Renewed Hearts and Transformed Lives: Riv Baptism Stories

[intro]At Riv, we believe baptisms are an important step for Christ-followers to show their faith in and commitment to Jesus. For many people, baptisms are also about telling the story of Christ’s transforming power in their own lives.

On July 19, a number of people got baptized at Valhalla park. These are just a few of their stories.[/intro]

Jennifer Griese’s Story

I have been coming to Riverview since January of 2015. I live in Dansville with my husband and two children (22 and 6).

I had always believed that I was a Christian and was good with the Lord.   Over the past few months I have realized I was not good with Jesus.  I am a sinner and it is not good enough to “think” I am good with the Lord. I wanted the peace that comes with knowing! So I recently asked Jesus to be my Savior and forgive my sins.

I have a peace now that I never had before. I have a long ways to go but I felt that being baptized was a good step in showing my family and friends that I am saved through Jesus and publicly announcing that he is my Savior.

Shelbi Richey and Jordan Page’s Story

My boyfriend and I were sitting in a service at Riverview when the announcement for baptism came up on the screen. Knowing he had never been baptized, yet had been a Christ Follower his whole life, I leaned in and said, “You should get baptized!”

I had been baptized as a baby, since I was raised Catholic, but in my younger years, went down a wrong path and was not living my life for Christ. After coming back to the Lord and getting my life together several years ago, I decided I should get baptized with him, so we could do it together.

The day before we got baptized, Jordan proposed to me! I had no idea he would propose before the baptism, but of course I said yes!

So, the next day, Jordan and I went out into the water together, where Pastor Tony baptized us. He helped put me under, and I helped put him under. It was a beautiful representation to signify to others and to God that we will serve him in our personal lives and in our marriage and raise a family under him.

Amy’s Story

I’ve had many life struggles and I’ve prayed about them constantly. I hit rock bottom and knew I had to change my life around. It was then I gave my heart and soul to Jesus. It was then I was saved and for about 5 months I have been attending Riv Church. I had heard about this church and took a drive one Sunday and here I am. The music and scriptures are like no other to me. I’ve attended other churches in the past but I understand the scriptures as it is defined in a way I can comprehend. The music is so uplifting for me and the atmosphere that surrounds the church is like no other. It has and is my calling for this church.

Baptism was so powerful for me as I had 13 family members with me and some of them drove from out of state. How blessed am I for my family. I want to follow Jesus and I have so much to learn as I am guided everyday for this journey and my heart is so full of joy and happiness that I have not felt in years.

Riv is holding baptisms the weekend of November 21-22. Learn more and sign up to be baptized here.

 

The photo for this blog post shows Jennifer being baptized with her mother.