Four young teenagers gave their lives to Jesus in baptism at the San Ramon Valley church on Sept. 30. With each of them giving personal testimonies of why they wanted to be baptized, their stand for the Lord paved the way beautifully for Pastor Robson DeOliveira to make an altar call later on at the end of his sermon. “It was a refreshing sight to see these four youngsters take to the waters of baptism and how their joy for the Lord opened the way for seven others to make the decision to give their hearts to Jesus and prepare for the next baptism,” said DeOliveira. “The whole church felt a deep sense of God’s presence as these young lives came to the altar responding to the Spirit’s touch!”

As the special event progressed, it was easy to notice how moved the teary-eyed and grateful parents were as their children accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord. “Our hearts were thrilled to see the smile on our daughter's faces she made her decision for Christ and demonstrated it publicly later on through baptism with her family and friends there to support her,” said Troy Logan, father of one of the newest members, Kari MacKenzie. “We know the joy in her heart is in direct response to her being a child of the King.”

Lars and Aleka Quinonez have a Hawaiian background on their dad’s side, and their dad David related the ceremony to their heritage. “With the rebirth experience of baptism, we embrace, as a family, the ancient Hawaiian meaning of Aloha in its fullest sense - that being to again share the breath of life with Christ,” he said.

Norman and Sharon Thiel, Hannah’s parents, added, “It was an exhilarating day - celebrating our oldest daughter’s public commitment to follow Jesus was a definite highlight in our parenting journey!”

With seven new candidates responding to DeOliveira’s call after the initial baptism ceremony, the baptismal preparation is on again for another beautiful day of celebration in the near future. “Our parents and Sabbath School teachers are to be commended for their faithfulness and dedication in joining hands to pass on to these youngsters such a dynamic legacy for a relationship with the Creator and Savior,” concluded DeOliveira. “And, given the deep level of involvement around here, we know these new young members will grow up to remain totally committed disciples!”