Baptism Candidate Stories: January 2026
In preparation for baptism at Doxa Church, candidates are asked to spend time in Scripture and prayer; reflecting on the gospel, their conversion, and their desire to follow Christ in obedience.
This process of personal reflection and written preparation is not about polished words, but clear confession. It prepares their hearts for baptism and offers the church a window into the work God has done in their lives. What follows are the testimonies of two disciples at Doxa Church who desire to publicly identify with Christ and walk in newness of life.
“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
Below is the testimony of Bekkah Wallace, whom we rejoice to see follow Christ in baptism.
What is the gospel? All of humanity has fallen short of God’s standard and is unable to be in communion with Him. The good news is that through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, those who believe and repent are justified and redeemed.
How did I become a Christian? I was born on November 16, 2006, to parents who were both struggling with addiction. Because of that, I was adopted and lovingly raised by my selfless grandmother. Though I didn’t grow up in the church, I spent the majority of my education in a Christian school, where I learned a lot about the Bible. But knowledge alone didn’t change me, and it definitely didn’t save me.
After getting into some trouble, I moved in with my sister for the summer. It was there, feeling alone and at the end of myself, that the Lord met me. I finally realized my desperate need for a Savior and that He was what I had been searching for all along. I knew from that moment on that my life had to start looking different. So I decided I was going to make the commitment—it was going to be me and God from that day forward. I sought the Lord, and He heard my cry. He answered, redeemed me, and gave me a hope I had never known. He lifted me up and began to clean up my mess.
This is the part where I make a joke and say, “The end—now I’m perfect!” But that couldn’t be further from the truth. My story isn’t over. God is still at work, continually pruning me, shaping me, and guiding me. I am not the same. I no longer feel the need to hide from God. Instead, I have the joy of walking with Him and being in communion with Him.
Why do you want to be baptized?
Baptism is a public declaration of faith and an act of obedience to God. I am excited to share with the church that I have made the commitment to follow Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. I hope my baptism and testimony are an encouragement to those around me.
“God is still at work, pruning me, shaping me, and guiding me. I am not the same. I now walk with Him in joy and communion.”
Below is the testimony of Drew Wood, whom we rejoice to see follow Christ in baptism.
What is the Gospel? The gospel addresses the problem of sin and how it separates us from God. It also mentions that us humans try to fill that gap with out own wants and desires ultimately not finding satisfaction in doing so. Therefore we need a savior to bring that peace.
Jesus lived a perfect life and died a sinless death to take the punishment of all our sins upon him. Allowing us to receive eternal life through him.
Salvation is received by faith, not by being perfect or doing good works. It comes from trusting in what Jesus did and accepting Gods Grace, along with turning away from sin and choosing to follow him.
How did you become a Christian? At around age 10 I began to understand my need for a savior, I often was lying to my parents, I began to feel guilt and build realization of my sin. Another great example would be at around age 11 or 12. Wanting to fit into a group of friends by listening to the same music they did. These explicit songs affected by brain and my actions. Later I came to the understanding that I'm a sinner in need of a savior to lead me out of the situation.
I was always taught and believed that Jesus is the son of God and that he is the way the truth and the light.
As a young child I believed what my parents said about God and I always knew who Jesus was. But not until I got older I truly embraced Jesus and recognized the importance and significance of his crucifixion, and how that has led me to a repentant heart leaning on God's Word.
“Baptism is a way of publicly showing that my faith is real—not just something I keep to myself—and that I want to follow Christ in obedience.”
Why do you want to be baptized?
Baptism to me means to publicly display that I believe in Jesus and want to pursue him. It represents leaving my old life behind and starting fresh, and it's a way of showing my commitment instead of just saying it.
Baptism is important because Jesus was baptized and he told his followers to go and make disciples baptizing them. It's a step of obedience and shows that my faith is real and something I take seriously, not just something I keep to myself.
I hope to glorify God by living differently after being baptized, not necessarily becoming perfect, but letting my future actions represent those of a true believer in Christ.
We give thanks to God for His saving grace and rejoice in the work He has done in the lives of these brothers and sisters. As a church, we look forward to witnessing their baptism and continuing to walk together as they follow Christ in newness of life.
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. — Romans 6:4
If you have questions about baptism or are considering following Christ in obedience through baptism, we would love to talk with you. Please click the button below and complete the form to speak with someone.