Woodmen Valley Chapel

Real People, Real Stories

Stephanie Bailey (Rockrimmon)
I sought out information on Christianity for most of my life, but did not ask Jesus into my heart until 7th grade, with my next-door neighbor, Jerri Lee, who witnessed to me. Within the last year I have found an even greater relationship with God and have come to think of Him as my umbrella - He doesn’t stop the rainy days from coming, but having Him makes all the difference. My hope in baptism is to grow closer to the Lord and provide a testimony for those around me and those I love.

Linda Ball (Woodmen Heights)
I grew up in the Lutheran church and always believed in Jesus. I was baptized as an infant and confirmed at the age of twelve according to church tradition. In the early 90’s, by God’s grace, I began listening to Christian radio. It was a major influence in turning me on to scripture and bringing Jesus to life in me in a real and personal way. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. By faith I believe Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior – through Him I have eternal life. As in 1 Cor. 15:3: For what I have received I pass on as of first importance (the gospel) – that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the scriptures and that He appeared to many. I want to publicly acknowledge Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior through water baptism. My Redeemer lives.

Brooke Barnes (Woodmen Heights)
My life before Jesus was sporadic. I didn’t know how to turn to Him when things went down. I didn’t always pray and believe but instead took other roads. Coming back home to a boyfriend who truly is a follower and having kids so curious about God brought me to believe that He is the answer. Just praying and having faith brings joy to my heart and an indescribable hope, letting me know that everything will be okay. I wish to be baptized so I can be an obedient follower and a role model for my believing kids (my ultimate wish).

Eric Beers (Rockrimmon)
I was baptized when I was 11 years old. I grew up with loving Christian parents, went to a Christian school and to church, and I think I chose to be baptized because my brother and friends were “doing it.” Since that time, I have made decisions I am not proud of, but I have always felt Jesus’ love, forgiveness and acceptance pulling me back into a relationship with Him. I am now looking for a complete baptism of the Holy Spirit and not just the physical act of baptism. I want to be baptized because I am ready to surrender completely to Jesus, be filled with the Holy Spirit and let Him use me as He sees fit.

James Brown (Rockrimmon)
I’ve grown up in a Christian home and always had the presence of Christ surrounding me. Even though my entire family had been baptized, I never saw it as a necessity. Through the teachings of Woodmen Valley Chapel, I learned that baptism was much more than a choice and some water. Because I am a committed Christian, I take any command from God seriously and know that baptism is the next step in my spiritual growth in the body of Christ.

Dave Corely (Woodmen Heights)
My life before Christ was not one that I was proud of. I was self-centered and sinful. Jesus came into my life through Promise Keepers (Oakland, CA) and a near simultaneous family weekend through our church. Jesus has made me aware of the highs and lows of my life and He has convicted me that life with Him after death is the most important goal in life. I wish to be baptized because I want to be right with the Lord before my time to leave is upon me. This baptism is my personal testimony and declaration that I want to follow Jesus.

Naomi Corley (Woodmen Heights)
I was baptized as an infant and attended Catholic schools. I loved Jesus but I did not know Him until Billy Graham shared about Jesus’ intimate love for me. That was twenty-two years ago. As an artist I’ve used music, dance and drama to express my love for Him. I’ve wanted “the mark” for some time. I’m grateful to Pastor Matt for giving “the call.” My life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6.

George Cummings (Rockrimmon)
For most of my life I have, in one way or another, been associated with the Christian church; however, I never felt personally connected until last year. My wife had been attending church with her friends and they invited me to attend a Father’s Day service. I said “Yes,” went to church and Jesus touched me – not just spiritually, but also physically - and I have not been the same since that day. It has been wonderful, not just for me but for my entire family. We attend church weekly and are involved in different ministries, which gives me a purpose that had been missing for so many years. I have felt the need to be baptized since last Father’s Day and I believe Jesus called me two weeks ago when I saw Matt standing in the water. Jesus also called my wife to be baptized and we will walk this journey together.

Michele Cummings (Rockrimmon)
My life before Jesus was empty, unhappy and without a purpose. When I accepted Jesus as my Savior, He became my Father who loved me unconditionally. The difference Jesus has made in my life is that He has given me hope, happiness and a future of doing His will. I want to seek His word and His presence in this world. I want others to see His glory in me. I wish to be baptized as a symbol of the new life I have in Jesus. I also hope it will be a testament to bring others to Christ.

Guy Desrochers (Woodmen Heights)
I was baptized at seven days old. It was not my decision but I lived in a Christian household, going to church until I was fourteen years old. When I was given a choice I quit going. Thirty years later my wife found the Lord and I was led back to Christ. I have been learning all over again why God never went away and waited for us to see Him again. All along He protected me and gave me a wonderful wife and a lovely daughter. Jesus has lightened my burden and made me see once again that He is the way to heaven. I wish to be baptized again because I need to make a commitment to Jesus in front of the community. Christ is important in my life and it is time for me to let Him know that my life belongs to Him. This time it is my choice.

Shirley Desrochers (Woodmen Heights)
Trauma in my life has led me away from Christ. Dealing with my trauma has led me back to Christ. I have come to realize that I can’t heal my heart without Him. With recent events that have happened, I have realized that I need to put my full trust into Christ and I am ready to do that. This is my way of showing my trust and love for Him to help me along my journey.

Danny Diekman (Woodmen Heights)
I am a biker and was lost at a young age – used drugs and alcohol and had a violent life. In 1993 I heard Carmen in concert and was saved. Jesus changed me and took all that junk out of my life but then I stepped away from Him. I have come back because of a death in my life and have asked Him back into my life through this church. I want to be baptized because the Spirit pulled on me as Matt was teaching us and I knew I had to do this.