Tom Teague's baptism on March 1, 2014, by Chris Evenson, Nampa Church pastor, marked the end of a long spiritual search and the beginning of a new life in Christ. Teague was raised in the Catholic church but left that fellowship after graduating from high school. For 12 years he chose not to embrace any other religious body. After meeting two brothers who were members of Christ’s Church, he was baptized and remained a member for six years.
Sometime later, he became a member of another church, only to leave once again. He and others who also left that congregation attempted to hold worship services in various homes; however, their numbers dwindled until no one was left. After trying to do his own personal study and finding that unfulfilling, once again he was spiritually adrift.
Teague says, “Being a tech enthusiast, I began regularly listening to various podcasts on subjects that interested me.” One day he felt the need to begin his search anew for spiritual enlightenment and started searching the podcast libraries for spiritual topics. He stumbled onto Amazing Facts with Doug Batchelor and decided to listen only because Batchelor reminded him of the two brothers he had fellowshipped with years before. Eventually, in addition to Batchelor’s online sermons, he discovered 3ABN (Three Angels Broadcasting Network) and other Adventist preachers. He watched these sermons for several years and began reading the Bible daily and praying on a regular basis.
Each media pastor stressed the importance of attending a church to fellowship with like-minded Christians. Teague resisted this idea but eventually decided that he needed to become more active. He parked across the street from the Nampa Church in May 2012 and observed the people coming and going and the greeters outside shaking hands and generally being friendly with all who entered. Almost a year later, in March 2013, he finally decided to attend the services and is now a baptized member of that fellowship.
There’s so much more to this story, but Teague gives all the credit to the Holy Spirit and how He has guided and worked with him over the years, never losing patience with him. Welcome home, Tom.
The church gave Tom Teague a "Welcome to the Family" book and a gift basket in honor of his baptism.
The choir turns to watch Tom Teague (left) as Chris Evenson, Nampa Church pastor, shares Teague's story with the church family.
Tom Teague and Chris Evenson take a moment just before Teague's baptism.
