Share this article:

At my baptism, I shared my testimony with The Orchard Barrington, and I am so excited to share a bit about my journey leading up to this moment. In middle school, I decided to come to faith at the Orchard Winter retreat. During worship service, I became so overwhelmed by the love for Jesus I felt by everyone around me and made the decision to commit my life to him.

Since then, having gone through the majority of my time in High school, it has been hard balancing my faith and desire for Jesus, with the worldly ideas and attitudes I often feel so surrounded by. I have been challenged by the comparison, loneliness, and jealousy that can often seem to overshadow God's presence in my heart.

I have always been someone who strives for perfection and can fall into the hole of “being the best” or comparing myself to those who are excelling.


For a long time, I put off my baptism because I felt that I wasn't “good enough” or that I needed to be the “perfect” Christian first. I was waiting for the right time, when I felt I had it all together and was ready to make the jump. But as said best in a song we sang just last Sunday, “It’s never been about performance, perfection or striving for acceptance Let me tell you, it’s only by the blood- It’s never been about deserving or earning -It’s a gift that’s freely given Let me tell you, it’s only by the blood.”


The reason I choose to be up here today is to proclaim my need for Jesus. I don't have to be perfect-because he is. I have seen and understood now that it's not about being worthy enough; it's about accepting that I'm in need of his grace, and that is why I'm taking this leap. Today, I am taking this step of faith, not because I've got it all together or figured it out, but because I trust in the one who makes me whole. I am overjoyed to share this with all of you, and cannot wait to celebrate the good news, the hope, and the peace that I have chosen by proclaiming my love and desire for Jesus.

Connect with Us:

May 30, 2025
Matt shared his testimony with the members and attendees of The Orchard Arlington Heights, and how he has seen God work throughout his life. My name is Matt and I grew up here at this church. I accepted Jesus Christ into my heart on the first day of second grade but I never really thought more about Jesus until my sophomore year of high school when Pastor Brad gave me a book on theology. With that book I grew to understand more of who Jesus is and what he had done. Unfortunately, that only lasted until I went away to college. 
May 16, 2025
Vince shared with the staff at The Orchard Itasca how God has been moving in his life, and how Vince's life has been turned around through faithful obedience. Coming to The Orchard Itasca has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. Pastors Ryan Potelicki and Ryan Coburn have been everything I’ve ever wanted in spiritual leaders and then some! Through them, God has really let Himself be known to me. Having grown up Catholic, becoming an atheist for 10 years, then rediscovering the Lord, the deep-dives into scripture during the sermons have been exactly what I felt was missing in my past. Ever since God led me to those doors on George Street in Itasca back on Mother's Day 2024, I went from reading my Bible because that’s what a “good Christian” is supposed to do, to now looking forward to
May 1, 2025
Irene Mosias, an American Ukrainian, is a shining example of faith in action. Using her unique skills and unwavering compassion, she has been orchestrating the delivery of both furniture and food to Ukrainian refugees affected by the devastating war. In her efforts, Irene seeks to extend the love of Jesus to those seeking asylum and safety from war-torn countries. Through her dedicated work, she reminds us all of the call to serve and care for those in need as Christ's hands and feet. Do you, or someone you know, have a SHINE story? Let us know!