Never Too Far Gone
Oh, the joy I felt this summer—at Church in the Park—baptizing my brother. So much emotion rushed through me. Years of praying, crying, and pleading with the Lord finally felt worth it. It was a miraculous moment... but mostly, for him.
He was baptized as a boy, and gave his life to Jesus in middle school. We went to church, and he attended retreats, but it never truly sank in. He was the seed that fell among thorns. As he grew older, the world choked out the truth. Porn, alcohol, and a deep hunger for wealth became his idols. On the outside, he was charismatic, confident, and full of life—but on the inside, he was trapped in darkness.
He would talk about God, even profess love for Him. But his life bore no fruit. It was all a façade. A mask. He believed his positivity and surface-level spirituality could cover the hidden sin. But I could see right through it.
And then... God called me to walk with him.
Honestly? I didn’t want to.
I couldn’t see how he would ever change. It felt impossible.
But I obeyed. Begrudgingly at times, for sure—but I obeyed. I met with him. I prayed for him. I watched as his choices hurt his marriage, his family, and himself. I grieved every time I heard he was drinking and driving—especially with his son in the car. At one point, I told him plainly: “If you die in a crash and take others with you, I won’t be surprised.” That’s how desperate and hopeless it felt.
Many times, I threw my hands up and said, “I’m done.”
But every time, God whispered back, “But I’m not.”
Slowly, the Lord began to move. I started to see signs of hope… little flickers of light.
In late 2024 into early 2025, after enough disturbing situations, my brother drew a line in the sand. He gave up the vices. He turned. He chose obedience.
And just around the corner, the most traumatic season of his life began.
In February, during the birth of their second child, my sister-in-law experienced a life-threatening complication. She began hemorrhaging—doctors couldn’t find the source. After ten blood transfusions, a specialty team finally located the bleed. They saved her life. She spent over a week in the hospital, unable to really hold or care for her newborn. My brother was suddenly caring for his wife, a newborn, and a four-year-old son… alone.
The trauma nearly crushed them both. But instead of numbing himself with the sins of his past, my brother ran hard—toward the Lord. The only One who could sustain him. And sustain him, God did.
Though the circumstances were devastating, my brother was filled with a supernatural joy. He couldn't explain how he was functioning—but he knew: it was Jesus. His heart was transformed. His situation hadn't changed, but he had.
Which brings us back to Church in the Park.
When I told him about the event, he immediately said, “I want to be baptized.” He wanted to publicly proclaim his renewed, genuine faith in Jesus.
And I got to baptize him.
It was a moment I never thought would happen. One I had almost stopped praying for.
Shortly after, he posted his story on social media—with raw vulnerability. He held nothing back. And the flood of support and testimonies that came as a result? Incredible.
His boldness gave others the courage to open up too.
Through this whole journey, God revealed Himself to me in a powerful way too. He showed me His relentless pursuit of His children. His unwavering patience, even when we wander.
I learned that while we may give up on people, He never does.
And I thank God for that.
