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Print magazine

Grants Pass Youth Baptized

By Jennifer Burkes, September 23, 2016

Four youth of the Grants Pass Church marked new beginnings in July by committing their lives to Jesus Christ through baptism. Many were present to witness these miracles and affirm, “Yes, we also love Jesus and will help you along the way in your walk.”

Twelve-year-old twins Jeremy and David Haddad were baptized July 2. The brothers, sons of Haitham and Sheila Haddad, are no strangers to the Grants Pass Church or school. Many in the church have watched these boys grow and mature, noted Christian Martin, Grants Pass Church pastor.

While the nation was preparing to celebrate Independence Day, this day was for David and Jeremy to declare their dependence on God. Martin’s sermon that Sabbath was entitled "A Life of Dependence.” 

Jairon Personius and Michael Covrig were baptized July 16 in front of a congregation of more than 300 people. The Youth Praise Team, comprised of family and close friends of both young men, led song service to

Corvig was baptized by his grandfather, Bob Pierson, who joked he had much to say regarding Michael but promised to keep his remarks brief. Joy and love were very much present as the church family welcomed this young man into the family of God.

Martin reminded the congregation that both Corvig and Personius have joined a “global family” of God. Before baptizing Personius, Martin spoke of the significance of this decision to become His servant. “God has been waiting for this moment,” he said. 

God calls each of us to love Him, to live for Him. He is delighted with each who chooses to follow, patiently waiting for others to join. It will be exciting to see what plans God has for these young men.

Image

The Personius and Covrig families celebrate the baptisms of their boys — Michael Covrig (third from left and Jairon Personius (fifth from left). Christian Martin, Grants Pass Church pastor, has his arms around the boys.

Image

Christian Martin, Grants Pass Church pastor (center), prepares to baptize twins David and Jeremy Haddad.

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Featured in: September 2016

Author

Jennifer Burkes

Grants Pass Church communication leader
Section
Oregon Conference

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The Gleaner is a gathering place with news and inspiration for Seventh-day Adventist members and friends throughout the northwestern United States. It is an important communication channel for the North Pacific Union Conference — the regional church support headquarters for Adventist ministry throughout Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The original printed Gleaner was first published in 1906, and has since expanded to a full magazine with a monthly circulation of more than 40,000. Through its extended online and social media presence, the Gleaner also provides valuable content and connections for interested individuals around the world.

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