9/2/2025

Recently, in a lake baptism, Journey experienced a wonderfully meaningful celebration of changed lives.  Here are additional life-change stories that were shared . . .

My Story

Before I trusted Christ were the worst years of my life.  I was just focused on myself.  I had a lot of early trauma and that was affecting who I was in a negative way.

I decided to follow Jesus when I learned what he did for me and others.  He provided me with community and a safe place.  He made me realize that some of the things that I was doing were not good for me and others.  It made me realize I was not being a good person, that I was being hateful.  He opened my eyes to others.  He made me not so selfish.  He made me realize that I am not alone in this world, that other people are there to help.  I realized his ideals would help me and that others would help me to get to know him.

Since deciding to trust in Jesus, I have been trying to improve myself to look more like Jesus.  I now see what he has done for me and my family, and I want to point people to what Jesus can do for them as well.  As a result of what he has done, I feel more joyful.

My Story

Before I trusted Christ, in hindsight I can tell how avoidant I was being.  For years I refused to confront the most important question anyone could ask:  Is there a God and does He have a plan for me?

I suffered from a lot of anxiety.  I was truly aimless.  I found “solace” in the fact that my suffering was temporary, and it didn’t really matter.

I decided to trust Jesus alone as Lord of my life in March 2025.  It was like God forced me to confront His existence.  Billboards, YouTube, my grandfather’s funeral.  I could no longer avoid it.  My very first time going to Journey, Pastor Michael called people to pray and to accept Jesus as their Savior.  I prayed.  I accepted Jesus as Lord of my life.

Since deciding to trust in Jesus, I’ve been challenged and convicted.  I’ve been welcomed into a loving church.  I’ve experienced so much joy serving at the Rescue Mission and behind the scenes.  Following Jesus has filled be with gratefulness for His sacrifice, for every answered prayer, for the church.  Jesus has provided so much.  It fills me with such a longing to follow him.

-Michael