Share this article:

At my baptism, I shared how God has worked in my life, and how He continues to work to this very day. I was baptized as an infant in the Catholic church and had some early religious upbringing.  I always knew of God and cannot remember a time without this faith.  However, I took it for granted. I did not live my life in relationship with Christ; rather I lived in utter disobedience. I was a sinner, and while a sin is a sin, I counted many of mine as absolutely unforgiveable.  I never humbled myself to even ask for forgiveness.  I just kept living my wild life.  I would cry out to him for help when I was in dire straits, and despite my sinful ways …. he would rescue me.  Time and time again.   

Was I grateful? Yes.  Did I change my ways? No.  I just went on living my life, my way.



Fast forward to November 2023 when my only son died suddenly. When I learned of his passing, I cried out to Jesus “How am I going to survive this?”  And as I questioned if I could even go on … Jesus spoke to me. He said, “Seek me.  I am your comfort.  I am here, as I’ve always been.  With me you will survive this.”  …. and in that very moment I surrendered my life to Jesus.


A Christian friend suggested I go to The Orchard, and I got connected to LIFE Groups and GriefShare. I am now learning how to actively walk with Christ.  Not only is Jesus my comfort through my grief, but he is with me every moment of every day.  I am committed to live my life to honor him, learning and doing what he wants of me.

Praise the Lord!  He has saved me and cleansed me by his sacrifice on the cross. Hebrews 10:22 says “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Today I want to publicly confess that I know Jesus Christ to be my Lord and Savior, and in my decision to be baptized, I am choosing to be obedient to Christ.

Connect with Us:

Ninhursag Avakian Serving Testimony | North Shore

August 5, 2025
Ninhursag Avakian from The Orchard North Shore shared the following testimony about how she has seen God work in her life by calling her to serve. I serve with the middle school girls and the young adults both at the North Shore campus and at the all church gatherings. I have been so blessed to be serving in all three ministries and have been able to grow in each role. With the middle school girls, I have been blessed to see a student give her life to the Lord and get the honor of walking alongside her in her journey with Christ as her leader.

Forest View Nursing and Rehab Center Testimony | Itasca

July 8, 2025
The Staff at The Orchard Itasca shared the following testimony about how they have seen God work through the ministry of the Forest View Nursing and Rehab Center. We began this ministry last year and have set up quarterly visits to the facility. Each time, 15 people meet there at 2 pm. Some people just engage with those in the common areas, talking with them, praying with them. Others, including Pastor Ryan go door-to-door and visit with those who are in their rooms. We take gift bags each time to hand out to both residents and staff.

Pastor Shohei's Testimony | Barrington

July 1, 2025
Pastor Shohei shared his testimony with the staff of The Orchard, and how he has seen God work through the ministry of the Welcome Desk. Every Saturday and Sunday, I stand by the Welcome Desk to greet new guests at our church. Over the past month, I’ve noticed more and more new faces attending. Since I’m always there, I can easily recognize who is new and make them feel welcome.