God continues to do a new thing at Wilson Memorial in Gambrills
By: Pastor Sharon Milton
On the last Saturday of 2025, Pastor Sharon Milton was honored to baptize ten individuals. This was a unique class, consisting of children, youth, young adults, adults, and seniors. The youngest was 4, and the oldest was 84. They spent two months in baptism classes learning about Jesus, repentance, the meaning of baptism, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Among the class was a young adult who began visiting the church in July. She did not have a relationship with God and struggled with suicidal thoughts, yet she continued to come every Sunday. Through the love of Christ shown by the church and the power of God’s Word, she began to experience transformation from the inside out. The change was evident. She started testifying about the goodness of God and decided she was ready to be baptized and surrender her life to Christ. She is now on fire for Jesus. She no longer struggles with negative thoughts; instead, she has a renewed mind in Christ Jesus. She boldly tells everyone about Jesus and is walking in her gifts.
A once-shy 12-year-old who approached Pastor Milton one Sunday after worship, her voice trembling and her emotions overwhelming her. She said, “Pastor, I believe the Holy Spirit is calling me to be baptized, but I am not perfect, and I still do bad things. I want to give my life to Christ.” Pastor Milton spoke with her about God’s grace and love, a God who accepts us in our imperfections. Her smile widened, and she faithfully attended class each week, filled with the Holy Spirit. She boldly declared that she is a child of God and shared with everyone about a Savior who loves us just as we are. She is now preparing to preach her first sermonette this month.
A 15-year-old who struggled with low self-esteem due to a skin condition. She often walked with her head down and remained quiet. One day, she was hospitalized, and during worship, the congregation reached out to let her know they were praying for her, that they loved her, and that Jesus loved her even more. She was reminded of how beautiful she is and that God loves her just as she is. She returned to church and continued attending Bible study, listening to testimonies, and receiving the Word of God. One Sunday, she testified boldly during worship. She spoke about her condition, but like the woman with the issue of blood, she knew Jesus had healed her. With her head held high, she declared that she is beautiful, she is loved, and she can do all things through Christ who gives her strength. With boldness, she said, “Pastor, I am ready to be baptized. I don’t want to do my own thing; I want to surrender my life to Christ.” She, too, is preparing to preach her first sermonette this month.
The class included an adult who had experienced homelessness and years of addiction, unable to see a way out. Through the calling of the Holy Spirit, she surrendered her life to Christ and rededicated herself to God through baptism.
There was a 4-year-old who declared, “I want to be baptized like John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River,” and an 84-year-old who was baptized alongside her two great-grandchildren.
Another 15-year-old visited the church with a friend one Sunday, and after the sermon, she approached the pastor in tears, saying, “Pastor, I don’t know how to say it, but I believe God is calling me to give my life to Christ and be baptized.” Though her parents were not attending church, God was calling her, and now she is sharing Jesus with her family.
Pastor Milton was honored to walk with and baptize each of them. It was a special blessing that in this class she also baptized her sister and her four-year-old niece while her mother looked on. God is faithful.
The congregation, along with family, friends, and the community, gathered to celebrate what God is doing. The choir sang “Take Me to the Water” as everyone journeyed to the water. A celebration of tears of joy, songs of worship, and hearts filled with praise. To God be all the Glory.