Baptisms in 2011

My name is Debbie Faulk. I was brought up knowing Christ, but raised as a Mormon. Although I feel very fortunate to have been brought up by loving parents that are great examples of Christ, I began to question the Mormon beliefs once I reached adulthood. I started attending Christian churches with a few friends after high school. The focus at these churches was very much about Jesus and his love for us.  I left each Sunday feeling inspired and unconditionally loved. Much different than what I was used to.  I continued to do some research on my own about the Mormon beliefs until I was certain I did not agree with their teachings.  Growing up in the LDS church, I was taught that if we ever “left” the church we would risk not going to heaven. This stuck with me in fear for nearly 20 years now. During the past 20 years I’ve been just “attending” Christian churches, but not fully committing. I have felt lost being in-between religions.  I was also afraid to hurt my parents’ feelings, if I made anything official by becoming another religion.  I’ve tried to keep a close relationship with Christ on my own and have felt Him with me during all of this time. When I’ve felt lost or lonely, I always feel Him with me as my Father.  I feel so blessed that I’ve never felt without Him.  However, I have missed having a church family and being part of their support group. I know that I can serve others much better by being committed to a church.

I have been visiting LTCC off and on, for a couple years now. I have felt the spirit talking to me about making the commitment, and letting go of the fears I had growing up about changing my religion.  I know this is what Christ wants for me, and also for my family. I have so many blessings in my life. My 3 children were all born healthy and I have a very loving, supportive husband that would do anything for us. So many events over our 9 years of marriage have been truly the work of God keeping us together, and helped us grow stronger. I know he sees our hearts and has purposely done things to show us he is watching over our family. It has been amazing to feel his love.  I feel if I am committed to a church now, I can learn more about the teachings of Christ and be a better example.

Life, now that I have decided to be baptized as a Christian, is very exciting for me. I feel freed of my past teachings, and those fears. I feel fully supported by God and LTCC. I’m excited to learn more of the bible teachings, and teach to my children the right way. I also look forward to being involved in the church with a community group and trying to help the church as I am needed.

A verse that has always been special to me is John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”