This time last year, Pastor James and I baptized a family, including the grandmother, mother and all the children. However the father was missing in the baptism. He did not think his family needed to be baptized, much less to be baptized himself, but he reluctantly allowed them to be baptized. However, his family did not give up on him. They loved him way too much!

Antonio was very open minded, and continued to study with us at church, as well as with is brother-in-law Jose in his home. Jose is pictured third from the right. Antonio second on the left. Jose is very faithful as the head deacon at the Plant City SDA Church, and also helps with Spanish/English translations in the Wednesday night Bible studies at church. Jose also has Bible studies in his home with friends and neighbors, and Antonio came to the studies. After a year of continuing Bible studies, Antonio told Jose and me that he wanted to be baptized!

One year later Antonio joined his family, and even greater, his Lord and Savior in baptism! Antonio wanted me to share his story, so others would decide to follow Jesus too. This Christmas Antonio wanted to give all of himself to Jesus, because Jesus gave all of Himself for Antonio. Antonio opened his heart to the teachings of the Bible at church and around the family table. Antonio has chosen to follow all of Jesus’ teachings and commandments.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV 

After the baptism Antonio was given the right hand of fellowship, and his baptism certificate containing the Bible teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. When Antonio announced in prayer meeting that he wanted to be baptized, his daughter raised her hands and cheered! The family is complete. With Jesus in the father’s heart happy happy home! 

Would you like a new start to your life? We can all have a new life through Jesus!

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4 NKJV

I would love to help you as you make your decision to give your life to Jesus! You can contact me at PlantCitySDAChurch@Gmail.com.