Our First Baptism: Mario
Anyone else need a break from the negative news and social media? Here’s an inspiring story full of hope about one man’s life transformation.
I had a conversation several months ago with a man named Mario who came with some serious questions about God. He explained that after talking with a few guys at his gym he was curious about faith in Jesus. After hearing for months from these men, he heard the same message from a girl who shared that our only saving grace is faith in Jesus alone.
Mario decided to act on his curiosity and connect with a pastor at a local church… and that pastor was me. Not long into our conversation, Mario and I prayed together, he took a step of faith to receive Jesus as his Savior, and will never be the same.
I invited him to join us in Chester that Sunday to start his faith journey with a new family gathering of fellow believers. Every Sunday at 2pm we meet for church at our ministry house in Chester where anyone is welcome to join. We start with food, prayer, and fellowship. Then we move into a time of worship music and Bible teaching. We wrap up our time with groups of 3-4 people sharing and praying for needs and challenges in the week ahead.
Our purpose as a micro church community is to reach those that are not in fellowship, or are hurting, broken, and in need of a family. We want to see people loved and cared for, to help people grow and thrive through a catalyst of faith, hope, and love. To become more closely knit into our church family we offer discipleship groups called a “fire team.” To my surprise Mario wanted to take that next step.
Not long after being part of a fire team, Mairo stepped up to get baptized. What a life-changing moment! Our church group came together to celebrate Mario’s faith and baptism. Check out the video here.
Personally, I’ve been so blessed by my relationship with Mario. He visits our house of ministry regularly to grab lunch, hang out, or just to talk. He often shares stories of how God has impacted his life for the better, and we’ve watched him pay it forward to others. It’s so exciting to see him serve our neighborhood picking up trash and helping the homeless with food.
Luke 15: 6-7 says: And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.
In God's Kingdom all of heaven rejoices when one sinner repents. We rejoice over lost sheep and lost people! Many people shared and prayed for Mario, but God delivered him from anxiety, depression, and a party lifestyle into a life giving soul who is hungry for his creator. Mario is growing by listening, reading the Word, walking, and praying. He’s committed to using his life to reach the next person. Only Jesus… amazing!
I'm moved everyday by seeing the work God is doing at the Greenhouse Project. Seeing fruit in the lives of real people is an absolute gift and joy to be part of. The Greenhouse Project reaches the unreachable, the lost, the broken, and those in need of a Savior.
Our ministry can grow further from the generous one-time and monthly donations from people like you who catch the vision and the impact of real life change in urban communities. Would you prayerfully consider collaborating with us through a financial gift? Every penny makes a difference.
As the Greenhouse Project focuses on real individual, family and community transformation, we are praying to raise leaders who will take this into other neighborhoods. If this is your heart, let’s talk about how you can help launch a Greenhouse.
Thank you so much!
John Clifford
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To learn more about Greenhouse Project email us at info@ghproject.org
2020 Baptism of Mario! https://youtu.be/XbybvF-EtFY