The Gospel In Me: December 20, 2015

Before every baptism we have the privilege to hear stories of how God has saved people in our church and community through the gospel. In order to encourage one another, we will be posting these “gospel stories” after each baptism!
Abby Francis (8th Grade)
My name is Abby Francis, and I’m thirteen years old. I was born in Virginia. I grew up in my Grandpa’s church, where he was the pastor. When I was five years old, I had a lot of questions about who Jesus was, and what the cross meant and stood for. I asked my mom some questions about what believing in Jesus meant. I opened the Bible, and we talked about what it meant to be a Christian. She explained that the cross is where Jesus’ love was poured out for me. That His blood was shed for me on the cross, and that if I confessed my sins and asked Him to be the King of my heart I would be eternally saved. I told her that I was ready, and wanted to make the decision now. So in February 2006, that night I prayed and it changed my life forever. My mom prayed with me and even took pictures right after I prayed to accept Christ. I was so excited, that I called all of my family members! I remember the joy I had after receiving Christ, and I still have that same excitement, and I always will! The cross has and is a place of peace and rest for my soul. Because of it, I can go to God whenever I need, for anything. It’s changed my life, and my outlook toward things.
Even though I got saved when I was young, I still changed. Before, I had only wanted to do things to please my parents and after, I wanted to do things to please God. My mom told me that afterwards, I had a better behavior and attitude about things. Instead of complaining when I had to do chores or work, I could praise God for making me healthy, and giving me arms and legs to use.
Since that day I have gotten more involved with church events. I also started regularly doing my devotions. I desire to please God, and do things for Him. Even though I’m not perfect, I love God and strive to please Him every day.
As I grow in my Christian walk, God has shown me He is always there for me. We’ve moved around a lot for my dad’s job. I’ve been to six different schools. This wasn’t easy at all, but it’s caused me to trust in Him more, and use my faith especially being in a public school.
It was a huge encouragement when my family moved to LaGrange in February. I had never had Christian friends at church that go to my school; that was a first! I love knowing that they’re praying for me, and encouraging me in my walk with Christ. LaGrange Missions was an amazing opportunity to be able to participate in and get to know people from my church. I loved being at camp with so many other Christians my age.
Another part of growing in my walk is that I’ve had to rely on God, especially through my mom being diagnosed with a severe disease years ago that affects her. As a result, she spends a lot of time in the hospital, gets IVs weekly, and does frequent chemo therapy. It has been hard on our whole family to see her sick, and know that her disease will keep progressing. I’ve had to learn to set myself aside and help serve my family.
I am so grateful to know Christ and have the opportunity to walk with Him. I know that being a Christian isn’t the easiest road, and that I’ll have to encounter trials in my life, but I know that He will never leave my side and will be with me along the way.
One of my favorite verses comes form Isaiah 42:2-3, “When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched. Nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior!”
 
Destiney Parker (10th Grade)
Before I became a Christian, I only focused on myself. I didn’t pay attention to the people around me. I wanted to look and be perfect. But this summer, Christ showed me that, one, following Him costs us everything, but we get everything in Him, and, two, if we are in Christ, we are complete in Christ, and, three, proclaiming Jesus is not a resource problem, it’s a priority problem. At camp this summer, the pastor, Rob Turner, had a huge impact on me. He showed me through verses and sermons that I’m not the only one on this Earth; it’s not all about me. God, through Pastor Turner, showed me how much my words and actions can hurt people.
On July 15, Christ saved me. He made me realize I need to strive to be like Him and treat others with the same love and compassion He has for me. Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This verse showed me how much I needed Christ. I am ready to fully become a daughter of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.