“I grew up in a strong faith-based Catholic family and attended weekly service with my parents and siblings. I also attended Catholic school.  Both my mom and dad were very active in our church, so it wasn’t unusual for my entire family to participate in various activities, including fundraising events. I always believed in Jesus, but now, looking back, I never had a relationship with Him. I now realize the two are very different.

 As an adult however, the distance between myself and my faith consistently got bigger over time.  Before I knew it, I was no longer going to church, and my prayers ceased as well.  During some very difficult life moments, I had prayed my heart out but didn’t ever feel like my prayers were heard or answered.  So, for more years than I care to admit, Jesus was never really an active part of my life.

Then about five years ago, my son Rob got me involved in reading the Bible and studying scripture with him.  It became a weekly ritual for us, and I remember having some great conversations with him and comparing our individual thoughts about certain passages we had read.  It wasn’t long after that he took me to a service one Sunday at Browncroft.  Although it was a big change for me compared to the traditional Catholic mass I was used to, I was hooked after that and began to attend weekly.  Over time, my commitment to the Browncroft church and community grew.  For several years, I was a small group leader on the children’s ministry team. I also joined a women’s small group and participated in the Rooted series.  In different ways, all of these things have helped contribute to my faith journey and brought me to where I am today.  Baptism, for me, is my final step in receiving Jesus in my heart and devoting my life to Him.”