Stephen Slezak, Campus Carrier asst. sports editor
For many, the decision to embrace Christianity is not just a decision in religion affiliation, but a transformation of someone’s heart, mind, and purpose. The gift of receiving eternal life is something that is recognized by many with denial or lack of education. Choosing to let Jesus Christ into my mind and heart is the greatest decision I have ever made in my life and the greatest decision I will ever make in my life. Becoming saved as a Christian was not a single, dramatic conversion event for me. It was a gradual process of hearing the word and really interpreting what was given to me from my friends and teammates and what I believe God had done for me up to that point.
Two and a half years ago when I came to Berry, I had minimal religious affiliation. One of my close friends at the time from my hometown got in a life-threatening car crash, almost resulting in her death. I started to pray about the situation and from there on out her health continually got better. I started to attend our baseball team bible study where I learned more about the word of the Bible and teachings of Jesus Christ. I found things coming to light in my life when I would pray about them and found confidence in myself where I have not found before. From that point on, that is all the evidence I needed to prove to myself that God was always real and here for everyone.
I got baptized Sept. 29, 2024, at Northside church here in Rome by my close friend and teammate, junior Marco Cabrera. Getting baptized with many friends, teammates, and coaches in the crowd is something that I will never forget and the feeling after is something that is indescribable. For anyone reading this that has not chose to give Jesus a chance in your life, please ask someone about it. There are multiple ways to receive the word on Berry’s campus through programs like Campus Outreach or the chaplain’s office. Two churches in Rome that have connections to Berry are Northside Church and West Rome Baptist Church. Northside’s service is at 10:45 a.m. and West Rome starts at 10:30 a.m.
The purpose of writing this piece and opinion that I want to spread is that God is here and there for you no matter what your background or previous affiliation is. Everyone on this earth is made in his image and he loves you no matter what. There are resources for you if you have not chosen to follow the word of Jesus Christ.