We began our 2024/2025 year with a splash—literally! On Sunday, August 25, we offered spontaneous baptisms: no registrations, no classes, just an invitation to make a public, Spirit-led declaration of faith. We celebrated with 76 men, women, and children who chose to be made new in Christ.

Connections Director Gwen Kelley recalls one story: “A young woman with severe back pain had been watching online. She saw the invitation and felt prompted to come in person despite her pain. She arrived, laid on a couch in the Hub until the service began, then was among the first to be baptized. It was amazing to see how God used technology to reach her, and how she responded in obedience.”

Nick F. shared his own experience: “After Pastor Alan gave an incredible sermon about the Holy Spirit, he invited anyone who wanted to be baptized to come up to the stage. Despite this amazing opportunity, I hesitated. At the 10 a.m. service, I watched as one-by-one, Christ-followers stepped forward to be baptized and renewed in the Spirit. It was inspiring – so many people were openly embracing the Holy Spirit.

When service ended, I immediately regretted not participating. Although I had been baptized as a baby in the Catholic Church, I felt that this was something I needed to do. The more I thought about it, the more certain I became. I told my wife, Ria, and she happily agreed to stay for the next service. The baptism experience itself was amazing. As I came out of the water, I truly felt spiritually renewed, like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. Just as a shower washes away dirt from the body, this baptism felt like a cleansing of my soul.”