Living Testimonies: Meet Brian, Evan, and Jordan
Life can take us down paths we never imagined. But even in our darkest seasons, there’s a hope that shines brighter than we could ever imagine. For those who surrender to Jesus, He takes our earthly desires and struggles and transforms them into something beautiful. These are the stories of lives forever changed by the grace of Jesus and the powerful step of baptism. A story of finding peace, purpose, and redemption through a Savior who never stops pursuing us. So meet Brian, Evan, and Jordan.
Brian's Jesus Story: Approval From HIM
"Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." -Isaiah 43:19
There was a significant part of my life where I was always looking for approval, or a sense of belonging. For a long time it seemed like I was trying to fill a gap with a relationship, or a victory, a career. I remember saying “Once I finish school I’ll be happy.” After a failed relationship or (pause) two I ended up addicted and constantly looking for an escape from reality.
Being raised in a catholic church I would say that I’ve known about God my whole life. Therefore I would like to think that I’ve always had faith. However, I personally felt led back to church. I was talking to my cousin and she sent me a few bible verses to help point me in the right direction. After doing some research I found my way to True North Church.
I remind myself daily of the importance of prayer and spending time reading the bible. The more that I find myself in the bible and prayer, the more peace I find myself in. I have found that joy comes from finding peace. I realize that everyday is an adventure or a challenge depending on your viewpoint. That having been said, I plan to look at each and every day as an adventure, rather than a challenge.
A key takeaway from today is that each and every one of us is able to share the good news of the gospel. Remember that God doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called.
Evan's Jesus Story: Approval From HIM
“There was a time in my life when I was...addicted, constantly depressed, purposeless, etc.”
My entire life, if you had asked me if I was Christian. I would have told you yes. I wore a cross necklace everywhere I went. I would post verses on my social media occasionally. I claimed Jesus without knowing I was heading to hell. I was a friend of the world, and an enemy to God. I was winning at the national level and feeling on top of the world, I was getting blacked out on
weekends to celebrate. I was a horrible selfish boyfriend, lusting after other women. I was smoking a lot of weed daily. Taking shrooms for fun. I was addicted to vaping when I reached 8th grade. I was on a constant pursuit to fill my selfish desires. Always searching for the next high.
“But one day a friend started talking to me about Jesus and I started going to church with them, etc.”
I was home for a few months after deciding to transfer from the United States Naval Academy. I came home lost. I came home unfulfilled. I felt the need to start reading a bible, to start praying to God, so I did. I woke up one morning and it was like my life was completely different. A weight has been lifted off of me. All the shame of who I was, all the guilt of what I did to people
was lifted off of my heart. I have been made new by the Holy Spirit, born again. I was no longer bound by sin. I was no longer an enemy to God. I was His son. And since that day, by the amazing grace of God, I have been living for Jesus and spreading His amazing gospel!
“Now, my life has meaning and purpose, I no longer feel bound by addiction, I have great joy, etc.”
Within 1 month of my encounter with Jesus. He freed me from my 7 year long nicotine addiction, He freed me from my 6 year long weed addiction. He freed me from the way I was making wrestling an idol. He gave me a new identity, a new foundation. I entered the Univ. of Pitt for my first year. I was so excited to wrestle for Him this year. God had other plans for me, I tore my groin and was out for the entire season. I normally would be devastated. But God had other plans. He led me to start doing TikTok live. I ended up spending 8-10 hours a day spreading the gospel, doing bible studies and praying for people in these lives. God really used this injury to show me that wrestling is not who I am or what I need to be fulfilled. It is Him and Him alone. I grew immensely in my relationship with Jesus during this time of injury. Fast forward 7 months from this time, God led me to go on a mission trip with the Pitt athletes in the Abaco Islands to serve Him and spread His gospel. Little did I know God had bigger plans than just that. I met my amazing and beautiful wife Jess on this trip.
Looking back on all of this, Jesus didn’t just free me from addiction, He gave me a completely new life. He showed me that my identity isn’t found in wrestling, success, or anything this world can offer. It’s found in Him. My life isn’t perfect, but now I know who I belong to. I once lived for myself, but by the grace of God, now I live for Jesus. Everything I have and everything I am is His
Jordan's Jesus Story: A Simple Proclamation
"Jesus has completely changed my life, and that's really all I have to say."
While Jordan's testimony may be a simple one, it's the wonderful truth that comes with knowing Him. This simple fact is all that matters when it comes to knowing the Lord and choosing to follow Him and proclaim Him as your savior.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is Eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
If you have questions about Jesus, baptism, or how to take the next step in your faith journey, we’re here to help. We’d love to walk alongside you as you discover the life-changing hope found in Jesus.
