Faith made public as 5 men take the next step

From left to right: Marcos, Ruben, Elijah, David and Ray dedicated their lives to Christ in front of their friends, family and community.RMA SFV’s Life Recovery Program baptism brought together friends, family, community partners, donors, and volunteers to support five men as they publicly declared their faith. It was a beautiful, sunny day made possible through the support and generosity of the community. A volunteer barista donated her time and talent to serve fresh coffee to attendees, while the Mission’s Chef Giuseppe prepared a wonderful meal afterward so the celebration and fellowship could continue. Worship, led by church partner Valley Hills Church, brought everyone together in a powerful and meaningful way.

The men were baptized by men’s Program Manager Oscar Corral.

“One of the most important things that happens when we do baptisms,” Program Manager Oscar Corral said, “is that the community and ministry partners who invest in these men get to see how the time they spent with our program residents has truly changed lives. They become eyewitnesses to God’s transformational power in every man who was baptized.”

For each man participating, the experience carried a unique and personal meaning, making the day not only a public celebration of faith, but also a milestone in their individual journeys. When asked to reflect on the experience, each of them shared what the day, and the support of the community, meant to them.

DAVID

I felt happy because I knew everything was going to change in me. That day, I ran into an old friend, and I just started praying for him. That’s not something I would ever do before, but I felt like God was leading me to do it. I’m also encouraged to hear my family tell me they saw a tangible change in me.

MARCOS

The highlight of the baptism for me is that I am now Christ-centered, not self-centered. One of the biggest revelations I experienced during my baptism was the knowledge that the old me is dead and stayed behind in the water, and the new me came forth. Even though my family wasn’t here, I had people from the community who supported me and were rooting for me. It was really encouraging.

RUBEN

I was impacted by the program and my day of baptism because I feel like I’ve made a true commitment in response to all of the miracles I have seen God do in my life. I didn’t have family here today, but my community was there, and it made me feel God’s love through all the people who came to watch this event.

RAY

I officially gave my entire life to the Lord today. It meant a lot to receive the baptism certificate with my name and the date on it, honoring this special day. It was amazing to have a physical reminder of what I have done for God and what God has done for me.

ELIJAH

My baptism was a lifechanging event. I felt the love of God as I went into the water to be washed from my sins. I am happy with the decision I made to follow Jesus, and I am grateful that I got the opportunity to encounter the Lord here at the Mission.

Reflecting on the day, Oscar shared his appreciation for everyone who came together to support the men and make the celebration meaningful.

“I’m so thankful for everyone who helped make this event possible,” he said, “and how they have shown these men that they are important, that they matter, and that their proclamation of faith is a monumental moment in not only their lives, but our lives as well.

“Since 2024, we have been blessed to have 28 baptisms at the Mission. Lives are being touched and changed here because of the donors, community, ministry, and church partners that are pouring into these men. It takes a village, and we have a great village that is coming alongside us.”

Over 80 people attended RMA SFV’s baptism event.