Woodmen Valley Chapel

Real People, Real Stories

Laurie M. Santistevan (Rockrimmon)
I have always believed in God and that Jesus will one day come to save us and take us home. I grew up in the Catholic church, but the “routine” of going to church each Sunday made me realize that I needed more. Many times I chose not to go on the right path of Jesus. I tried every way I could to control my own life. About 17 years ago, some friends in California began teaching me more about the Bible and how important it was to be a Christian. They even gave me my first Bible and signed it. I have been through many ups and downs in my life and though I tended to steer away from God, I always managed to come back by listening to my heart. In 2003, I chose to follow Jesus. Since then, I have experienced many more ups and downs, but Jesus always finds ways to help me to see Him. I wish to be baptized because it is time for me to truly show others how passionate I am for Him. He is everything to me and to my children, and I want my life to stay on His path. I vow to follow Him through good and bad times. I love Him.

Conner Sargent (Woodmen Heights)
Ever since I was little, it was my first dream to be baptized. Being baptized lets everybody know that you follow Christ. Going under and coming out of the water is like when Christ sacrificed Himself and rose up from the dead. It shows that you are changed into a follower of Christ. My life was horrible before, because I did not know Jesus. Now I am excited to tell everyone I meet that I am a new man in Jesus. Nothing is bigger than God, so I do not have to be afraid because the Spirit will always be with me.

Casey Simco (Woodmen Heights)
My life before Jesus just wasn’t complete. Jesus came into my life when I turned eighteen. I never went to church as a child but I always wanted to go. Jesus has made a great impact on me and I feel for the first time I am doing what Jesus wants me to do with my life. I wish to be baptized because I want to walk with Jesus forever.

Scott Thompson (Rockrimmon)
Though I was brought up with the knowledge of Christ, as all of my family was active in the church, I did not accept Jesus into my heart until ten years ago. After my parents were divorced I made terrible choices, getting into alcohol and drugs, which culminated in a very hard divorce of my own. Being a single dad with two small children, I finally asked Jesus into my life and put everything into His hands. The Lord has pulled me away from the alcohol and drugs, stabilized my life and filled my heart with a calm and peace I needed so badly. I know for the rest of my days I will follow the Lord Jesus and trust Him to guide my life for my betterment and His glory. I want to finally be baptized to declare my faith in Him and show people that His gentle hand will guide them so capably. Praise Him!

Nancy Tyler (Rockrimmon)
Before Christ in my life I was searching for something more. I was in high school. I knew there was more to God than I had. I heard our Methodist minister say we needed to accept Christ, but he didn't really say how. I prayed many times, not knowing I only had to once. Finally, I was brought to the point of needing clarity in my life. I wanted the truth. I wanted a closer relationship with God. The road has been high and low since high school (1978). I have grown immeasurably as of late. God is consistently refining me through brokenness, trials, and joys. He is my closest friend, ever present. He loves me without restrictions and conditions. I am secure now and in the future. I chose to seek baptism now after hearing Matt say, "It is time." I heard God say, "Yes, Nancy, it is." I have not pursued baptism until now because, frankly, I did not want that kind of attention. But, God is clearly calling and I am clearly needing to follow through on it now. Obedience. I am at a new place in my journey with Him. It is time to be outwardly marked.

Bob Woshner (Rockrimmon)
I was born into a Catholic family and don’t believe I really had a life before Jesus. He has pretty much been in my life for as long as I can remember but since leaving the Catholic Church and exploring my faith more deeply, I have come to know our Lord in a much deeper and personal way. I almost took for granted what Jesus did for me when He died on the cross for my sins. I have since grown to appreciate just exactly what He did and to treasure both this act and His unwavering love for me. I wish to be baptized to show the Lord how much I appreciate what He did and to rededicate my life to Him.

Lori Woshner (Rockrimmon)
I lived my life before Jesus as a young party girl, living for the weekend. I came to know Christ as my Savior in my early thirties with the birth of my first child. I had always believed in God but did not truly see Him before. I’ve done life with Him and without Him and I can not imagine life without Him ever again! Jesus was baptized and I desire to be obedient and be baptized, making my declaration public.