Looking back across our calendar, certain moments shine brighter than the rest. Back on May 17th of this year, our sanctuary was filled with unspeakable joy as we gathered for a special service centered on baptizing believers. While several months have passed since that blessed May morning, the impact of what God did in our midst continues to echo through our church family. On that Sunday, three unique individuals, Malachi, Tatiana, and Quincy, took the public step of declaring Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.
The air was electric with cheers, happy tears, and clapping hands. There is nothing quite like watching friends and church family stand up to cheer as someone emerges from the water. In the New Testament, baptizing believers serves as an outward sign of an inward transformation. Each of these three stories reminds us how God meets people right where they are, using faithful relatives, warm friendships, and personal dreams to draw hearts to Himself.
Looking Back at May 17th of This Year
When we pause to reflect on May 17, 2026, we see a snapshot of God’s grace in motion. It is easy in the busyness of church life to rush from one event to the next. Yet, taking time to remember May of this year helps us appreciate the steady work of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture shows us that baptism is never just an empty ritual. It is a joyful public declaration of faith. When we focus on baptizing believers, we witness lives crossing over from spiritual death to eternal life. For our church family, that May Sunday was a vivid reminder of why we preach the gospel, open our doors, and share our lives with one another. If you would like to read more about our heart behind baptism, check out our reflection on recent baptism celebrations.
Baptizing Believers and the Power of Family: Malachi’s Story
God often uses the quiet, consistent witness of family members to build a foundation of faith. That truth was on full display in the life of young Malachi.
A Legacy of Faith at Work
Malachi is surrounded by a strong family legacy within our church body. His father, Jesse Billingsley Jr., his grandmother, Diane Billingsley, and his aunt and uncle, Jachelle and Josh Edelen, are all active parts of our congregation. Day in and day out, they have lived as living examples of what it means to follow Jesus.
Malachi’s journey to faith actually began while we were still holding services inside Faith Community Bible Church. At a young age, he expressed a clear desire to give his life to Christ. Because leadership wanted to ensure he truly understood the gospel message rather than simply repeating words, our team gently waited. We wanted his decision to be grounded in clear understanding.
Malachi did not give up. He continued to press the matter, clearly laying out what Jesus had done for him on the cross and explaining his heart for salvation. His conviction was undeniable. Jesus said in Matthew 19:14, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” On May 17th, his family cheered with tear filled eyes as Malachi stepped into the water, a young boy with a mature and steady faith.
From Invitation to Immersion: Tatiana’s Journey
Not everyone comes to church through generational roots. Some step through the door because a friend cared enough to reach out and extend a simple invitation. That was the exact path God used for Tatiana.
Finding Community at Coffee with Pastor
Tatiana first connected with our church family through a personal connection with a friend who invited her to worship. She was admittedly a bit shy during her initial visits. Coming into a new environment can feel intimidating, but Tatiana started coming regularly. As the weeks went by, she began making genuine connections with the people around her.
To deepen her understanding of our faith and community, Tatiana joined our morning new members class called Coffee with Pastor. Sitting around the table with open Scripture and warm fellowship, her heart opened to the truth of God’s Word. Jesus declared in John 8:12, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
Tatiana made the personal decision to follow Christ and be baptized. When she entered the water back in May, the room erupted in applause for the young woman who started out quiet and found a loving spiritual home in Jesus.
Purpose, Ambition, and Faith: Quincy’s Decision
Our third testimony from May 17th belongs to Quincy, a 15 year old young man who brought his personal ambitions to the feet of Jesus.
Aligning Big Life Goals with Christ
Quincy came to our church through the loving encouragement of his grandmother, Candice, and his mother, Erin. At 15 years old, Quincy is thoughtful and focused. Before his baptism, he sat down with Pastor Ken and talked openly about his future. Quincy explained that he has goals for his life and is actively working to achieve them.
Yet Quincy recognized something essential: no personal ambition or worldly success compares to knowing Jesus Christ. In a culture where young people face countless distractions, seeing a teenager choose the gospel is inspiring. You can read more about how we foster teenage faith on our church blog.
Quincy decided to give his life to Christ and make his commitment official through baptism. His story brings to mind the account in Acts 8:37-38, where Philip baptized the Ethiopian official after a clear confession of belief. When Quincy entered the water back in May, our church celebrated a young leader aligning his purpose with God’s plan.
The Ongoing Mission of Baptizing Believers in Our St. Louis Community
Looking back at May of this year fills our hearts with deep gratitude. Malachi, Tatiana, and Quincy each represent the beauty of God’s saving grace. One was nurtured by family, one was welcomed by a friend, and one brought his future plans to the cross.
Our mission of baptizing believers does not stop with a single Sunday in May. It continues every time you invite a neighbor, model faith to your children, or welcome a visitor with a warm smile. God is actively moving in our community, transforming lives one heart at a time.
If you are searching for a church home or have questions about taking your next step of faith, we would love to walk alongside you. Please reach out to us through our contact form or join us for Sunday worship. Come see what God is doing in our church family!
