Author: Elizabeth Mullins

I had been a Christian for years, but the truth was that I had grown judgmental, self-righteous, and blind to the suffering around me. I remember driving through downtown Los Angeles and seeing the rows of cardboard boxes lining the sidewalks. My mind quickly filled with harsh thoughts: “These people must have brought this on themselves — drug addicts, criminals, lazy beggars!” It was easy to justify my indifference and move on.

But then, I came across Mother Teresa’s words. “I see Jesus in every human being. I say to myself, this is hungry Jesus, I must feed him.”

She saw Jesus in the faces of the poor, the sick, and the forgotten. She didn’t ask why they were in their condition; she only asked, “How can I serve Jesus in this person?” Her words began to work in me like a seed, slowly growing into a new vision for life and ministry.

Jesus is everywhere. He is in the people we often overlook.

Mother Teresa’s vision has changed how I see the world. But now, I am challenged by an even deeper question — do others see Jesus in me?

Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Matthew 25:34b-35

In every act of love, kindness, or service, we have an opportunity to reflect Jesus to the world.

Prayer
Lord, open my eyes to see you in everyone. Let me not be blinded by outward appearances. Let others see you in me — in my words, my actions, and my heart. Teach me to serve with humility and love, just as you serve. Amen.

By Bermie Dizon, Elder
Glendora, CA, US

Note: This was adapted with permission, from God, in Every Step, a 52-week devotional that invites readers to recognize God’s presence in the everyday moments of life.

Citizens of God’s kingdom hold the act of baptism as a meaningful sacrament. We believe baptism is primarily a symbolic public statement of being united with Christ in his death and resurrection. Baptism symbolizes our commitment to following Jesus, while we acknowledge that our commitment is only possible because of our Savior’s unbreakable commitment to us!

We invite you to read the following excerpt from the article, Should Believers Be Baptized?.

On the first Pentecost after Jesus’ resurrection, Peter exhorted his listeners: “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. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:38-39). We are among those who are “far off,” and we can share in the grace of God along with those who heard Peter speak almost 2,000 years ago.

Note how the people responded to Peter’s call after he finished his sermon: About 3,000 accepted Christ that day, and were baptized (Acts 2:41). When people accepted Christ as the Messiah, baptism was the appropriate response. Baptism sends a message to ourselves, to others, and to God. By being baptized, we acknowledge that God is the source of our life and the reason we exist, and that Christ is our Lord and Savior.

Baptism pictures the drama of our “I do” decision for Jesus Christ—but it is possible only because Jesus has already said the “I do” for us. He has already made a commitment to us, and we are now acknowledging it. He has already given his life for us; we are now responding and giving our lives to him. Baptism is a symbolic act that says there is a life-long commitment between Christ and us, and he is our Savior. Baptism implies that we will follow him wherever he may lead us.

People who request baptism are saying they accept Jesus’ offer. He wants to be associated with us, to live with us forever and ever. In baptism, we say that we agree to be associated with Jesus Christ in a personal and intimate way — to belong to Christ, to share in the benefits of his life and death. That’s what it means to be baptized “in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Believers share in the life of Christ. As Christ died, so do the believers. As they share in Jesus’ death, they also have a part in his resurrection and eternal life. In baptism, believers dramatize that we are united with Christ in his death and in his life. The apostle Paul explained this to the Romans:

All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death. We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. Romans 6:3-4

Baptism symbolizes our death and resurrection with Christ, that our old self is a thing of the past, and that our real life is in Christ. Going down into the water pictures the death of the self, and rising up out of the water pictures the resurrection of the self to a new life now, and eternal life in the future.

Baptism is not magic. It does not automatically bring the Holy Spirit to us, nor does it cause our spiritual renewal and salvation. Rather, it is done after the Holy Spirit has led us to faith and we have responded. Baptism is a metaphor that symbolizes that on the cross, Christ has crucified our former life and has brought us into a new life in him.

Joe Tkach, Elder
River Road, OR, US

Join us in praising and thanking God for the people who have been baptized into the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit. Here are just a few of the congregations that celebrated baptisms in the recent months:

• • River Road, Oregon, U.S.
  • Polokwane, Limpopo, Republic of South Africa
  • Melborne, Florida, U.S.
  • Logan, Queensland, Australia
  • Euless, Texas, U.S.
  • Toronto East, Ontario, Canada
  • Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
  • Carina, Queensland, Australia
  • Manchester, New Jersey, U.S.

Read on for an inspiring story of one congregation’s service.

Baptism and Rededication Service

On Sunday, March 9, 2025, Grace Communion Ladson in Ladson, SC, held a Baptism and Rededication service immediately following the morning worship. Six individuals were baptized (two adults and four teens/pre-teens). In addition, twelve more individuals participated in the Rededication service. In the weeks leading up to this special day, there was a growing sense of joy, excitement, and anticipation as our pastor prepared the entire congregation for the occasion. When we entered the sanctuary that morning, the atmosphere was filled with elation, and the presence of the Holy Spirit was unmistakable.

Pastor Tommie Grant led the service, assisted by elders, Dr. Alvin Simmons and GCI CFO Rose Hamrick. Each rededicated participant received specific prayers and the laying on of hands, with prayers focused on their continued growth in God’s grace, faith, love, and their involvement in ministry. Following the prayers, each participant was presented with a certificate to commemorate the day.

After the service, many participants shared how meaningful the experience was for them. Some commented how excited they were in building their personal relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each expressed that, despite trying to put it into words, it was hard to fully describe how they felt.

The entire congregation rejoiced and praised God together, recognizing that we were being renewed, strengthened, and equipped to continue serving our great God even more.

Janie Wright, Faith Avenue Champion
Ladson, SC, US