“And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” - Acts 2:38
Citylight Church practices believer’s baptism by immersion. We believe that baptism is an outward and visible sign of our inward faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Baptism is a means by which the people of God remember and display the life-changing truth of the work of God in Christ in our life. This past Sunday, 49 people at our Midtown location were baptized and proclaimed Jesus Christ as their King. Below are stories of three young believers who were radically changed by God’s gift to us all ... Jesus.
Ben Kopp
“I did not grow up in the church. I came from a single parent household and moved around a lot and from school to school. I grew up in a life of rebellion. I was quick to anger. I didn’t have answers, and I didn’t have community. I didn’t have Christ. Two years ago, I was at my low. I felt lonely, sad and angry at the world for things that were out of my control. Earlier this year, I was invited to Citylight by a friend. She showed me Christ and community. This past summer I started going to Salt Co college ministry. There I was given community and accountability.
The guys at Salt Co. show me a loving, respectful, caring and trustworthy friendship. There are about 10 guys that I can always rely on. They hold me accountable and give me an ear to talk to. They are always there for my questions and talk about scripture.
God has given me peace. He brings ultimate peace. He fills you so you don’t crave the worldly things of addiction, greed, anger, gluttony ... He brings you away from that. I tell people to rely on Christ, and he will keep you fulfilled.
To the guys at Salt Co ... Thank you for bringing me to truth and always there for me.
To those who are struggling ... There is a light in the dark tunnel. Reach up for it. Ask for guidance and help. There is community out there for you.
My future is missions. I am going to Albania for a 2-month mission trip. I am hoping for answers and for long terms missions for my career. I think God’s name is so honorable and amazing. I want to proclaim this to others. God calls us to lead others, and I want to be his leader. I got baptized to proclaim my love, trust, and respect for Christ.”
Gozie Okafor
“I grew up in a Christian household. Everyone thinks it’s easy to be a Christian your whole life, but I went through a lot of ups and downs. My lowest was in high school. I was surrounded by people who didn’t do the best things in life. I really didn’t know who to follow. I wanted to please the world. I wanted to indulge in things that weren’t good to my body or to my soul. I felt empty and alone. I felt sad and depressed. I was filled with anxiety. I knew there was more. I felt like taking my life, but I knew it wasn’t right. I knew my thinking wasn’t right. A lot of people wanted me to take medication. They helped me but I remembered what my mama always told me. She would say “Pray to the Lord, pray to the Lord.” It was February of 2024. I tore my ACL from my sport and had to quit. I found a lot of my identity in my sport and in other people’s opinions of me. It led me to a void. I was at my lowest. I didn’t know who to turn to.
The only person that could fill that void was Jesus. One day I did get on my hands and knees. It was on that day in February. I asked Jesus to please just take me and help me. That was the pivotal moment in my faith. Later in the year, I got connected with Salt Co college ministry on Instagram. I wanted to go to it and invited one of my good friends to go with me. Now, we both go to this church, and we are both members.
I have received abundant love, fellowship and community here. I’m part of the discipleship group. I’m leading others to Christ. It’s amazing. Thank you, God!
I want to tell my family and friends, smiling from ear to ear, just thank you. For being there in every step of my journey and never leaving me when it got very, very hard. Thank you for continuing to push me toward God. Those were the seeds that were planted. I am here to today because of them! I would give them kisses and kisses on their foreheads. Thank you!
Someone should get baptized because it’s that personal proclamation to others about your faith. Telling people if Jesus can do this in my life, he can do it in your life. If I can do it, you can do it. If God can save me, He will save you!”
Abby Stalp
“I grew up in the Catholic church. My lowest was this past summer. I was going through hard stuff in my life. I was in a bad and toxic relationship. I felt broken. I couldn’t heal but knew I needed to give it to someone who could heal me.
I got connected to Salt Co college ministry through a friend this fall. That first night was so fun. Seeing the community and love given at Salt Co was exactly what I was looking for and needing. I met Christ and I have had amazing friends who encouraged me on my walk with him. It’s been so fruitful. Jesus has provided so many blessings.
God has given me answers and he has taught me so much. I didn’t know what to believe. I didn’t know why I believed what I believed. God answered and showed me the answers through his word and the truth in his son, Jesus. The community here has helped me so much. I wouldn’t be here without the help from everyone. They surround me with encouragement and are supportive with my walk and journey. I feel so great and love them so much. I would tell all of them “Thank you” and “I love you.”
If you are in a toxic relationship, find the love that reflects true love in Jesus Christ, and with someone that loves you like Christ. Someone that is willing to die to self and ask nothing in exchange.
I want to be a nurse and spread God’s word. I want to shine his light to others.
I got baptized to publicly proclaim and show that God’s met me in my brokenness and he has showed me that his love and strength is greater than my fears and doubts. Christ has healed me.”
If you would like to talk to someone about baptism or learn more about baptism, check out citylightomaha.org/baptism.