Four Lodi Academy students were recently baptized at the Lodi English Oaks Church.
Manny Gonzales, youth pastor of Lodi English Oaks, explained, “It is a team effort between the church pastors and school chaplain, Jerry Mahn, to introduce students to Jesus and disciple them toward their own faith experiences. The ability to identify how God answers their prayers, expands a faith started from parents, teachers, pastors, and Bible stories. We believe understanding and cataloging their faith stories strengthens and keeps them completely connected to God and the church. We study this connection heavily during our baptismal classes.”
As a result, during Christmas break, four students chose to be baptized. One proud parent exclaimed, “As a parent, nothing brings more happiness than seeing tears of joy on my daughter’s face before her baptism. I was especially moved during the ceremony when the pastor paraphrased Matthew 3:17, saying, ‘This is my beloved daughter, whom I love; with her, I am well pleased.’ As she came out of the water, she had a glowing smile representing all the joy that heaven was experiencing at that moment.'”
Gonzales concluded, “We are blessed to witness our youth committing to Jesus. We often say in our baptismal classes, ‘This is just the beginning; now, what is your ministry?’ How are you going to begin your journey?”
Featured in Northern Lights, February 1, 2024
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