on drugs and alcohol. I've never been a bad man, but I spent most of my life just kinda... lost. I knew of Jesus as a young kid and I believe he's always loved me. I'm a lil' nervous saying this but... I believe Jesus is calling me! He's not messing around, and in my heart, I know he wants me to be baptized! And if can't explain how I feel about Ebenezer, it's pretty special to me. I've only been to 2 Sunday services and Jesus has filled my heart to a level that blows my mind!!
About a year ago, I fell off the wagon, was sober for a good year before I used drugs again. But last year I got high and I stayed high for over a week straight feeling completely lost in life. Things started happening to me that were NO DOUBT JESUS!!!! I don't understand a lot of what has been happening to me over the last year, but it's very clear to me today that JESUS IS CALLING ME!!
Since making a decision to put my faith in Jesus, I am full of love and a great need to be as close as I can to Jesus. I just believe without a doubt that Jesus is calling on me EVERYDAY since last year. Even before last year, even when I wasn't sober, he was with me and has been seriously trying to get me where I am right now!!
As I write this, I know Jesus has a BIG PLAN FOR ME !! AN IM READY NOW TO DO WHATEVER IT IS THAT HE IS LEADING TO!! I am choosing baptism because I believe this is where my true life will start!!
CARRIE HINKEN - Age 25, Redwood Campus
My spiritual journey started when I went up north with my father and grandfather. It was such a special time with them and in nature. On the ride home, I saw the most spectacular rainbow in the sky. Two months later, I read the story of the flood and the rainbow as a sign of God’s covenant, and the pieces fell together.
On my 24th birthday, my mom gifted me a Bible. I have read it almost everyday since and my relationship with God has changed my life in ways I never would have imagined. I found value in myself and clarity in life because He loves me and will not forsake me.
Since making a decision to put my faith in Jesus, I still struggle, just in new ways. It’s hard to see the evil in the world, but for the first time in my life, I view the world with clarity and understanding. I finally found belonging in Him and He has given me a future that will bring me closer to Him and His beautiful creation of this earth.
I am choosing to be baptized to wash away who I once was. I have not been that person for quite some time now, but it will mean so much to me to be cleansed and fully become new in Him as I make this declaration of faith.
JEAN HINKEN - Age 81, Redwood Campus
I've always been a Christian, there wasn't a life changing moment I can remember, but I've been growing in my faith. I want to do this as a recommitment to my faith in Jesus.
KIMBERLY HINKEN - Age 50 , Redwood Campus
Jesus is my savior and I want to be baptized.
RYAN HUIZENGA - Age 26, Ebenezer Campus
Before accepting Christ, I had been struggling with alcohol, nicotine, and porn. It was the rock bottom that led me to accepting Jesus. My wife said that she regretted marrying me; my habits were eating away at our marriage. I looked at myself and realized that I am not strong enough and need the Lord's help to redeem me.
Since placing my faith in Jesus, I have felt His presence with me, pushing me to have faith in His plan and to keep reading His word every day. Things with my wife are still rocky but I am working every day to be the godly husband she deserves and working to love her as Jesus loved the church.
I am choosing baptism because of my faith, love and trust in Jesus.
COLBIE KENEMER - Age 11, Grace Campus
I have always known Jesus. However, I feel like I didn't really understand a lot of God or Jesus comparing to now. I also don't think I was as grateful or thankful as I am now.
I have always felt the love of Jesus, but there has been some stronger moments of feeling His love in my life. I also feel that my faith has been getting stronger and stronger the more I learn about God.
A couple of my friends got baptized and I was curious about it, but not certain it was something I was ready to do. But this past Easter, I felt the Holy Spirt work inside of me and that's when I fully knew I wanted to be purified publicly. Now that I've made this choice, I feel the Holy Spirt in my life more and I have more knowledge of the things God has done and is doing in my life. In my opinion, I also have been making better decisions and have been a better person.
JOSHUA KONING - Age 9, Redwood Campus
I accepted Jesus as my Savior during Sunday School and at camp Geneva. I wanted to be forgiven of all of my sins and ask God to help me in my life. I have always believed in Jesus and gone to church, but now I want to help friends know Jesus. My relationship with Jesus is stronger when I read the Bible. It makes me happy and feel good. It means that I am praying that God helps me with the hard things in my days and being kind to everyone.
I want to be baptized because I want to have a new life. I want to teach people about Jesus.
MADILYN KONING - Age 10, Redwood Campus
I trusted Jesus as my Savior a few months ago. I want to obey Him and know in my heart he is real. I was on my own in my room. Since I accepted Him as my Savior, I have changed how I love people, by helping and praying for them. My relationship with Him means that I know I will sin, but can ask for forgiveness and ask God to help me be the person he wants me to be.
I know being baptized is the right decision for me and I want to go to heaven when I die.
BRITTANY KUSHION - Age 31, Ebenezer Campus
I have a lifelong story with Jesus. I was raised to believe in Him, but for many years I wasn’t truly living for Him. I was baptized in 2018, but my faith was still mixed with worldly choices, including partying, alcohol, and unhealthy relationships. I began seeking God again, and after being baptized, I prayed for Him to bring the right person into my life. A week later, I met my husband.
For a season, I followed God closely, but after starting a new job, I slowly drifted away and allowed worldly things to take His place. The moment I truly experienced God’s love was when my first child was born. As I looked at my daughter and felt the love I had for her, I felt God remind me, “Imagine how much I love you.” That moment changed everything. I knew I needed to fully surrender my life to Jesus.
Through a childhood friend, God led me to Family Church, and I am so grateful for the community and growth I have found here. Since choosing to follow Jesus, life hasn’t been easier, but it has been more peaceful. I have learned to trust God’s plan, His timing, and His faithfulness.
I am choosing to be baptized as a rededication of my life to Jesus, to continue growing in my relationship with Him, and to set an example of faith for my children. I am also thankful to share this moment by being baptized alongside my husband.
REGINALD KUSHION- Age 31, Ebenezer Campus
I was raised in church and have always been a believer and chose a religious based college. I grew up catholic and always figured church was something I had to do but didn’t know why. I always knew God played a role in my life but didn’t know how. I struggled finding a church after college and have struggled with following rules of Catholicism and learning what a relationship was. I’ve also struggled with whether I continue to practice Catholicism or venture out.
In high school after football season had ended, I prayed hard to continue playing football and I ended up receiving a letter in the mail with an offer to play in college, it was the first time I had ever experienced an answered prayer.
Since making a decision to put my faith in Jesus, life feels more meaningful. I feel a deeper responsibility to raise my children in the church with biblical values. I am being baptized to further my relationship with God.
ALYSSA LAND - Age 12, Redwood Campus
Before accepting Christ, I would lie and manipulate my parents to start fighting. I would also lie about my grandparents and have my parents fight with them too. I would make everyone fight and made up lies so they would fight.
I would describe the circumstances leading up to the moment I decided to put my faith in Jesus by…
I first experienced the love of Jesus when I went to church the first time, I started believing in Him. And being more involved with Jesus, and church.
Since making a decision to put my faith in Jesus, my life has been better since I put Jesus Christ first. I sometimes lie and manipulate, but not as often as I used to.
I am choosing baptism because I want to give my life to Jesus.
TERRY LECHENET - AGE 60, Redwood Campus
Before accepting Christ, life was empty. Something was missing. There was a lack of understanding the Bible. I was searching for a purpose... who? What? Why? I found Jesus through a spiritual friend who is a prophet in her own way. Since making a decision to put my faith in Jesus, I take time to pray and think about things differently.
As a couple, my wife and I are being baptized because we want to follow Christ together as a couple and be more godly and follow His direction for us.
TAYLOR PARKOS - Age 24, Redwood Campus
Before truly accepting Christ, my life was filled with hurt, confusion, and challenges that shaped who I am today. I experienced difficult seasons growing up, including family struggles, trauma, unhealthy relationships, and times when I felt lost and hopeless. Although I was baptized when I was younger, I didn’t truly understand my faith or who God was. Looking back, I can see that God was with me through every hardship, protecting and guiding me even when I didn’t realize it.
For a long time, my faith felt more like something I was supposed to do rather than a personal relationship with God. After moving to a new state and experiencing a fresh start, I began to truly understand God’s love, grace, and presence in my life. I realized He had never left me, even in my hardest moments.
Since choosing to follow Jesus, my life hasn’t become perfect, but it has become more peaceful, hopeful, and purposeful. I have learned that I don’t have to carry everything on my own, and God is helping me heal, grow, and see my worth through Him.
I’m choosing to be baptized as a public declaration of my faith in Jesus and my commitment to continue growing in my relationship with Him. This is my fresh start and my choice to follow Him with a full heart.
MIKE PHILLIPS - Age 36, Redwood Campus
I grew up in a Christian home and have known about God my entire life. My first experience of Jesus‘ love was as a kid as my parents portrayed that to me and those around them. I’ve been blessed to have extended family members who also love and follow Jesus.
I first decided to put my faith in God in early grade school. I remember watching a Sunday school video that gave a prayer for those who were interested in asking God into their heart, and I prayed that prayer. I made profession of faith that Jesus was my Lord and Savior around the time of fifth grade.
As an adult and becoming a dad, my faith has grown. Following Jesus has been the best thing I’ve ever done, and I pray that my children come to know him too.
I was baptized as an infant and now would love to do so as an adult to publicly proclaim my love for the Lord and set an example for my children.
LINCOLN PIERCE - Age 10, Redwood Campus
I asked Jesus to be my Savior during church. I was with my mom, siblings, and nana at the Grace campus. I made Jesus the center of my life and He helps me get through bad days. Jesus is important in my life and it means I’m protected by Jesus and I’m not alone. I am choosing to be baptized to have a forever relationship with Jesus.
THEO RIOS - Age 10, Redwood Campus
I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior when I was 8 years old. I made this decision because I came to the realization that I need to be forgiven for my sins and Jesus is the only one who can do that. I was with my siblings at my Grandma’s house when I made this decision. I have changed by becoming a more patient person when speaking with others, I have more self control over my actions, and by being more obedient to my parents and respecting them. My relationship with Jesus means I know I have a Savior who will protect me and that I’m not alone. I feel like I understand myself better and can build stronger relationships because of that.
I’m choosing to be baptized because I am ready to publicly declare to others my faith in Jesus.
JOSE SALGADO -Age 44, Redwood Campus
Before accepting Christ, my life was always full of problems because of bad choices and alcohol.
I felt it when I hit rock bottom is when I accepted Jesus as my Savior. In a cell. Alcohol took so much from my life. But I felt God with me the whole time.
Since making a decision to put my faith in Jesus, my life has been blessed. Amazing partner for 3 years now. I can see my kids again. Have a good relationship with my family. I feel healthy. I am choosing to be baptized because I want good in my life.
LUKE SCHOLTEN - Age 12, Redwood Campus
Before accepting Christ, my life was uncontrolled. I was more angry and not at peace.
I would describe the circumstances leading up to the moment I decided to put my faith in Jesus by…
My teacher challenged me to read devotions for 33 days straight and I accepted the challenge. It was during my devotional time in January that I gave my life to Jesus.
Since making a decision to put my faith in Jesus, my life has been way better, I now have more peace and know that the Lord is with me.
I want to take the next step and be obedient to what Christ calls me to do and that's why I'm choosing to be baptized.
MACIE VANDERPLOEG - Age 14, Redwood Campus
Before accepting Jesus as my Savior, I struggled with not trusting God. I was not following the way God would want me to. I struggled with self-harm and trying to do it on my own and was not trusting in God and leaning on Him like I should have. I would describe the circumstances leading up to the moment I decided to put my faith in Jesus by…
I experienced God's love when I was struggling with mental health and I wanted to give up and was really contemplating suicide. I finally knew then I needed to reach out to God and call on Him to help me and realized He was my way of getting through all the rough times. I struggled with believing for a long time because when I was little my dad was in and out of my life and he would promise to be there for me then never show and he really hurt me. He would come and go when it was convenient for him, to telling me he never wanted me. As a kid I really struggled with it and couldn't understand but once I trusted in God, I knew it wasn’t my fault and it’s him who is struggling with himself. It just really made me lean on God more for guidance.
Since making my decision to put my faith in Jesus, my life have been a lot less stressful. I’ve been able to handle life a lot better. I don’t try and do it on my own anymore and know I can go to God and He will help me through.
Being baptized means I am fully trusting in God and giving Him all of me and being a disciple of Him.
ADDILYN VENARD - Age 7, Redwood Campus
I was in the hot tub with my mommy, daddy, and my brother and we were talking about church. I surprised my parents by telling them I wanted to be “bapmetized”. When asked why, I explained to them I wanted to honor Jesus. That's why I'm being baptized - because I want to honor Jesus and I have accepted Him in my heart as my Savior.
LUCAS WANROOY - Age 26, Ebenezer Campus
I grew up with a faith in Jesus, but fell out of faith around 2020. I got involved with drugs and alcohol to numb my emotions. I am trying currently to reestablish the faith that I used to have and am making steps to do so.
I first gave my life to Christ as a kid and grew up a believer at Rush Creek Bible Church in Byron Center. I went to a Christian College and struggled while I was there, getting involved with marijuana and alcohol in my freshman and sophomore years before dropping out, and drifting from God over the course of a couple of years. By 2026, I was proclaiming that I don't believe anymore and summed up the Bible to mythology. I had been struggling with money and time management, and my only close friend and roommate was getting involved with harder drugs and heavier drinking. He ended up getting arrested for a domestic assault that he committed in my house in April, and I distanced myself from him quickly but was ready to give up entirely. I got a call from my mom in May that likely saved my life, and I knew I had to make some changes. I got evicted in June, and in July I came to Gateway Mission in Holland, and since then I have finally felt the faith that I used to have returning.
I have felt joy and hope again for the first time in a long time. My family has been supportive of me wanting to make changes, and I feel the Holy Spirit pulling me in. It has been refreshing to have faith again, and I hope that this change lasts.
I am being baptized as a recommitment to faith.
Before accepting Christ, I was unsure of life. I felt lost. I know the difference between right and wrong, but needed God to strengthen me. I decided a while ago that I wanted to make Him my Savior, but needed to do my own search. I started to feel Jesus' presence and knew I needed Him every day. Without Him, I feel lost. Since making a decision to put my faith in Jesus, I feel more peace. As a teenager the world is confusing and feels big and small at the same time. I cannot progress in this life without grace and peace.
I am choosing baptism as a bond and promise that I make to Him and want to honor publicly that Jesus is my Lord.
BRIANNA BEDOLLA - Age 29, Redwood Campus
I grew up off and on attending church, mostly for major holidays or events. The whole concept has always felt like something I’ve believed in but it was something I was never educated enough in to talk about. Although I would pray and have conversations with God, I never felt a close relationship.
I am currently engaged and getting married (8/19). My fiancé Ryan has brought me much closer to God and helped me get a better understanding of Christianity as a whole. I was not raised in a household that had strong religious values so it’s helpful to be with someone who can push me to be closer and help me along the way. We are both taking this leap to get baptized together before we get married and make God the center of our marriage.
Before accepting Jesus my life felt very heavy and anxious like I was carrying everything on my own. Now putting my faith in Jesus and knowing I am not alone in any struggle, there is comfort.
Although I was baptized as a child, I’m choosing to take the step as an adult to dedicate my life to Jesus and have a holy marriage as well.
TYLER BOEVE - Age 25, Ebenezer Campus
Before accepting Christ, I was in a bit of a dark place with my anger and I didn't really treat my parents with respect. I hung out with some people I shouldn't. I was drinking and smoked a couple times which doesn't help.
I decided to put my faith in Jesus more when my dad got diagnosed with cancer. I was struggling to accept for a long time that he may not be on Earth anymore but in eternal Heaven. One Sunday morning, I was shoveling at Ebenezer and Steve Paige asked if I want to go to Bible study. Since then, I feel better about my faith. I'm reading and learning stuff I have never before, but I still have many regrets.
Since trusting Jesus, my life has been calmer and I feel more motivated. I moved out into my sisters to get away a little from what was going on at my parents with dad's cancer and felt like there was a lot of pressure going on. I've changed alot over the last few months since I moved and am choosing to be baptized to grow my faith.
KEANNA BROWN - Age 21, Redwood Campus
Before accepting Jesus as my Savior, my life was very hard. I didn’t understand what was going on in my life at all until I went to church one day and I was woken up by God! My life has changed so much over the past couple months and I believe it was because of Jesus.
I am being baptized as I'm ready to give my life to God!
QUINN COMPAGNER - Age 10, Redwood Campus
I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was in 4th grade. I was at GEMs at my Grandma’s church and I understood he died for us. Since following Jesus, I became nicer and my relationship with Him means a lot, like a lot to me. It makes me feel closer to him and feel more loved.
I am being baptized because I love Jesus and he washed my sins away. I want to feel closer to God and want to share that I believe Jesus is my savior. I have faith and I believe and am ready to be baptized again, the last time I was a little baby. I’m ready to feel even closer to him than before.
SHANNON CONEY-Age 45, Redwood Campus
Before accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I lived a life of solitude, traveling and working for my own fame and glory. As much as I thought I was winning, everything else that was really important was crumbling around me. This caused divorce, anger, anxiety, and the lack of love and trust in people grew daily. I followed the worldly path for worldly reasons, losing touch with the way that I was raised. My faith drifted so far away it felt almost unreachable. I surrounded myself with the wrong people constantly.
On April 19th, 2024, after getting home from work around 3:30pm (at the lowest point in my life). I felt The Holy Spirit push me to my knees in my living room and tell me to pray (which I hadn't done in +10 years). In tears, I asked Him to save me. From myself. From my emotions. From addiction to chewing tobacco. I asked Him to forgive me of all my sin, literally everything that was wrong with me. I committed my life to Him in that prayer. I lost track of time and place, but after a while I felt a warmth rush through me from head to toe. I heard, "Now, get up!" I didn't realize that I was flat on my back or how long I was there, but I felt completely different. He buried the old me that day! He took it all away from me, the pain, the hate, the anger, the anxiety, and the addiction was gone too! It was all gone and replaced with joy and an unexplainable fullness. I actually felt loved.
Since putting my faith in Jesus, I no longer worry about the worldly things that I used to, I let Him handle it. He's constantly bringing new and amazing people into my life. He's shown me the power of prayer. My career has become so much easier and enjoyable. I wake up every day filled with joy and gratefulness with a charitable heart. He's given me the gift of discernment and that is really weird, but amazing at the same time. He has created healthier friendships for me. He's brought my family closer together. He's molding me into a soldier for Him. He's giving me the ability to talk to people again. He's shown me that we are stronger together. There is so much more...
I am choosing to be baptized because Jesus asked us to. It's an outward expression of my faith (I owe Him that at the very least). I was born again and made new on April 19, 2024.
JAN EARLE - Age 70, Redwood Campus
I grew up in the church and raised my child in the church but have not attended on a regular basis as an older adult. I was feeling empty and knew I needed the Lord back in my life.
Family issues and being a nurse are two of the things that have brought me to the point of placing my faith in Jesus. I saw God at work in these areas and knew he was calling me back. I now feel more at peace and am being baptized because I feel God calling me to do this.
RYAN HAVERDINK - Age 30, Redwood Campus
Before accepting Christ into my life, I struggled to find my purpose. I made choices that pulled me away from God and wasn’t becoming the man He created me to be. But when I surrendered my life to Jesus, He gave me purpose, direction, and a desire to live differently. I’m still growing, but through His grace, I am becoming a better husband, father, and follower of Christ.
I grew up in church, but during my teenage years and early adulthood, I drifted away from God. Through difficult circumstances, bad choices, and the wrong influences, I found myself far from where God wanted me to be. Looking back, I can see God’s protection over my life, even when I wasn’t fully following Him.
Becoming a father and meeting my fiancée changed my heart and gave me a desire to become a better man and a better example of Christ. After praying for a new job opportunity, God opened a door, but that season brought challenges and eventually led to me losing that job. What felt like a setback became a turning point. I realized I needed to stop relying on myself and fully surrender my life to God.
Since then, God has been faithful. He has provided for my family, opened doors, and drawn me closer to Him. My desire is no longer just to receive His blessings, but to follow Him and allow Him to lead every area of my life.
I know I am not perfect, but I trust that God will continue to guide me. I want to be baptized as a public declaration of my faith in Jesus and my commitment to follow Him wherever He leads.
MICHAEL HENRY - Age 48, Ebenezer Campus
I have spent a big part of my life on drugs and alcohol. I've never been a bad man, but I spent most of my life just kinda... lost. I knew of Jesus as a young kid and I believe he's always loved me. I'm a lil' nervous saying this but... I believe Jesus is calling me! He's not messing around, and in my heart, I know he wants me to be baptized! And if can't explain how I feel about Ebenezer, it's pretty special to me. I've only been to 2 Sunday services and Jesus has filled my heart to a level that blows my mind!!
About a year ago, I fell off the wagon, was sober for a good year before I used drugs again. But last year I got high and I stayed high for over a week straight feeling completely lost in life. Things started happening to me that were NO DOUBT JESUS!!!! I don't understand a lot of what has been happening to me over the last year, but it's very clear to me today that JESUS IS CALLING ME!!
Since making a decision to put my faith in Jesus, I am full of love and a great need to be as close as I can to Jesus. I just believe without a doubt that Jesus is calling on me EVERYDAY since last year. Even before last year, even when I wasn't sober, he was with me and has been seriously trying to get me where I am right now!!
As I write this, I know Jesus has a BIG PLAN FOR ME !! AN IM READY NOW TO DO WHATEVER IT IS THAT HE IS LEADING TO!! I am choosing baptism because I believe this is where my true life will start!!
CARRIE HINKEN - Age 25, Redwood Campus
My spiritual journey started when I went up north with my father and grandfather. It was such a special time with them and in nature. On the ride home, I saw the most spectacular rainbow in the sky. Two months later, I read the story of the flood and the rainbow as a sign of God’s covenant, and the pieces fell together.
On my 24th birthday, my mom gifted me a Bible. I have read it almost everyday since and my relationship with God has changed my life in ways I never would have imagined. I found value in myself and clarity in life because He loves me and will not forsake me.
Since making a decision to put my faith in Jesus, I still struggle, just in new ways. It’s hard to see the evil in the world, but for the first time in my life, I view the world with clarity and understanding. I finally found belonging in Him and He has given me a future that will bring me closer to Him and His beautiful creation of this earth.
I am choosing to be baptized to wash away who I once was. I have not been that person for quite some time now, but it will mean so much to me to be cleansed and fully become new in Him as I make this declaration of faith.
JEAN HINKEN - Age 81, Redwood Campus
I've always been a Christian, there wasn't a life changing moment I can remember, but I've been growing in my faith. I want to do this as a recommitment to my faith in Jesus.
KIMBERLY HINKEN - Age 50 , Redwood Campus
Jesus is my savior and I want to be baptized.
RYAN HUIZENGA - Age 26, Ebenezer Campus
Before accepting Christ, I had been struggling with alcohol, nicotine, and porn. It was the rock bottom that led me to accepting Jesus. My wife said that she regretted marrying me; my habits were eating away at our marriage. I looked at myself and realized that I am not strong enough and need the Lord's help to redeem me.
Since placing my faith in Jesus, I have felt His presence with me, pushing me to have faith in His plan and to keep reading His word every day. Things with my wife are still rocky but I am working every day to be the godly husband she deserves and working to love her as Jesus loved the church.
I am choosing baptism because of my faith, love and trust in Jesus.
COLBIE KENEMER - Age 11, Grace Campus
I have always known Jesus. However, I feel like I didn't really understand a lot of God or Jesus comparing to now. I also don't think I was as grateful or thankful as I am now.
I have always felt the love of Jesus, but there has been some stronger moments of feeling His love in my life. I also feel that my faith has been getting stronger and stronger the more I learn about God.
A couple of my friends got baptized and I was curious about it, but not certain it was something I was ready to do. But this past Easter, I felt the Holy Spirt work inside of me and that's when I fully knew I wanted to be purified publicly. Now that I've made this choice, I feel the Holy Spirt in my life more and I have more knowledge of the things God has done and is doing in my life. In my opinion, I also have been making better decisions and have been a better person.
JOSHUA KONING - Age 9, Redwood Campus
I accepted Jesus as my Savior during Sunday School and at camp Geneva. I wanted to be forgiven of all of my sins and ask God to help me in my life. I have always believed in Jesus and gone to church, but now I want to help friends know Jesus. My relationship with Jesus is stronger when I read the Bible. It makes me happy and feel good. It means that I am praying that God helps me with the hard things in my days and being kind to everyone.
I want to be baptized because I want to have a new life. I want to teach people about Jesus.
MADILYN KONING - Age 10, Redwood Campus
I trusted Jesus as my Savior a few months ago. I want to obey Him and know in my heart he is real. I was on my own in my room. Since I accepted Him as my Savior, I have changed how I love people, by helping and praying for them. My relationship with Him means that I know I will sin, but can ask for forgiveness and ask God to help me be the person he wants me to be.
I know being baptized is the right decision for me and I want to go to heaven when I die.
BRITTANY KUSHION - Age 31, Ebenezer Campus
I have a lifelong story with Jesus. I was raised to believe in Him, but for many years I wasn’t truly living for Him. I was baptized in 2018, but my faith was still mixed with worldly choices, including partying, alcohol, and unhealthy relationships. I began seeking God again, and after being baptized, I prayed for Him to bring the right person into my life. A week later, I met my husband.
For a season, I followed God closely, but after starting a new job, I slowly drifted away and allowed worldly things to take His place. The moment I truly experienced God’s love was when my first child was born. As I looked at my daughter and felt the love I had for her, I felt God remind me, “Imagine how much I love you.” That moment changed everything. I knew I needed to fully surrender my life to Jesus.
Through a childhood friend, God led me to Family Church, and I am so grateful for the community and growth I have found here. Since choosing to follow Jesus, life hasn’t been easier, but it has been more peaceful. I have learned to trust God’s plan, His timing, and His faithfulness.
I am choosing to be baptized as a rededication of my life to Jesus, to continue growing in my relationship with Him, and to set an example of faith for my children. I am also thankful to share this moment by being baptized alongside my husband.
REGINALD KUSHION- Age 31, Ebenezer Campus
I was raised in church and have always been a believer and chose a religious based college. I grew up catholic and always figured church was something I had to do but didn’t know why. I always knew God played a role in my life but didn’t know how. I struggled finding a church after college and have struggled with following rules of Catholicism and learning what a relationship was. I’ve also struggled with whether I continue to practice Catholicism or venture out.
In high school after football season had ended, I prayed hard to continue playing football and I ended up receiving a letter in the mail with an offer to play in college, it was the first time I had ever experienced an answered prayer.
Since making a decision to put my faith in Jesus, life feels more meaningful. I feel a deeper responsibility to raise my children in the church with biblical values. I am being baptized to further my relationship with God.
ALYSSA LAND - Age 12, Redwood Campus
Before accepting Christ, I would lie and manipulate my parents to start fighting. I would also lie about my grandparents and have my parents fight with them too. I would make everyone fight and made up lies so they would fight.
I would describe the circumstances leading up to the moment I decided to put my faith in Jesus by…
I first experienced the love of Jesus when I went to church the first time, I started believing in Him. And being more involved with Jesus, and church.
Since making a decision to put my faith in Jesus, my life has been better since I put Jesus Christ first. I sometimes lie and manipulate, but not as often as I used to.
I am choosing baptism because I want to give my life to Jesus.
TERRY LECHENET - AGE 60, Redwood Campus
Before accepting Christ, life was empty. Something was missing. There was a lack of understanding the Bible. I was searching for a purpose... who? What? Why? I found Jesus through a spiritual friend who is a prophet in her own way. Since making a decision to put my faith in Jesus, I take time to pray and think about things differently.
As a couple, my wife and I are being baptized because we want to follow Christ together as a couple and be more godly and follow His direction for us.
TAYLOR PARKOS - Age 24, Redwood Campus
Before truly accepting Christ, my life was filled with hurt, confusion, and challenges that shaped who I am today. I experienced difficult seasons growing up, including family struggles, trauma, unhealthy relationships, and times when I felt lost and hopeless. Although I was baptized when I was younger, I didn’t truly understand my faith or who God was. Looking back, I can see that God was with me through every hardship, protecting and guiding me even when I didn’t realize it.
For a long time, my faith felt more like something I was supposed to do rather than a personal relationship with God. After moving to a new state and experiencing a fresh start, I began to truly understand God’s love, grace, and presence in my life. I realized He had never left me, even in my hardest moments.
Since choosing to follow Jesus, my life hasn’t become perfect, but it has become more peaceful, hopeful, and purposeful. I have learned that I don’t have to carry everything on my own, and God is helping me heal, grow, and see my worth through Him.
I’m choosing to be baptized as a public declaration of my faith in Jesus and my commitment to continue growing in my relationship with Him. This is my fresh start and my choice to follow Him with a full heart.
MIKE PHILLIPS - Age 36, Redwood Campus
I grew up in a Christian home and have known about God my entire life. My first experience of Jesus‘ love was as a kid as my parents portrayed that to me and those around them. I’ve been blessed to have extended family members who also love and follow Jesus.
I first decided to put my faith in God in early grade school. I remember watching a Sunday school video that gave a prayer for those who were interested in asking God into their heart, and I prayed that prayer. I made profession of faith that Jesus was my Lord and Savior around the time of fifth grade.
As an adult and becoming a dad, my faith has grown. Following Jesus has been the best thing I’ve ever done, and I pray that my children come to know him too.
I was baptized as an infant and now would love to do so as an adult to publicly proclaim my love for the Lord and set an example for my children.
LINCOLN PIERCE - Age 10, Redwood Campus
I asked Jesus to be my Savior during church. I was with my mom, siblings, and nana at the Grace campus. I made Jesus the center of my life and He helps me get through bad days. Jesus is important in my life and it means I’m protected by Jesus and I’m not alone. I am choosing to be baptized to have a forever relationship with Jesus.
THEO RIOS - Age 10, Redwood Campus
I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior when I was 8 years old. I made this decision because I came to the realization that I need to be forgiven for my sins and Jesus is the only one who can do that. I was with my siblings at my Grandma’s house when I made this decision. I have changed by becoming a more patient person when speaking with others, I have more self control over my actions, and by being more obedient to my parents and respecting them. My relationship with Jesus means I know I have a Savior who will protect me and that I’m not alone. I feel like I understand myself better and can build stronger relationships because of that.
I’m choosing to be baptized because I am ready to publicly declare to others my faith in Jesus.
JOSE SALGADO -Age 44, Redwood Campus
Before accepting Christ, my life was always full of problems because of bad choices and alcohol.
I felt it when I hit rock bottom is when I accepted Jesus as my Savior. In a cell. Alcohol took so much from my life. But I felt God with me the whole time.
Since making a decision to put my faith in Jesus, my life has been blessed. Amazing partner for 3 years now. I can see my kids again. Have a good relationship with my family. I feel healthy. I am choosing to be baptized because I want good in my life.
LUKE SCHOLTEN - Age 12, Redwood Campus
Before accepting Christ, my life was uncontrolled. I was more angry and not at peace.
I would describe the circumstances leading up to the moment I decided to put my faith in Jesus by…
My teacher challenged me to read devotions for 33 days straight and I accepted the challenge. It was during my devotional time in January that I gave my life to Jesus.
Since making a decision to put my faith in Jesus, my life has been way better, I now have more peace and know that the Lord is with me.
I want to take the next step and be obedient to what Christ calls me to do and that's why I'm choosing to be baptized.
MACIE VANDERPLOEG - Age 14, Redwood Campus
Before accepting Jesus as my Savior, I struggled with not trusting God. I was not following the way God would want me to. I struggled with self-harm and trying to do it on my own and was not trusting in God and leaning on Him like I should have. I would describe the circumstances leading up to the moment I decided to put my faith in Jesus by…
I experienced God's love when I was struggling with mental health and I wanted to give up and was really contemplating suicide. I finally knew then I needed to reach out to God and call on Him to help me and realized He was my way of getting through all the rough times. I struggled with believing for a long time because when I was little my dad was in and out of my life and he would promise to be there for me then never show and he really hurt me. He would come and go when it was convenient for him, to telling me he never wanted me. As a kid I really struggled with it and couldn't understand but once I trusted in God, I knew it wasn’t my fault and it’s him who is struggling with himself. It just really made me lean on God more for guidance.
Since making my decision to put my faith in Jesus, my life have been a lot less stressful. I’ve been able to handle life a lot better. I don’t try and do it on my own anymore and know I can go to God and He will help me through.
Being baptized means I am fully trusting in God and giving Him all of me and being a disciple of Him.
ADDILYN VENARD - Age 7, Redwood Campus
I was in the hot tub with my mommy, daddy, and my brother and we were talking about church. I surprised my parents by telling them I wanted to be “bapmetized”. When asked why, I explained to them I wanted to honor Jesus. That's why I'm being baptized - because I want to honor Jesus and I have accepted Him in my heart as my Savior.
LUCAS WANROOY - Age 26, Ebenezer Campus
I grew up with a faith in Jesus, but fell out of faith around 2020. I got involved with drugs and alcohol to numb my emotions. I am trying currently to reestablish the faith that I used to have and am making steps to do so.
I first gave my life to Christ as a kid and grew up a believer at Rush Creek Bible Church in Byron Center. I went to a Christian College and struggled while I was there, getting involved with marijuana and alcohol in my freshman and sophomore years before dropping out, and drifting from God over the course of a couple of years. By 2026, I was proclaiming that I don't believe anymore and summed up the Bible to mythology. I had been struggling with money and time management, and my only close friend and roommate was getting involved with harder drugs and heavier drinking. He ended up getting arrested for a domestic assault that he committed in my house in April, and I distanced myself from him quickly but was ready to give up entirely. I got a call from my mom in May that likely saved my life, and I knew I had to make some changes. I got evicted in June, and in July I came to Gateway Mission in Holland, and since then I have finally felt the faith that I used to have returning.
I have felt joy and hope again for the first time in a long time. My family has been supportive of me wanting to make changes, and I feel the Holy Spirit pulling me in. It has been refreshing to have faith again, and I hope that this change lasts.
I am being baptized as a recommitment to faith.