ST. MARK ONE SERVICE & OUTDOOR BAPTISM 2024

On the beautiful Sunday morning of August 25, 2024, the families of St. Mark gathered for the annual ONE Service and Outdoor Baptism. With lawn chairs spread across the church grounds, everyone prepared to witness a significant spiritual milestone for six individuals: Cambria Schwartz, Charlee Littrell, Jessica Casper, Kaitlynn Brenneman, Casen Jaques, and Linnea Lehman, who were all set to be baptized at the conclusion of the service.

The service included worship and a brief, inspiring message by Pastor Adam. But it was the personal testimonies shared by three of the baptism candidates that truly touched the hearts of those present.

Cambria Schwartz’s Story

Cambria Schwartz has spent her whole life in a Christian home. When she was only about four or five years old, she decided to follow Jesus, though, at the time, her understanding was simple.

“I thought it just meant you followed a bunch of rules so you don't get in trouble with Mom, Dad or your teacher at school,” Cambria shared.

As she grew older, Cambria began to realize that following Jesus was about much more than adhering to rules. Through conversations with her parents and reading spiritual books, she came to a deeper understanding of her faith.

“I learned that the point of my life is to love God and love others, not just follow rules,” she said. “By following Jesus’ teachings and actually putting them into my life, I've become more joyful and loving, and I'm beginning to experience the kingdom of Heaven right here on Earth, which is just so cool.”

At first, Cambria was uncertain about participating in the baptism. She sought clarity about the meaning of baptism by asking questions, listening to podcasts, and reading Bible passages. This exploration led her to make the decision to be baptized.

“I want to put a stake in the ground that I can always look back on,” Cambria said. “I want to tell all of you that I'm into this following Jesus thing. Following Jesus is the best way to do life, and as the years go on, it'll continue to bring out the best version of Cambria Schwartz that God intended for me.”

Linnea Lehman’s Story

Eleven-year-old Linnea Lehman lives in a Christian household with her parents, brother, and cat. She was born in Texas and lived in Missouri and North Carolina before moving to Indiana the summer of 2022, when she attended Prairie Camp, a Bible camp in Goshen, for the first time. But it was during her second year at Prairie Camp that she first felt — or heard — a spiritual call.

“One night, a lot of people gave their hearts to God. I wasn't one of them,” Linnea admitted. “That night, while everyone was giving their heart to God, I was in the cabin trying to go to sleep. I heard my name being called — the only other person in the cabin was asleep. I didn't know who it was, but I just did the wrong thing and ignored it and went back to sleep.”

However, during her third year at Prairie Camp, something changed. In the midst of worship and prayer, Linnea felt a powerful movement of the Holy Spirit and made the decision to give her heart to God.

“Since then, I’ve read the Bible more and maybe even understood it a bit better because of this experience and the help of my parents and a lot of other people,” she said. “Now, I'm ready to be baptized. Throughout my life, I know that I will be uncertain of things, but I know right now that I'll always be a servant of God.”

Jessica Casper’s Story

Jessica Casper, a 39-year-old mother of four, was raised in the Catholic Church and always considered herself a Christian. Yet, despite this, something felt incomplete in her faith journey.

“I went through the motions, but something always seemed to be missing,” Jessica recalled. “It felt as though other Christians understood something that I didn't.”

In early 2021, Jessica felt a strong pull to attend church, largely due to her daughters’ prayers. She even began listening to Christian music, something she had never been interested in before, and it suddenly resonated with her in new ways.

“At that time, it felt like God put new glasses on my face that made me see everything differently, and more clearly,” she explained. “The words of Scripture made sense and came to life, in a way they never had before. I could feel the Holy Spirit start moving in my life, and realized that was the biggest missing piece. I had been missing the personal connection with God and Jesus and the Holy Living Spirit inside of my heart.”

Now, with a deep sense of purpose in loving others and leading them to Jesus, Jessica feels called to live her life differently.

“I don't have anywhere close to all the answers, but I do have a deep knowing in my soul that I was created and I am loved by a good and living God,” she said. “I know my purpose is to love my family, friends and all people I encounter like Jesus does and to lead people to him through my life. I will choose to live differently than the world. My wish is that, through me, at least one person can see the hope that we all have in Jesus.”

Jessica decided to get baptized and take the next step in her faith journey.

“I want to publicly acknowledge and share everything God has done in my life and what he continues to do, so that it might be a seed planted for someone else,” Jessica said.

The service concluded with the joyful celebration of the baptisms, as the congregation shouted and cheered in excitement. This day marked a new chapter in the lives of Cambria, Charlee, Jessica, Kaitlynn, Casen, and Linnea, as they publicly declared their commitment to following Jesus.