Faith Stories Needed

Faith Story | Buddy H.

September 10, 2026

Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities” begins with the line: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times …” In many respects, 2001 was that kind of year for me. I started that year at age 43 with a successful, growing business, a wife whom I adored and two children who, if you’d asked me, I would have said hung the moon. I was active at our church and was looking forward to serving that year as chairman of the deacons. What an honor … and yet, what a responsibility. I had no idea disaster was looming.

Sometimes, one’s life pivots in a single moment. For us, it was a period of about six weeks, when my youngest child, Stephanie, went to a summer soccer camp and began losing weight. The weight loss snowballed. Within weeks, my daughter had developed severe anorexia, something I knew little about other than that the singer Karen Carpenter had tragically died from it. It was a very misunderstood illness.

By the time Stephanie’s heart rate dropped to 36 beats per minute (a low heart rate is a common occurrence when eating disorders become severe), we realized we were about to lose her. We frantically called multiple treatment centers, Johns Hopkins (in Baltimore) being the one that we were most confident in. The problem was that Johns Hopkins had a minimum age of 12 and Stephanie was only 11. I pleaded with them. They finally agreed to take her.

While we were dealing with this, our nation was dealing with a crisis of its own: As the world watched in horror, planes began crashing into skyscrapers, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania. Dave Hailey was with me that morning, having just come to my office to discuss some church matters.

It was so difficult to focus on anything but Stephanie’s health. I often felt like I was going through the motions at work and in church matters and began asking why God had allowed me to have the additional burden of chairmanship of the deacons in a year that was already so emotionally demanding.

I still recall the first time I told Dave about Steph’s eating disorder. I walked into his office; he shut the door and I sat down and burst into tears. With a concerned face, he said, “What in the world?” I stammered out what we were dealing with.

He offered encouraging and reassuring words, then stood and pulled down a copy of “Telling Secrets” by Frederick Buechner from his bookshelf. He handed it to me and explained that Buechner tells a story in this book about the time his daughter had an eating disorder and how, one day while he was driving, he became overwhelmed by his daughter’s struggles. He pulled the car to the side of the road and stopped, dazed. He watched the cars whizzing by. And then he saw one with a license plate that said “Trust.” That moment was a turning point for him, so much so that he began calling that license plate a “holy relic.”

In the same way, being handed that book became a turning point for me. I read and re-read the pages where Buechner described that experience, and as I recall, they were pages 28 to 31. I know because I re-read them so many nights when my anxieties prevented me from sleeping.

For many years, that question – “God, why did you put that additional burden of chairmanship in a year when I was least equipped to carry another burden?” – lingered. But over time, I came to understand that there was an answer and it was this: “My child, if there was ever a year when you needed to be close to your pastor, to have his guidance, prayer and encouragement, it was then.” So, what I first thought was a burden, I came to see as God’s provision.

I am so thankful for our church, for Dr. Hailey, for each of you and for such a wonderful, wise and loving God.

Faith Story | Ashley P.

September 10, 2026

I grew up in Raeford, NC, the daughter of a First Baptist Church Music Minister and a public school teacher. Jesus was spoken of as a friend rather than someone to fear. My sister and I practically grew up in the church.

God and Jesus were often compared to a father figure, so my understanding of God was shaped by my own father. My dad was patient, gentle, funny, and kind. He was my best friend. Because of him, I learned to see Christianity through love. As I grew older, I struggled with what I read about a vengeful God, judgment, and war. I realized I needed to ask questions and choose my faith for myself.

Two experiences shaped who I am.

One: In middle school, a man I adored at church was often treated as an outsider because he did not fit the stereotypical image of a Christian. He had long hair, rode a motorcycle, and smoked cigarettes, yet was one of the kindest, most joyful people I knew. When he died after becoming sick, his family invited us to take something from his room to remember him. I chose rainbow tie-dyed shirts that said “Fight for AIDS.” On the way home, I asked my mother what AIDS was. She explained his life and why some people at church had kept their distance. I was heartbroken that people could fear someone because his life was different. I learned Christianity should welcome people who are different from me.

Two: Another defining moment happened during a high-school sleepover. My friends hesitated to tell me that one of their parents was getting divorced because they believed I would judge them because of “how Christian” I was. I was hurt, ashamed, and forced to examine what I believed. I never wanted someone to feel judged because of divorce, drinking, lifestyle, or choices. I wanted people to feel loved, not condemned.

I am grateful for everyone God has placed in my life, especially those who have lovingly challenged my judgment and closed-mindedness. I have learned that love is one of the most powerful ways to share faith. My father’s love of music led me to my passion for music and theater, where I find meaningful relationships to this day and where those people keep pushing me to grow and love God even more. 

My favorite verse is Micah 6:8: “He has told you, man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”

I hope this is always the theme of my life: Acting fairly and choosing what is right while taking action to show justice in the world. Showing mercy, being loyal to my friends, and forgiving while loving kindness throughout Depending on God and staying close to Him while growing in my faith and walking humbly with God. I fall short every day, but I pray that through my life, someone, somewhere, can experience how much God loves them—and how much love can change the world.

Faith Story | David M.

September 8, 2026

This special time in the life of Hayes Barton Baptist Church gives me an opportunity to share a little of my faith journey that has brought me to this place at this point in time.  

I was raised in Winterville, North Carolina, in the eastern part of the state, and went to the Winterville Baptist Church. My mother was the spiritual leader of our family, and I know she is smiling today. She nurtured and established a strong faith in my three sisters and me while also teaching GA’s, Sunday School, and WMU, as well as serving in many roles in the church and community. In her senior years, she served as the first woman trustee of the church. My dad was also active at the church.  He was treasurer as long as I can remember. He bought the light bulbs, changed the light bulbs, and arranged for my first job to be mowing grass at the church. So, I had great role models of faith and service. I would like to add that our backyard adjoined the preacher’s family’s backyard, and they were an instrumental force in my life and the growth of my faith.  

I was privileged to grow up always having my faith with me and as a part of me. I made my profession of faith on Palm Sunday when I was about twelve years old and was baptized in the Winterville Baptist Church.

During my journey, I was fortunate to meet Peggy and recognize that we would be good for each other.  We married and eventually settled in Raleigh. She has been a great partner in all respects, including in my faith journey. However, it was our daughter, Diane, who led us to Hayes Barton. We realized we needed help in raising a family and establishing their faith. That’s when we found Hayes Barton, Dr. and Mrs. Cashwell, and the Koinonia Sunday School Class. We have been comfortable here ever since and raised our children—Diane, Sarah, and Paul—in this church. I am very proud and touched that Diane and I were the first father-daughter members serving together in the Diaconate at Hayes Barton.

While reflecting on my faith journey, I must add that the RA program was instrumental to me in my growth in the church. I have always wanted to be an ambassador for Christ. My first volunteer role in this church was to help with the RA program. I wanted to pay back some of the benefits given to me and to give to the next generation. While I value all the programs at Hayes Barton, I hope to be an advocate for the children and youth programs since I know how important they have been to me, my family, and now to my grandchildren.  

I have been battling lymphoma for about 10 years with my “prayer and hug” therapy.  Some people refer to cancer as the “Big C,” but  I prefer to think of Christ as the “Big C!” He is on my side as I battle cancer and that’s the reason my “prayer and hug” therapy is working so well! I thank those who have supported me with prayers and hugs.  

In closing, I’d like to share that my favorite verse is the “golden rule,” found in Luke 6:31. I feel that if everyone treated others as they wanted to be treated that the world would be a better place.

Faith Story | Clara G.

September 8, 2026

When asked to be a facilitator in the Reflections Sunday School Class, my first thought was, “One of my biggest fears is public speaking and I am not a Biblical scholar!” Instead of using regular Sunday School literature, we use the Disciplines devotions. We reflect on these daily devotions and the scriptures from the Revised Common Lectionary.

I think I probably substituted one Sunday for someone before committing to do this once a month. Facilitating the discussion on Sunday requires some study, some prayer, reading scriptures and commentaries, and even googling words and their meaning. 

I grew up in a Christian home filled with love and learning about God’s love for me through Sunday School, worship, Bible School, Girls’ Auxiliary (GAs) and Baptist Training Union. I remember visiting my aunt and uncle (a Baptist preacher) and singing hymns around the piano. 

Even with that background, I need this preparation each Sunday that I facilitate. During the prep, I learn something about myself, about how God wants me to live, and about how God wants me to interact with others. The personal growth and the encouragement from others is well worth the time spent on the lessons.

There is an old adage that you only get out of something what you are willing to put into it, and I think there is a lot of truth in it. Going on mission trips, giving of myself, and getting to know fellow members of HBBC in a personal way has encouraged me to be more active in the opportunities the church offers. I have been active in church all of my life, but I will say my faith has deepened more in the past 10-plus years. 

My question to you is, is your faith growing? If not, consider getting more involved in the church. You’ll get a whole lot more out of it when you put something into it!

Faith Story | Buddy H.

September 8, 2026

I recently wrote a novel, a legal thriller. The original idea for it came from an experience I had when I was a student at Wake Forest University in 1977, so the idea languished for decades until I finally realized my time to complete it was growing ever shorter. By the time I finally published it (thanks to the prodding of two of my Sunday school classmates) on July 3, 2025, I felt 9 1/2 months pregnant with it.

There were many things I struggled with in publishing it, some of which would be obvious: self-publish vs. traditionally publish, distribution and marketing strategies, who to use for cover design and editing. These types of decisions were important, as I wanted it to look professional and carefully crafted.

But there was something bigger I worried about that I didn’t bring up to people: How would my church receive this book, since it is a secular story that deals with mature themes? True, there is a strong moral element to it, but there’s no ending where the pastor adds two thousand members and opens a satellite church. No, this is a story of a man getting in over his head after a very difficult situation and finding himself caught between conscience and consequence.

I feared that church readers would shake their heads and say, “That Buddy Howard, I’m so disappointed.” I look back now and sort of laugh, because the irony is that people from my church were the biggest supporters of the book. That was my first revelation (about our church) as it relates to the book.

But there was another revelation that came later. The more I wrote about my characters (all eight central ones), the more I came to love them. Even some of my readers said that they had grown to love the characters as well. I thought it somewhat odd, to love someone you just “made up.”

I asked myself, “Why do I care? They’re not even real.” And then it hit me: I care because I created them.

Even the “bad” ones.

I hadn’t expected God to teach me any lessons through writing a secular book like this, but He did. The first was about the church’s acceptance and support of the book, which reminded me of the grace that is so evident in our membership. But then the second: that if I love these characters, who are not real, because I created them, how much more must God, our Creator, love us because we are?

In the end, it wasn’t so much that I had to produce something explicitly Christian versus something secular. The important thing was for me to listen for God, whichever I did.

Faith Story | Susan H.

September 3, 2026

The Bible is replete with faith stories of God’s people. Interestingly enough, these faith stories do not emerge in times of gladness or victory, but rather, in times of great pain or loss. Like seeds deeply planted into the earth, the darkness can lead to light and life. 

In 1985, Dave and I moved to our first pastorate in Pelham, Georgia, bringing with us our two-month-old baby daughter, Bethany. Twenty months later, we welcomed David John to our family. It looked like we were single-handedly growing the church nursery ourselves! Sure enough, before long we were expecting again. However, this pregnancy was short-lived. Like millions of women before me, I miscarried the baby at six weeks. The disappointment and sorrow were real, but I was assured by doctors and caring friends that this was just a blip on the screen. So, I summoned up my courage, rearranged my face, and moved forward.

Just a few months later, we discovered another baby was on the way. Although I was a bit wary of revealing our news in case there was another problem, after the 12-week mark, I proudly made my announcement. Sonograms indicated all was well. We told the children and began to sort out possible names. We joyfully began our preparations to welcome this new child into our families.

At my four-month obstetric appointment, I looked forward to hearing the washing machine-sounds of my baby’s heartbeat on the Doppler once again. After all, four weeks is a long time between appointments to confirm that all is going well. However, the doctor was unable to find the heartbeat. They conducted an ultrasound, and my greatest nightmare became reality—my baby had died.

I wanted to scream. How could this be happening again? Everything was going so well. I was assured that I had made it past the “danger zone” in my pregnancy. I knew how to have healthy babies—I had two beautiful children as proof! Yet, my body had betrayed me and my baby. The doctors weren’t providing many answers. I was reeling, emotionally and spiritually.

Up to this point, I had always been taught that “everything happens for a reason,” that when bad things happened “it was God’s will.” For the first time in my life, I raged against that kind of simplistic theology. How could it be God’s will for my baby to die? I experienced a crisis of faith, questioning the goodness and sovereignty of God. My religious confidence was truly shaken.

A few days later as Dave and I were driving back from the hospital following a procedure called a D&E, I heard a song by Michael Card on the cassette in the tape player. The title of the song was “Could It Be.” The lyrics seemed to capture what my heart was feeling during this time of loss:

In the ebb and flow of living as we wander through the years
We’re told to listen to a voice we can’t hear with our ears
They say to live by something that you can’t see with your eyes
Is there really any purpose to this foolish exercise?

Could it be, you make your presence known so often by your absence?
Could it be that questions tell us more than answers ever do?
Could it be that you would really rather die than live without us?
Could it be the only answer that means anything is you?

In the book of Hebrews, Paul tells us that God speaks to us in various ways. For me, God’s word has most often been found in music. This was certainly true when I heard that song. I listened to it hundreds of times during that dark period in my life. For the first time in my life, I experienced the mystery of God. While I couldn’t trace God’s hand or understand his plan, I could trust his heart of love. After all, he too knew the pain of losing a child. Instead of relying on theological certainties, I realized that questions can indeed tell us more than answers ever do. 

Over the years, I have experienced additional pain and suffering. I still have questions I will never know the answer to, but I’ve come to understand that I won’t ever have the answers this side of heaven. I have come to peace with this reality because what I do have is this: a relationship with a God who loves me, who understands me, and who will never leave me. And for me, that is enough. Amen.

Faith Story | Judy W.

September 3, 2026

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t involved in church – mainly Baptist but also Disciples of Christ for a period in Plymouth and Raleigh.

As a child, I loved Sunday school – the stories, the songs, the Bible drills. My sister and I joined the church together, at 10-12 years old. A revivalist came the next week, and he was so impassioned that I resisted the urge to go down front and confess my faith again.

Three of the major turning points in my Christian journey were in high school, as a young married woman, and here at HBBC.

The minister’s wife led our youth group at Cashie Baptist Church in Windsor – Dora Jane Weston. She was vibrant, delightful, and Spirit-filled. I experienced a personal relationship with Jesus that stays with me today. Her witness of joy while suffering from muscular dystrophy is as vivid to me now as it was at the time.

My second spiritual “high” was with my two prayer partners – still partners 45 years later. Three of us met weekly with a mother-in-law in her den. We studied “The Workbook of Living Prayer” by Maxie Dunnam. I/we felt Jesus’ presence in the room with us multiple times. One week our verse for meditation was “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). What a delight!

Companions in Christ with Julia Ledford here at HBBC offered deep group fellowship and refreshed my relationship with Christ. The reality of spiritual gifts and the power of mantras were reinforced and renewed.

Teaching adult Sunday school, first at Cashie and for 25-plus years in the Danielson Class here at HBBC, provides a personal opportunity for rich Bible study and spiritual insight that keeps me learning and growing. Teaching is an honor and a privilege, although often a challenge!

Music is my major source of worship and spiritual inspiration. Beautiful music and expressive words reach my soul, stir my heart. As in teaching, serving in the choir for 15-plus years enriches my spiritual life. Dr Hailey’s sermons come in a close second, if not tied, for inspiration and worship.

My life at Hayes Barton has been a wonderful and nourishing adventure — well worth the 30-minute commute! Thank you, HBBC!

Faith Story | Cora S.

September 3, 2026

My mom, Cora Shinn, joined Hayes Barton Baptist in December 2022. She died in February 2023, yet cherished the time she was a member here.

I wanted to share with you excerpts from a temple talk she gave at our home congregation on September 20, 2015. I hope that you will appreciate reading about her faith journey.

Susan Shinn Turner

Today I stand before you as a child of God, wife of Ed, mother of Susan, MaMaw of Andrew, and member of our church family.

Four mornings each week, you will find me in the fitness center of the J.F. Hurley Family YMCA in Salisbury. Often I see fellow church members, including Tom, our stewardship chairman. We greet one another and chat briefly — but mostly, we exercise.

In late July, Tom stopped by my treadmill. It was a regular “Good morning, how are you today?” greeting. Then, with a serious look on his face, Tom told me that he and the Stewardship Committee had been busy working on plans for the annual fall campaign, and that my name had been mentioned for a Faith+Life Moment. He wanted me to think about it, and would get back with me the next week.

I told Tom that I was afraid that I just could not do that. I said, at this time in my life, situations such as this bother me. I can’t remember things as well, names fail me, I am uncomfortable before groups, I move more slowly, and I’m more unsteady on my feet.

But Tom had said, “Just think about it.” I agreed to do that, and he walked away from me and my treadmill.

I completed my workout, drove out of the parking lot onto Lincolnton Road, and stopped at the red light at Jake Alexander Boulevard. As I was sitting there, an event that happened about 75 years ago came clearly to me. I was about 8 or 9, standing before my Baptist church family, telling the Bible story of Pharaoh’s daughter finding Baby Moses in the basket.

At that moment, I realized that my church and my faith built the early foundation for the person I have become. I turned onto Jake Alexander, stopped at Food Lion, and drove home. I was still thinking about what Tom had asked me to do when I went inside the house. Then it dawned on me that I’d left my groceries in the car!

After retrieving my groceries, I sat down to read my daily devotions for Monday, July 27, 2015: Hebrews 12:1, “Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.”

The prayer of the day followed, “Because you strengthen me, Lord, today I’ll do what I thought I couldn’t do.”

I knew what I should tell Tom.

I am a product of the Great Depression, and my parents made sure that my seven brothers and sisters and I had a pennies, nickels, or a dime, to give as our offering every Sunday. It was the best we could do.

We survived the Depression, I went to college, and moved to Kannapolis for my first job, where I met my husband. On our first date, I learned that the church was a big part of my husband’s life.

For 57 years, my parents worshipped and served in three different congregations. When they came to Raleigh, they decided that God had saved the best for last in bringing them to Hayes Barton Baptist Church. They always tried to do the best they could wherever they were. I pray that I can do the same.

Faith Story | Glenn B.

September 1, 2026

At 10 years old, I came inside after mowing my parent’s yard with a push mower with rotating blades. Remember those? I sat in front of the black and white TV in the den and George Beverly Shea sang, “I’d rather have Jesus than anything this world can afford today. He’s sweeter than honey from out of the comb, He’s all my hungering Spirit needs.” 

Then Dr. Billy Graham preached, about how God wants us to be a child of His kingdom. It ended with the final anthem “Just As I am.” I knew then I was ready to accept Christ. 

I looked at my father and mom who also were watching and told them I wanted to be a follower of Christ. Pastor Dr. Robert L. Deneen, who lived one house down the hill, came over. I was baptized on Palm Sunday.  

My faith over the years has been tested. Many speed bumps, trials, challenges, and fractured moral mistakes. One of the most trying times was grieving when I lost almost everyone I loved in a short amount of time: my mom in July 2019, my father July 2021, and then Jerri, my wife of 41 years, in November 2021. She was the love of my life and lost her battle to pancreatic cancer. 

Afterwards, I felt all alone. The house was quiet, so I went right back to work traveling all over the USA, Canada, and more. Every time I would travel Jerri would slip a pocket note in my suitcase. A small note thanking and encouraging me. I’m so grateful I saved most of those notes today. 

Before Jerri passed, we joined HBBC in May 2021. She wanted me to find a good church home before she went to Heaven. Dr. Hailey came to our home and we knew then we wanted to join. We took a walk that evening after David had left. A brief shower came so we took cover under a tree until the rain stopped. Then walking back home, the most beautiful double rainbow appeared. We knew then God had His hand on us, and we had made the right decision to join HBBC.

I have two wooden plaques in my kitchen that read: “Faith will see us Through”and “Pray, Trust, Wait.” These two plaques sustain me. God’s grace is His mercy and goodness toward us. Without His grace we couldn’t even exist. He’s been so gracious, merciful, and poured so many blessings on me. 

Last, I’m thankful for the ministry staff, The Well Sunday School class, and the opportunity to sing in the chancel choir. This combination has strengthened my faith.

Faith Story | Dave C.

September 1, 2026

One night during an extended WakeMed hospital stay, before trying to sleep, I read Bible scriptures on my IPad. Previously, my many daily devotionals took place at home. Hospital rooms can be lonely, and after a few nights the beds become uncomfortable, and sleep is often fleeting. 

That night, after finally falling asleep, I was startled and awakened by a voice. My hearing aids were out, but the voice was crystal clear. After lowering my eye mask, I realized that there was no one in my room. 

The voice was very calming and kind but commanding; it said, “Send My words to others. Send My words to others.” I looked around to see the source. “Send My words to others.” “What did ‘My words’ mean?” I thought. 

Then I clearly understood that “My words” were the Bible scriptures, God’s words. I realized that God was talking directly to me, telling me to send His Bible scriptures to others. Immediately, a sense of warmth and calm came over me and I knew what to do. The message was clear, and I would send God’s words to others.

After being discharged, I gathered my seven daily devotionals and crafted a plan. From my daily devotionals, I would choose three scriptures, three prayers, and a daily challenge and send them to those close to me. I started texting them each morning to a few friends and family members. 

That was over three years ago and the only days I have missed is when I was suddenly back in the hospital. 

Each morning I now text the “Daily’s” to over 50 people, many of whom also forward God’s words to others: nearly 100 people all together that I am aware of. I add recipients either by direct request or by referral.

I prepare the “Daily’s” the afternoon before and send out by text the next morning. I plan my days around this because some of the recipients are dealing with health situations, others with personal matters. They depend upon the “Daily’s” for comfort. It is not uncommon for a recipient to tell me, “I really needed the words today.”

That is exactly why God spoke to me that night in the hospital room. Now it is an on-line ministry of sorts. I will continue as long as I am physically able.

Faith Story | Hassan E.

September 1, 2026

My faith journey began in a way that still makes me smile. Growing up in an Assemblies of God church, I was initially drawn in by the gym, the chance to play sports with friends, and — if I’m being completely honest — the Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies. Somewhere between the basketball games, the snacks, and hearing Bible stories as a five-year-old, God began planting seeds in my heart. Looking back now, I can see that what first caught my attention wasn’t what ultimately captured it.

One of the greatest gifts God gave me was a mother who faithfully prayed over my life. I still remember her praying over my feet, asking the Lord to guide every step I would take. Those prayers have meant more than I could have understood as a child. Like many people, my journey hasn’t been a straight line. I’ve experienced seasons of wandering, moments of weakness, and more than my share of mistakes. Yet through it all, God’s grace has been constant — meeting me where I was, extending forgiveness, and patiently drawing me back to Him time and again.

Today, our family of five is grateful to call Hayes Barton Baptist Church our church home. It has become a place where we are encouraged to grow, serve, and pursue Christ together. Some of the greatest lessons in our faith haven’t come only through sermons or Bible studies, but through the kindness, encouragement, and genuine love shown by the people of HBBC. God has used His church to remind us that faith is not meant to be lived alone.

As I reflect on my journey, I’m reminded that God often works through the ordinary moments of life — a childhood invitation to church, a mother’s faithful prayers, a welcoming church family, and countless acts of grace along the way. I’m thankful that His love has never depended on my perfection, but on His faithfulness. My prayer is that our family continues to grow in that faith, finding new opportunities to love God, love others, and point people to the hope we have in Christ.

Faith Story | Susan W.

August 27, 2026

My faith story is one that I am thankful for every day.

I was raised in a Christian home by two Christian parents and attended a Baptist church here in Raleigh, where I have lived my entire life. I am now 65 years old, and I can clearly see God’s faithfulness throughout every season of my life. I was baptized at the age of 12 with only a limited understanding of what it truly meant. Over the years, however, God’s teaching and the lessons He has brought into my life have given me a much deeper understanding of who He is and how to pray for His will instead of my own.

As a child and teenager, we were at church every Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday night. My father worked outside the home, and my mother was a stay-at-home mom who faithfully cared for our family.

Before every meal we prayed together, and each evening around the dinner table our family of four shared the blessings of the day. This practice was non-negotiable. My parents continually stressed the importance of recognizing God’s blessings and reminded us that there is always something to be thankful for.

My sister and I were actively involved in Vacation Bible School and our church youth group. Through those experiences, we were blessed with opportunities to participate in both local and international mission trips, which helped shape my understanding of serving others and sharing God’s love.

When I was in high school, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I witnessed firsthand how a church family can rally around those in need. While my father continued working and spent as much time as possible caring for my mother, many wonderful people stepped in to care for my sister and me.

My mother battled cancer on and off for ten years. Throughout that entire journey, our church never stopped loving and supporting our family. Even after my mother passed away, when I was 27 years old and had a three-week-old baby—my first child—the love and care of our church continued.

Through my mother’s journey and the faithfulness of those around us, I learned one of life’s greatest lessons: God doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we want, but He always demonstrates His love, even in the midst of heartbreak and loss. I also came to understand that death is not something to fear when Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior.

I was incredibly blessed to marry a deeply spiritual man. Together, we were blessed with two children, and raising them in church was important to both of us. Although we came from different denominations, we shared the same foundation—faith in Jesus Christ and the importance of prayer. We wanted our children to experience that same faith so they could one day choose to follow Jesus for themselves.

As parents know, sometimes children choose a different path than the one they were taught. Even so, I continue to believe that children are among God’s greatest blessings. I also believe that God’s story is never finished. Though life on this side of heaven may not always unfold as we hope, I trust that with God, all things are possible. I look forward to the day when those who belong to Christ will be reunited with Him in heaven.

Looking back over my life, I can see God’s faithfulness in every chapter—through joy and sorrow, blessings and heartache. My faith has grown stronger because of both the mountaintop experiences and the valleys. Today, I am grateful not only for the Christian home in which I was raised, but also for a Savior who has never left me. My hope rests in Him, and I know that with God, anything is possible.

Faith Story | Michael L.

August 27, 2026

When I look back over my life, I can see God’s hand woven through every chapter. I cannot take credit for the journey I have traveled. So much of what has happened in my life can be traced back to the prayers, faith, and influence of people who loved God and cared enough to invest in me.

I was born into a Christian home, but my parents were busy raising four children and working jobs that often required weekend commitments. As a result, church was not always a regular part of our family life. Some of my earliest and most meaningful memories of faith are with my grandparents, who took me to a small United Methodist church. I can still remember standing beside my grandfather as he served as a lay reader. Those simple moments left an impression on me that I would carry throughout my life.

For a period of my childhood, we lived just two doors down from a Baptist church, close enough that I could walk there. At the age of eleven, during a spring revival at that church, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. I was later baptized in a small creek. Those were simple moments, but they became foundational moments in my life.

Not long afterward, our family moved away from that community, and walking to church was no longer an option. But God continued to provide people and circumstances that kept faith a part of my life. A neighbor reached out to me, encouraged me to become involved in their church, and even drove me there at times. That Baptist church became an important part of my childhood faith journey.

As I grew older, God continued to place people in my path who influenced the direction of my life. One of those people was a faithful Christian who happened to be Moravian. Through prophetic words and encouragement, she helped point me toward the career I eventually chose. Looking back, what seemed like an ordinary conversation at the time was another way God was directing my steps.

During college, I worked for a Christian family whose example taught me lessons about faith, character, work, and integrity that went far beyond what I learned in a classroom.

After college, I moved from my hometown to Durham. Through the influence and ministry of Rev. Dr. Clay Warf, pastor of Temple Baptist Church, and the church’s outreach to me, I became more deeply grounded in my faith. Their influence was an important step in helping me understand what it meant to live out my faith beyond my childhood and hometown.

It was also during those early years that God continued to direct my personal life. Even meeting the woman who would become my wife was prayer-led and influenced by the church. She became one of the greatest blessings of my life.

Later, when the opportunity came to acquire my first business, Christian people in Virginia and Christian people at Clarksville Baptist Church again played a significant role. What could have appeared to be simply a business decision was, in reality, another step in a much larger journey that God had been directing through prayer.

When I look back now, I see a pattern.

At almost every significant crossroads, God seemed to place the right person in my path at just the right time. A neighbor. A grandparent. A pastor. A Christian family. A friend. A person who spoke words of encouragement. A future wife. Business associates. People who prayed for me when I didn’t even know they were praying.

I have made plenty of mistakes along the way. I have made decisions that, in hindsight, I would make differently. But even through my mistakes, God has remained faithful.

I take very little credit for the journey.

And then COVID intervened and, in ways we could never have anticipated, led us to Hayes Barton Baptist Church. What began as another turn in our journey has become one of the most fulfilling eras of spiritual formation in our lives. We have been blessed not only by the church, but by the friendships, encouragement, worship, and opportunities to grow in our faith that God has given us there.

My faith story is ultimately not about what I have done for God. It is about what God has done for me—and the faithful people He has used along the way.

For that, I am deeply grateful.

And I pray that, in some small way, God will use my life to do for someone else what so many faithful people did for me.

Faith Story | Susan H.

August 27, 2026

The Bible is replete with faith stories of God’s people. Interestingly enough, these faith stories do not emerge in times of gladness or victory, but rather, in times of great pain or loss. Like seeds deeply planted into the earth, the darkness can lead to light and life. 

In 1985, Dave and I moved to our first pastorate in Pelham, Georgia, bringing with us our two-month-old baby daughter, Bethany. Twenty months later, we welcomed David John to our family. It looked like we were single-handedly growing the church nursery ourselves! Sure enough, before long we were expecting again. However, this pregnancy was short-lived. Like millions of women before me, I miscarried the baby at six weeks. The disappointment and sorrow were real, but I was assured by doctors and caring friends that this was just a blip on the screen. So, I summoned up my courage, rearranged my face, and moved forward.

Just a few months later, we discovered another baby was on the way. Although I was a bit wary of revealing our news in case there was another problem, after the 12-week mark, I proudly made my announcement. Sonograms indicated all was well. We told the children and began to sort out possible names. We joyfully began our preparations to welcome this new child into our families.

At my four-month obstetric appointment, I looked forward to hearing the washing machine-sounds of my baby’s heartbeat on the Doppler once again. After all, four weeks is a long time between appointments to confirm that all is going well. However, the doctor was unable to find the heartbeat. They conducted an ultrasound, and my greatest nightmare became reality—my baby had died.

I wanted to scream. How could this be happening again? Everything was going so well. I was assured that I had made it past the “danger zone” in my pregnancy. I knew how to have healthy babies—I had two beautiful children as proof! Yet, my body had betrayed me and my baby. The doctors weren’t providing many answers. I was reeling, emotionally and spiritually.

Up to this point, I had always been taught that “everything happens for a reason,” that when bad things happened “it was God’s will.” For the first time in my life, I raged against that kind of simplistic theology. How could it be God’s will for my baby to die? I experienced a crisis of faith, questioning the goodness and sovereignty of God. My religious confidence was truly shaken.

A few days later as Dave and I were driving back from the hospital following a procedure called a D&E, I heard a song by Michael Card on the cassette in the tape player. The title of the song was “Could It Be.” The lyrics seemed to capture what my heart was feeling during this time of loss:

In the ebb and flow of living as we wander through the years
We’re told to listen to a voice we can’t hear with our ears
They say to live by something that you can’t see with your eyes
Is there really any purpose to this foolish exercise?

Could it be, you make your presence known so often by your absence?
Could it be that questions tell us more than answers ever do?
Could it be that you would really rather die than live without us?
Could it be the only answer that means anything is you?

In the book of Hebrews, Paul tells us that God speaks to us in various ways. For me, God’s word has most often been found in music. This was certainly true when I heard that song. I listened to it hundreds of times during that dark period in my life. For the first time in my life, I experienced the mystery of God. While I couldn’t trace God’s hand or understand his plan, I could trust his heart of love. After all, he too knew the pain of losing a child. Instead of relying on theological certainties, I realized that questions can indeed tell us more than answers ever do. 

Over the years, I have experienced additional pain and suffering. I still have questions I will never know the answer to, but I’ve come to understand that I won’t ever have the answers this side of heaven. I have come to peace with this reality because what I do have is this: a relationship with a God who loves me, who understands me, and who will never leave me. And for me, that is enough. Amen.

Faith Story | Janice H.

August 25, 2026

My faith story has deep roots in a multi-generational family of Christ followers. While they followed their way, and I was familiar with their journeys, I had to find my own way into a meaningful relationship with Christ. Growing up, I was very involved in church alongside my family. I have loved Jesus for as long as I can remember. I was involved in all the church activities, and in God’s time, I chose to become a Christ follower myself. Through the challenging events all of us face in life, God has taught me that “God is before all things, and in God all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17).

When I went to college, I perceived God guiding me into vocational ministry, but as a woman, I thought I would be a missionary. I didn’t know any female ministers. After my sophomore year in college, I was sent as a summer missionary to Hawaii, working mostly with children. Upon my return to college, I changed my major from music to elementary education because I discovered I had passion and aptitude for teaching children. 

After college, I taught elementary school for three years. I was happy teaching school, but I also experienced for the first time female children’s ministers in a church I attended in Dallas, Texas. I explored the possibility of vocational ministry by attending seminary. Knowing my giftedness for teaching, I also had a passion for guiding children in their faith formation, and I prepared to do that either vocationally or as a volunteer. After seminary, I had a definite pull toward teaching adults how to guide children in their faith formation.

In 1975 I became the first children’s “director” (now “minister”) on the staff of First Baptist Church, Charlotte. While I learned much in that ministry, I now believe God wanted me in NC, where I soon was hired to be the children’s consultant on the Sunday School team of the Baptist State Convention of NC. In that position, I guided adults in the 3,500 NC Baptist churches in VBS, Sunday School, children’s worship, and eventually children’s ministry in general.

Shortly after moving to Raleigh, I was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 30. While it was a very challenging time for my body and my faith, I experienced the presence of God as never before in my life. Through several recurrences, I learned that God was in every situation and I could not control everything. The deep love of God for me became very precious to me.

After children’s ministry became popular with churches, I needed to equip the ministers, many of whom were being called from the church laity. I created a certification program in partnership with the new Campbell University Divinity School and started teaching adjunct in 1999 through 2021. Instead of a more academic degree that I would have taught in traditional seminary, the path I thought I would follow, I used the more than twenty years of working directly with churches to design a practical ministry supported by sound theology, family systems theory, and current educational practices. Only looking back could I see how God planned that outcome step-by-step to help me meet a need that did not exist when I completed seminary. 

Since joining HBBC in 2011, in addition to teaching and guiding children in Bible study, I have been introduced to ministry with refugees and teaching them English. Most recently, I have become involved with our church’s affordable housing ministry and foster children aging out of the system. Once again, I didn’t see this coming, but God did!

Faith Story | Sue M.

August 20, 2026

I grew up in rural Wilkes County, North Carolina. One of my earliest memories, besides just playing with my siblings outdoors most days, is that of going to church on Sunday mornings.

On Saturday nights, my parents made sure that we would be ready the next morning. Since we had spent a lot of time outdoors during the day, you can imagine that we had some “clean-up” to do! During this time, I often saw my Dad sitting at the kitchen table on Saturday night with his Bible and “Quarterly.”

I don’t remember much about my earliest activities at church, but I grew to know that it was a special place. When I was of school age, I looked forward to summer time when school was not in session. In particular, I looked forward to going to Vacation Bible School at church. I, along with my older brother and two younger siblings, walked from our home to the church. We enjoyed marching into church, learning to say our allegiances to the flags, and to sit and stand whenever the piano chords gave us the signals. We enjoyed stories about God, and people like Noah and Moses. We did crafts and had refreshments.

Of course, as I grew, I graduated into higher-level programs. At the end of one Bible School session, I decided that I wanted to be baptized. Time passed and I was a teenager. In addition to Sunday school, we had Sunday evening meetings (BTU) and we participated more in the lessons.

High school years culminated in my deciding about college. My high school Latin teacher had attended Wake Forest (when it was in Wake Forest and all male). Nevertheless, he promoted it quite frequently. I graduated from high school and, in September, left home for Winston-Salem.

Spending a lot of time away from family was quite different for me, as I adjusted to living in a dorm. When it came time to choose the classes I would take that semester, the first class I signed up for was The Old Testament. A well-known professor led that class. I found out right away that it was not like listening to a Bible story, but was a much deeper exposition of the Bible. As we began the class, I took notes as fast as I could.

I am still learning about God and seeking how I can live out his will. I truly appreciate being a part of a group of people at my church who help me on my journey.

When I was at Wake Forest, getting mail was a real treat. My dear mother wrote me regularly. When I was a junior, I received a letter from her which included the sentence, “Johnny McGrady is home from the Army.” That weekend, I went home to Wilkes. The BTU class was having a picnic that Saturday, and I decided to go. “Johnny” was there, and we talked.

He asked for a date that night.

John and I are still growing in Christ.

Faith Story | Ryan K.

August 18, 2026

My faith story is centered around a supportive community and the knowing that serving others helps grow my own relationship with God.

I’ve always been involved in the church. It’s always been a place where I felt welcomed, supported, and surrounded by people who cared about growing in their faith together.

Through the youth group at HBBC, I began to understand that faith is not just something I experience individually, but something we live out through our relationships and the way we serve others.

One of the biggest areas of growth in my faith has come through mission trips and community service. With other HBBC youth, I built a roof in the Bahamas and worked in soup kitchens in New York City. We went outside of our own experiences and learned to serve people in different parts of the world. I learned the power of compassion, generosity, and simply being present for others.

These experiences have challenged me to look beyond myself and recognize the ways God is working through people and situations all around me.

Hayes Barton Baptist Church has been a place where I find relationships, service opportunities, and a community that encourages me to love God.

I’m thankful for the experiences that shaped my faith. As I go to college this coming school year, I’m excited for the new ways God will work through me.

Faith Story | Drew K.

August 13, 2026

I have grown up in the church, so my faith has always been a part of my life. Getting baptized on Easter in 2022 was a really special moment for me because it made my commitment to Christ feel real and personal.

I go to Cardinal Gibbons High School, and my faith helps me with school, friendships, and just everyday life. It keeps me grounded and reminds me to trust God no matter what is going on.

I also play baseball for a travel team and played basketball for my school the past two years, and sports have taught me a lot about working hard and staying disciplined. My faith has helped me push through tough times in sports.

Through my church, school, and sports experiences, I have learned that faith is something that shows in how you live, not just something you say you believe.

Faith Story | Dorothy W.

August 11, 2026

I thought I was a Christian, or assumed I was, from a very early age. Growing up in a small Baptist church in Massachusetts, I had willingly, gladly, and faithfully participated in church activities: nursery school, Sunday school, junior choir, B.Y.F., holiday programs, and more.

After graduation from a Boston-area all-girls Catholic college in 1975, where I was taught mostly by nuns and priests, I felt an amazing sense of myself as a strong, young woman who could handle herself in any situation. I began my career of teaching English to middle-schoolers, while my church attendance became sporadic.

Staying ahead of teacher layoffs, I moved away from everyone I loved and everything I knew in Massachusetts to accept a position in Chapel Hill in 1982. Middle-schoolers were still my favorite population group on the planet! With no husband and no children, I dedicated myself to my job, and retired in 2007. Life was on my terms.

The year 2012 was a memorable one for me. It was when I started watching the weekly HBBC broadcasts. It was also the year that upended my comfortable, predictable world.

Back home for Christmastime as usual, my parents and siblings held a “family meeting,” which we had done since I was a child to discuss important issues. Mom and Dad were now in their early 80s and unable to manage our large home and increasing medical issues. Family decision: Downsize and move them to a one-bedroom senior apartment. My sisters and brother sweetly reminded me that my “get things done efficiently” attitude and attention to detail made me the logical choice to head up this job. I gladly accepted.

By September 2013, the home was sold, and my parents were in their new apartment. That’s when the little nudges started. Something was not quite right.

I realized that my “strong woman” attitude was slipping away. More frequently, I was asking God to help me and keep me strong to do all I was trying to do.

One Sunday, as I was watching the HBBC broadcast, a small ensemble sang “Just As I Am,” but they added words I never had sung:

“I come broken to be mended; I come wounded to be healed;

I come desperate to be rescued; I come empty to be filled;

I come guilty to be pardoned by the blood of Christ the Lamb

and I’m welcomed with open arms — Praise God! — just as I am.”

In 2017, the Christmas family-meeting decision was to find an assisted-living facility for our parents. Again, my siblings asked me to meet the challenge, and I did.

We lost Mom in April 2019, and COVID took Dad from us in May 2020.

COVID was such a lonely time. Thankfully, the HBBC services continued to air. After one of them, I searched Vimeo for the Sunday when the small group sang “Just As I Am” and listened to the hymn over and over. I even made a poster of the lyrics.

Before the hymn of response each Sunday, Dr. Hailey would say, “If that still small voice would speak to you, come forward.” One June Sunday, I felt that Dr. Hailey’s invitation and the hymn I played again and again were meant just for me. This was God’s personal call to action!

On July 29, 2021, I sent an email to Dr. Hailey congratulating him on his 25 years at HBBC. Then I added that, before my 68th birthday in September, I would like him to baptize me, which he did along with several girls on August 29.

It took me more than six decades to realize what a Christian truly is. Thanks to Hayes Barton Baptist Church’s broadcast services, I’ve made the discovery.

Faith Story | Beth T.

August 6, 2026

My earliest memories of faith begin in Sunbeams at First Baptist Church in Laurinburg, NC, sitting under the gentle guidance of Miss Minnie Mae Hammond. Even as a child, there was something steady and comforting about being in that space—learning simple truths about God’s love that would take root and grow over time.

Faith was not just something we talked about; it was woven into the rhythm of daily life. I grew up surrounded by strong examples of faith in my parents and grandparents. Their quiet consistency, their trust in God through both ordinary days and difficult seasons, shaped me in ways I continue to discover even now. Church was a constant: Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday evenings. It was simply where we were, and it became part of who I am.

Some of my most cherished memories are of Vacation Bible School and Music Camp at Fort Caswell. Those experiences brought faith to life in joyful and meaningful ways: through songs, friendships, and moments that made God feel both real and near. I also remember the deep sense of church community: gathering around covered dish suppers, sharing meals in our home, laughter, and life together. Faith was not just personal; it was shared.

Over the years, I have come to recognize God’s presence in so many ways: through family and friends, in the beauty of nature, in the power of music, and in the truth of scripture. There have been countless “Godwinks” along the way. Those moments feel like gentle reminders that God is near, guiding, providing, and loving in ways both seen and unseen.

As I look back, I am in awe of the stepping stones that mark my faith journey. Each season, each experience, has played a part in shaping and strengthening my relationship with God. There have been surprises along the way, those unexpected blessings that remind me again and again of God’s faithfulness.

And even now, the journey continues. I am grateful for where God has led me, and I remain open to where He will lead me next.

To God be the glory.

Faith Story | John T.

August 4, 2026

Early December 1980, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is where my faith story comes from.

I was fortunate to be born into a Christian home. My parents were active in me learning what it meant to be a Christian from an early age. I am grateful for that upbringing and their love and support. I fully realize many have not been as fortunate.

I went to church, was active in the youth programs, was involved with Young Life while in high school, and Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship at Carolina. I always believed in Christ and my salvation, but I was still a kid with much to learn.

When I went to Carolina, I knew it would be where the rubber met the road. Would my faith hold? Again, I was fortunate that I made many supportive Christian friends early.

Early in December of my freshman year, we had a dance at the dorm and then some of us headed across campus to go to a midnight movie, “The Graduate.” While we were in the movie, it had started to snow. When we left, I went one way to head back to the dorm, while others hung out on that side of campus. I walked past Kenan Stadium, around the massive Graduate Library, to main campus, and suddenly found myself in a different world.

It had snowed about 3-4 inches and was a gorgeous snowfall. The snow was softly falling, and the lighting on main campus and the lower cloud type cover almost formed a roof, it seemed. I felt as if I were walking into a sacred cathedral.

On top of that, no one had yet to walk on the fresh snow. It was a holy moment, and I immediately sensed that, and God’s quiet presence.

I believed my faith to be strong and growing, but I had never experienced anything like this moment. I have found worship experiences in nature, in music, in the face of a newborn, in the gently lined face of a long-time believer, and more, but I had never had this moment, this experience, this sense of the Almighty and His invitation to worship in that holy moment. I stood there for some minutes taking it all in. I was truly in awe and deeply grateful for this time of worship, reflection, and joy.

My faith…my worship…were and are enhanced because of that sacred time alone with God in a special moment.

I have never experienced that type of moment before or since. Thankfully, though, my faith continues to be strengthened in many ways through all the things I mentioned earlier and in addition to church, mission activities, and so much more.

And while I may not experience that same type of holy moment again in this life, I had that moment of sacred worship with our living and loving God, and it will always be a part of me and my faith journey.

Praise Him, all creatures here below.

Faith Story |Arthur J.

July 30, 2026

It is not the destination but the journey. I have always been one to stop and smell the roses along the way, and that expression has been my mantra. Of course, knowing the destination is important, but there is usually so much to do on a journey, I’ve felt no need to rush. If we plot our course wisely, and maybe even if we don’t, we will usually get there. My faith journey has also progressed in a similar manner.

I was fortunate to grow up in a Christian family and always attended Sunday School. I was baptized at age 10 along with my two brothers and my mother, who was Lutheran. Being baptized all together by Rev. W.W. Hutchins at FBC Sanford was special. On family vacations driving across the country, Dad always stopped on Sunday morning, and we attended service, usually in some small roadside country church, so I learned the importance of worship. 

Like many others, I lost my focus during the college days. However, with a sturdy foundation, I eventually had a yearning to return to church and began attending periodically, but not consistently. 

One event in particular was pivotal. My mother died from cancer when I was 32. She was depressed, so I had conversations with her about the reliance on faith, even though I did not fully comprehend the concept. After her death, I continued to dwell on those discussions and began to realize the importance of relying on God to help me through the difficulties in life. As I reflect back on several close calls, I feel blessed and grateful for the gift of life. Because of my faith, I know my final destination, and as a result of my faith, I have had a peaceful journey. 

After Elsie and I were married, I began coming to HBBC regularly. She always went to Sunday School, but I did not. However, I began to attend occasionally and slowly became involved. Various mission trips and participation on committees strengthened my resolve. In time, I joined Men’s BSF and my faith deepened as my biblical education increased. When I was elected to the diaconate, I wondered if I was worthy, but I knew the Lord would lead me. It has certainly been a journey for me, with my faith growing from every experience. 

Now, as I reflect back after serving as a deacon for more than 25 years, and with the involvement on various committees and missions trips, I can see how the Holy Spirit was at work. I knew about Faith in the beginning, and did not fully understand it. Little by little, along my journey, it continued to grow, and now I cannot understand how someone can live without it.

God made roses for a reason. I believe He wants us to take the time to smell them, admire the beauty of His creation, and share them with all who will accept. The journey of life has lots of roses but… thorny stems as well. I have learned that, as faith grows, it helps us endure the pain of those inevitable pricks along the way.

Faith Story | John M.

July 28, 2026

When I was born in August of 1940, our nation was dealing with the ramifications of a world war, and life for most people was a matter of survival. Everyone was afraid. Even as a child, I remember thinking more about being saved by Franklin Roosevelt than about being saved by God. My parents were God-fearing people … we went to church, but we had very little money and together with 2 other families (9) lived with my grandparents at 8 High Street in Jackson, Mississippi.  My grandfather was the patriarch, and I saw him and listened to him pray at meals and before bedtime. He taught me how to fish, how to plant a garden, how to dig worms without a shovel, and how to love everyone. He seemed to know something about everything, and he was the one to whom I looked for guidance. I believe this was the beginning of my faith walk. I can’t say that my childhood was normal, but I do have fond memories of my brother and I walking to the State movie theater in downtown Jackson to see the kiddie matinee where the ending of the Bugs Bunny cartoon was always … “TO BE CONTINUED!” Difficult years became almost impossible ones when we moved, and my father was diagnosed with tuberculosis. He was confined to a TB sanitarium for over 5 years, and my mother became the major breadwinner. To say life was difficult was not enough. 

In my early life, I’m not sure that I actively searched out God, but He was most certainly looking out for me.

When my family moved again from Mississippi to Louisiana, it placed me in a position to receive a scholarship to attend NC State College to study Pulp and Paper Technology, and life for me made a significant turn. In August of 1958, my father took me to the train station in Poplarville, Mississippi, and placed me on the train to Raleigh, North Carolina. When I arrived, I had no answers; I only had questions. I learned from other students that Tabernacle Baptist Church sent a bus to college campuses to pick up students for church. The first time I boarded, I sat down in the only seat available and met a young girl who became my wife, and my life took a significant turn in my faith walk. We have now been married 65 years.

A defining moment in my faith walk happened when Dr.George Balentine asked me to teach a young couples class. Having no experience, no training, I accepted the challenge and the Noah’s Ark class was born. Our motto was ”We’re In This Boat Together!” and together we experienced heavy adult issues…births of premature babies, sudden death of a member, losses of jobs, divorces, illnesses, concerns of aging parents, etc. We learned how to cry, we learned how to pray, we learned how to cook chicken and rice casseroles, and we really learned how to love.

In the situations I described above, I sincerely believe that God has been with me, directing my steps all the time. I believe that God carried me from High St. in Jackson to Raleigh, NC. There was no way to survive the hard, dark days of my childhood through the days of my father’s illness to College (when my parents and I never discussed college) if God had not been in charge. How is it possible to find a wife and raise a family in a faith-based church if God had not ordained it and directed it?  

I am not yet where I want to be in my Christian walk.  Every time I open the Bible, I find something that I never knew before, and I have come to love Jesus in a more personal and fulfilling way. So, like the ending to the Bugs Bunny cartoon, my faith journey is…..

 “TO BE CONTINUED!” ….

Faith Story | Janice M.

July 16, 2026

Like many of you, I was fortunate to grow up in a Christian family surrounded by parents and grandparents, a sister, aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved me and were loved by me. We lived near each other, went to the same church, were each other’s closest friends and playmates. In fact, I was born, baptized, and married in the same church. Church was where our lives happened. That’s togetherness, and I credit those growing-up days in a Christian family and the church to the beginning of my faith journey. Stories of Jesus and stories of Daniel in the Lions’ Den, Jonah and the Whale, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Fiery Furnace still resonate with me when I think about my faith and the voice of my grandfather, my dad, and my Sunday School teachers as they told those stories.

Then came college and the privilege of that experience at Meredith, where I was challenged in Religion 101 with Dr. John Lewis to think about those stories … were they real, did they really happen, and if they didn’t, did that alter my beliefs and my faith? I remember asking my dad this question, “If there were proof that Moses did not actually float down the river in a woven basket, would it alter your beliefs and your faith?” He said, “It doesn’t matter what I think; what do you think?” So I thought about that and many other things, growing and going along in my faith journey.

Some years later, after graduation, marriage, and children, my dad became very ill, and once again I was challenged with losing my mentor, my friend, my dad, and I felt spiritually lost. Those last five years of his life were difficult, challenging years, and I began to understand what my faith was really all about. It wasn’t just about a story, close family ties, regular attendance and involvement in a church; it was about me and my Lord … our relationship. It became real. I began to feel and know in a new and different way agape love, the divine love of Jesus. Shortly after my dad died, Julia Ledford led a group study for women called “Companions in Christ,” which helped me to understand even more this new feeling of a living faith in my life. You don’t just talk about faith; you live it.

My faith journey is not nearly over … in some ways it is a new every day journeying along life’s path filled with love and thanksgiving for the many blessings of life and the undying love of those I love most and the awareness of the awesome presence of my Lord in my life.

Faith Story | Christina P.

July 2, 2026

I do not remember not having Jesus in my life. I do not remember any of my many aunts, uncles, and cousins not loving Jesus and worshiping Jesus. Some were Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, and my father was Greek Orthodox until he married my mother, at which time he joined the Baptist Church so we could worship as a family.

As a baby, I was a member of the nursery at First Baptist Church in Lumberton, N.C., and my mother was a leader in what was in the earlier days Primary I. From nursery, I attended Sunday school classes, Vacation Bible School, Baptist Training Union, Brownies, and Girls Auxiliary. My beloved grandmother lived in our home, and we all enjoyed worshiping together. Prayer meetings on Wednesdays were special, and my grandmother was almost always asked to close with the prayer. I was young and admit sometimes I would fall asleep leaning on Granny’s shoulder. My older sister and I were both baptized by Dr. D. Swan Haworth at First Baptist after talking with him about loving Jesus. My sister, Tisa, was nine years old, and I was eight. Of course, there was a lifetime of learning and growing ahead of us.

Life took me to different cities, but there was always a church in my life. At HBBC, I found continuing education in my faith through Sunday school and studies such as Companions in Christ and various Bible studies on Wednesday night. HBBC introduced me to Spiritual Formation, and from that I was able to find and place myself in the scriptures as I read. When my husband died, I learned how much I could and should depend on my faith and was thankful for all of the lessons, Christian friends, pastor, and teachers.

When I retired from my job at Research Triangle Park, I enrolled in Campbell Divinity School, where I obtained the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry degree. I was so eager to discover what I did not know about living a life for Jesus. It was one of the most important times in my life. Continuing my spiritual growth by studying and experiencing Clinical Pastoral Education in hospitals taught me the importance of listening to others, as I learned more about myself, God’s will, and how to help others. What a blessing to be a Christian!

Faith Story | Delores C.

June 30, 2026

Checking the Box
Attendance – 20%
On Time – 10%
Bible Brought – 10%
Offering – 10%
Prepared Lesson – 30%
Preaching Attendance – 20%
Total Grade – 100%

I am grateful I had loving Christian parents who offered me the opportunity to attend Sunday School, Training Union, Worship, Vacation Bible School, and other church-related activities. That exposure gave me a foundation that led me as a young child to place my faith and trust in Jesus. Growing up in a small Southern Baptist Church in Wake County, each Saturday night I would dutifully check the boxes on my church envelope and turn it in on Sunday morning at church. That discipline carried me through for years toward adulthood in my Christian journey. 

In my mid-twenties, I met and fell in love with Bob. Shortly after we were married, we visited and joined a local church in Raleigh and enjoyed becoming involved. Five years later, our son Jonathan was born, and then our daughter Elizabeth came three years later. We were happy and blessed. I had found my Camelot!

A few years later, Bob was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in which his body was destroying both kidneys. We were devastated. While there was no cure, the immediate treatment offered was dialysis. Our children were young; we were young. In my naivety about life as well as the truth about God, I questioned how and why this could be happening to us. Hadn’t we checked all the boxes? I struggled to process the impact of this life-changing diagnosis. I kept thinking there must be something more, something more than just checking those boxes! Bob went on dialysis, eventually received the gift of two kidney transplants over the years, and had multiple surgeries due to bone damage. His faith was in God and his doctors as he courageously dealt with that disease before passing at age 55. 

As I reflect on those challenging times, I think of the fear, the anxiety, and the loss of what we dreamed our lives would be like for us and our children. But I also remember the love we had for each other and our faith in God that sustained us through it all. Experiencing that journey of illness alongside Bob as his caregiver enabled me to meet someone during that time. I met myself, and I met God in a fresh new way. I learned that the God of love welcomed my honesty. He didn’t judge but welcomed all my questions. This was a part of life, and God was not to blame. He offered me his presence and peace. He equipped me with knowledge and enabled me to physically do what needed to be done each day. I eventually recognized that even through hard times, there are always blessings from God to be discovered.

 After Bob passed, God patiently healed my broken heart and gave me hope and the courage to step out in faith to move forward. During that period, I changed jobs, moved from Cary back home to Raleigh and became a member of Hayes Barton Baptist Church. It has been alongside this church family thatI’ve felt loved and had opportunities to study, learn, grow and serve. 

 And, after seventeen years as a widow, God brought the gift of love into my life through Mike. September 21, 2026, we will have been married two years.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 118:1

Faith Story | Claude A.

June 16, 2026

When I survived prostate cancer surgery in 2005, I had the feeling there was something left on earth for me to do. So I continue to care for my Williams Syndrome twin granddaughters from 7 a.m. until their working parents get home, 2003-2016 (the inception of infectious COVID halted that).

Now, I am almost 80 (June 2026), and my faith has carried me through a war, family illnesses, family losses, automobile accidents, and, most recently, a small intestinal blockage.

Four gastroenterologists and I saw the X-ray of my blockage on April 16, but they took a position of “wait and see.” With a drain tube in my nose to my stomach and the small intestinal blockage, the stomach pressure was relieved. I lived on water and ice chips for four days.

With my faith in God and my medical team, an X-ray was taken on April 20, and there was no blockage. I was weak and could not stand or walk, but within four more days of rehabilitation, I walked 400 steps.

It is a “Miracle of Faith” that my blockage disappeared, and God saw fit to allow me to walk within days of rehabilitation. There definitely are things left for me to “Do.”

Faith Story | Mary Elizabeth W.

June 9, 2026

I began my HBBC journey in 1948. I recall my summers, holidays, visiting, coming to church, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School with my mother, stepfather, baby brother and sister. We were Thelma, Howard, Charlie, and Shirley Napier, who lived at 1802 Sunset Drive.

I have fond memories and recall hurrying up in front of those tall steps into the church. The pastors led us with prayers, songs, stories of Jesus, and taught us the allegiance to our flag. I recall making a joy monkey with a long red tail.

I moved to Durham, N.C., in March 2020, just as COVID-19 shut everything down. I moved my Grove Park Baptist membership from Clinton, N.C. in October 2022. I joined the Danielson Sunday School and attended a new members class taught by Susan Hawley to start my Senior HBBC journey.

I praise God for Dr. David Hailey, his staff, for HBBC on its 100th birthday.

Faith Story | Michael H.

June 4, 2026

Recently, my journey with Jesus has brought me to the pews of Hayes Barton Baptist Church. At times, I must admit it has been a bit of a challenge in both my new personal life and in learning about the culture at HBBC.

What I have experienced is a congregation I find welcoming and friendly, and not at all pushy. They are intentional in providing a safe haven where one is encouraged to take time to learn how best to find a place that fits one’s needs.

During this hundredth year of HBBC’s community service to God’s people, I have found members of this very special church to be themselves very special. And I cannot help but notice the core group of members who appear as a smaller family within the church. They are easy to recognize. They are the ones who are always showing up. They show up to serve, to bless, and above all to stand with and amplify each other. In general, they are mostly an experienced group, grown wise and generous through years of plain living.

Sadly, each year HBBC says goodbye to a few. Yet there always seems to be others who are willing to step in to fill the void and continue with what must surely be God’s greatest desire, that is to serve his people.

What is truly wonderful is that they serve day in and day out, asking nothing in return but the pleasure of giving. Each of these dear saints entice others to join in the joys of Christian service. To them we surely owe what they do not ask for: recognition, thankfulness, and a hearty shout of “well done my true and faithful servant.”

On a more personal note, I find I am gaining a wonderful gift from God by watching how beautifully Hayes Barton Baptist Church benefits from the work of these dedicated servants. I see God’s hand in all of this, and it encourages me to look at how I might join in. I find I want to contribute whatever and wherever I can. This is God’s gift to me.

I thank my Lord every day for this church and this congregation and this opportunity to join them in service.

Faith Story | Lucy A.

June 2, 2026

“I thank my God every time I remember you.” – Philippians 1:3 NIV

This verse is engraved in our wedding bands and represents the most important part of my faith journey: community.

God created us to live in community with one another. I was fortunate to learn this from the very beginning from parents who were at church every time the doors were open (at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church in Fayetteville). I got involved in everything at church from music programs to puppet ministries to Youth Sunday, even preaching my first (and so far only) sermon in 11th grade. I learned the importance of service and missions, no matter how close to or far from home. Shepherding me through those formative years were ministers, Sunday School teachers, youth trip chaperones, music leaders, and more. Each of them helped teach me the life lessons that would carry me forward into adulthood. 

When Richard and I were married, we knew we wanted our marriage grounded in God’s love. After I graduated from law school, we went looking for a church in Raleigh to make our home, and we were immediately drawn to Hayes Barton. Little did I know at the time, but Snyder and Hayes Barton have had many overlapping members over the years, and it was a natural fit. We jumped in with both feet, becoming part of the music ministry and, later, the diaconate and more committees than we can count. One of our greatest blessings at HBBC has been the Hailey Sunday School class, who we love and who have loved us so much.

A year ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and faced chemo, surgery, and radiation. Our church family immediately put love into action, with meals, cards, and words of encouragement. The ladies of our Sunday School class even set up a signup to take me to chemo, spending hours with me to help me and keep my spirits high. At a time when I wasn’t sure what the future may hold, they reminded me who was holding me. I have heard from so many in the church who were praying for me, and I know God heard each prayer. My cup overflows. Thank you to HBBC for being the hands and feet of Christ this past year. I thank my God every time I remember you!

Faith Story | Mary Beth J.

May 5, 2026

One of the great blessings of my life is that I was born into a Christian home. My parents were deeply involved in our church in Roxboro, N.C., where I grew up: my mother as a Sunday school teacher and my father as a deacon.

My Christian journey is essentially a tale of two churches: Roxboro Baptist Church and Hayes Barton Baptist Church. As I look back, I think about how my faith has been enriched by all the people who took time to teach and mentor me. At RBC, L.G. Elliott was a “fire and brimstone” preacher. The consequences of sin and the end of time were so present in my mind that I remember as a child praying on the drive to our annual beach vacation that the Lord might see fit to delay the rapture until we returned home.

Upon Rev. Elliott’s retirement, Lewis Wall became our pastor. He was exceedingly kind and approachable. I remember meeting with Rev. Wall before my baptism at age 10, explaining from a child’s point of view what it meant to accept Jesus as my Savior and Lord.

When trouble came to my family in my teens, RBC was a lifeline, particularly our youth leaders, Ronnie and Sandy Dunevant. During this time, I had what I can only describe as my first real encounter with God. I will never forget that moment, and fortunately, I have had other encounters in both good and difficult times where “deep calls to deep,” as the psalmist says. One other thought sticks with me: My mother never doubted that God would provide for us. And He has.

The next phase of my Christian journey brought me to HBBC when I moved to Raleigh. It started when a friend at work suggested that I attend the Singles Sunday School Class, led by Maurice and Betty Griffin. I joined HBBC in 1985 and soon became involved in church committees, learning from wonderful Christian leaders, such as Albert Morris, Durham Moore, and Sarah Williamson.

My husband, Kevin, and I were married at HBBC in 1986. We taught Sunday school to middle schoolers until Maureen Sorenson, who knew Kevin from handbells, asked him to help her in the 4-year-old Sunday school class. He has been there ever since, with only a brief hiatus when his mother moved to Raleigh.

Our son, Nick, was born in 1990, and our daughter, Brooke, in 1994, and both were dedicated as babies at HBBC and baptized by Dr. David Hailey. I hoped our family life would mirror my experience at RBC. So, Sunday school and worship, Wednesday night choir and Mission Friends, GAs, youth choir, youth mission trips, and church league basketball were an integral part of our children’s lives. There were so many teachers, children’s ministers, and youth ministers who enriched their lives and to whom I am grateful.

With Kevin teaching 4-year-olds, I decided to join an adult Sunday school class. I visited the Danielson Class and joined after Larita Kellison called and invited me back. Sometimes that is all it takes. I have been a part of that class and served as a teacher now for more than 25 years. I also have had the privilege, more recently, of teaching in the Hailey Class, getting to know a new generation of HBBC leaders.

RBC and HBBC, as it turned out, are very similar, places where caring and kind people who love the Lord surround you.

Finally, no faith story of mine would be complete without mentioning Emily Riddick, who joined our family when Nick was a baby. Emmy is now 91, and if there were ever a Christian soul that deserved to be taken like Enoch, it is Emmy. She, along with my mother and Kevin, have been the truest examples of what following Christ day in and day out really entails.

Faith Story | Carolyn E.

April 23, 2026

When I think about my faith journey, it’s hard to say when it really began. I grew up in a minister’s home. Going to church was a part of who we were. 

I believed in the Lord, but did not make a profession of faith until I was thirteen. In a little country church, the invitation hymn was “Just As I Am.” I really felt the call to make my confession of faith. It was a heart-wrenching experience that I can still feel today. Later, my confession of Faith led me to the waters of an outward display of what had happened in my heart. It was the newness of life I felt. I was baptized by my father. 

Faith has been a journey for me as each day I have grown. His grace has truly been all I needed to get through the rough times in my life. I know I am more successful when I seek His will in my life. I was so blessed to grow up in a family that loved the Lord and taught me to love Him.

Faith Story | Noah E.

April 21, 2026

Over the past 9 years of my life, I have had many ups and downs. But there have been a few times when there have been ups that have been too high up to be a coincidence. 

I can recall when I needed to get to school on a day when there was a LOT of traffic, but we managed to get every green light on the way there. I can also recall when I got very lucky in a game. I know that last one was a bit out of tune, but it kept me believing, keeping my faith alive. 

And even when I was doubtful, when I was questioning everything, I remember a quote that manages to mix science with religion. Here is the quote: “If gravity were any weaker, everything would float away. And if it were any stronger, everything would be crushed. The absolute perfection needed for this is too crazy to be a coincidence. This implies there has to be a creator who made everything align.” 

This quote is always what I think about when I question God. It is true, since almost every factor that keeps Earth intact is just shy of too much or too little. And it is the perfect quote that questions my questioning and brings me back into the light of the Lord.

Jesus gave his life on the cross, gave me a path to school, gave me luck, gave me hope, gave me everything I could ever need, and too much more to count. If that isn’t proof of God and the amazing miracles he creates, I don’t know what is.

Faith Story | Kim R.

March 31, 2026

I was raised in a Christian home by faithful, loving parents and had wonderful grandparents and an aunt who were part of my daily life. Church was not just something we attended; it was part of our life. From Sunday services, Wednesday night activities, youth group, choir, mission trips, and camps, my parents ensured my brother and I were deeply involved. At the time, I thought this was normal; now I realize it was exceptional. Not everyone has that foundation, and I see that clearly today as a parent myself.

I grew up in Athens Drive Baptist Church in Raleigh and was baptized at age nine without fully understanding what that commitment meant, but the consistency of faith in my upbringing undoubtedly shaped who I am and how I strive to raise my son, Campbell. I can’t adequately express how thankful I am for my parents and extended family — for the Christian foundation they provided.

Professionally, I have spent 20 years with Cisco, working across more than 30 countries. My work as a Senior Employee Relations Consultant places me alongside people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives — investigations involving discrimination, harassment, and crises. Working with people of different cultures, beliefs, and identities has strengthened my faith, not weakened it. I believe my Christian faith helps me listen with empathy, show compassion, and respect others without compromising what I believe. Jesus loved beyond boundaries, and I hope we all strive to do the same.

I joined HBBC in my late 30s. At that time, I was, of course, grateful for my life, faith, family/friends, career, and my community, yet deeply longing to become a mother. That journey did not unfold in a traditional way. After many closed doors — and through thoughtful consideration, prayer, the Lord, a little science, a donor, and wonderful doctors with Carolina Conceptions, a fertility clinic in Raleigh — I was able to welcome my son Campbell at the age of 40. I am so thankful to God to be Campbell’s mom, love him, and watch him grow up into a loving, caring, spirited young man. While I did not become a mother in the traditional way, HBBC was nothing but supportive and welcoming to Campbell and me.

One of the most meaningful moments was on the day of Campbell’s Baby Dedication. Our small but mighty family of two was welcomed and celebrated just like any other traditional family. I am deeply thankful to be part of a church that truly lives out Christ’s love and welcome.

This year, I was elected to be a deacon. As I think about the role of deacon, I think of faithful service — listening, showing up, and caring for one another. I am committed to walking alongside this church family as we live out our faith — not just in belief, but in action by loving our neighbors, extending grace, embodying hope, and the love of Christ. I am filled with gratitude — first to God, this church family, my family, and friends. You have all shaped my faith through your love and support. I am so thankful to call Hayes Barton Baptist Church my church home.

Faith Story | Cay H.

March 12, 2026

My father was a Presbyterian minister and served at churches in New Jersey and near Philadelphia. He also served as a missionary, teaching theology, church history and preaching at Protestant seminaries in Philadelphia, Argentina and Spain.

When Fidel Castro seized power in 1959 during the Cuban revolution, many Cubans fled the island nation. My father, along with other pastors and church groups, worked with Cuban refugees as they settled into living in the U.S.

In 1967, our family moved to Madrid, Spain, where my father taught at the Protestant seminary and continued to work with Cuban refugees.

Greeting the Cuban refugees at the airport, or answering their knocks at our door, my family and I learned how brave and committed to their Christian faith these refugees were. Their trust in God, the churches, and the people who helped them was inspiring—the refugees left all that they knew so that they could live in freedom, especially religious freedom.

As I grew into my late teens and beyond, I began to appreciate how the steadfast faith, trust, and courageous resilience of these refugees impacted those who helped them. Imagine my surprise when, at college in Florida, one of my classmates recognized my last name and told me how his family had fled from Cuba to Madrid before going to Florida!

Growing up surrounded by these stories of faith left a lasting mark. Witnessing the faith of the Cuban refugees helped shape a faith in me that values compassion, service, and freedom.

Faith Story | Cindy H.

March 10, 2026

God had a way of getting my attention in August 1979, when our family moved from Florida to North Carolina. Ron and I were invited to the opening celebration of the fiftieth Golden Corral restaurant. The event included horseback riding with corporate employees and their wives. Being an inexperienced rider, I was given a gentle horse, but as we rounded the homeward-bound bend, she became feisty, and I brushed my left hand against a tree. I thought nothing of it until later, when, as I was being introduced to several wives, I noticed that the setting of my wedding ring had sprung open and my beautiful diamond was gone!

The wives I had just met were shocked and concerned. Gloria, in consoling me, invited me to the Bible study fellowship at Hayes Barton Baptist Church. That invitation was a blessing that changed my life.

I grew up in the small town of Kirtland, Ohio. My parents were active in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My father baptized me when I was 8, and, with my brother and two sisters, we went to church every Sunday and Wednesday night for services. I knew a lot about the church and its history, but I knew very little about the Bible.

So, when Gloria invited me to a Bible study, and knowing that Billy Graham’s daughter was one of the leaders, I could hardly wait! I knew that God was opening a door for me in Raleigh, to get to know Him, His son Jesus Christ, and His Word. I did not know anyone in Raleigh. Just imagine, not only would I learn about the Bible but I would have a chance to meet new Christian friends.

Yes, I had lost something of value — my diamond — but I had gained something much more valuable. Through the kind invitation of Gloria Saunders, who continues to be a friend, I was learning so much about God, His love for us, and His amazing creation. Studying God’s Word and listening to Anne Lotz Graham’s lectures, I realized that I did not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. For another year, we continued to attend the church in which I was raised, but I attended Bible study fellowship for three years, growing in God’s Word and in my faith.

Thus was the beginning of finding “The Abundant Life”! There was no turning back. We began attending HBBC Sunday school and worship services. My husband and I recommitted our lives to Christ and were baptized a second time – along with our daughter Kimberly — at HBBC in 1987, and we became members. I have continued to study and grow in the Lord through several Bible studies at HBBC. My favorites were “Companions in Christ,” led by Julia Ledford, summer studies with Alice Moore, and Bible studies online during the pandemic.

I’ve had a wonderful opportunity to grow in my gift of teaching children about Jesus, and I continue to be amazed at the wonders God has shown me. I continue to study His Word at Saltshakers, a community Bible Study that a former neighbor invited me to 10 years ago.

My life has changed forever. I am thankful to God for leading me to HBBC to worship Him, led by Dr. Hailey and our amazing ministerial staff. I am thankful for all who have played a part in helping me grow in the Lord.

A scripture that continues to bless me is Jeremiah 29:12-14a: “Then you will call upon me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you.”

Faith Story | Chris S.

March 3, 2026

I have two birthdays: March in 1948 and April 17, 1966. The second birthday, the important one, is when I became a child of God. My first birthday made the second birthday necessary (Romans 3:23).

My life has been a journey of discovery, and I’ve found myself on two main paths. The first is the discovery of Jesus Christ and His boundless grace and forgiveness. The second is the discovery of myself. If I had known, when Christ took over my life, the extensive work and attention required to fashion my life into what He desired, I would have asked Him if He was certain He wanted the liability of adopting me as His child.

The incredible thing is the gentle work He has willingly done in my life. Through His love, I have learned one unchanging truth: Christ loves me, and He will never give up on me or stop loving me. This truth applies to everyone, everywhere. We’ve heard the saying, “Once saved, always saved”; however, for me, it’s better to say, “Once loved, always loved.” To His credit, not mine, I am certain He will never stop loving me. Just when I feel that my failures are fatal, Christ lovingly lifts me up, asking me to continue following Him. Christ searched for me and found me. Ηιs finding me became a profound about-face in my life.

I wasn’t raised in a “church” family. But one Sunday, my dad asked me if I’d accompany him to a church because he needed to meet someone there. Out of curiosity, I went. Because the people showed me warmth I had never experienced, I went back the next Sunday, just after my 18th birthday. The pastor spoke of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, His resurrection, ascension into heaven, His love for us, and His desire to enter my heart. As he spoke, I believed, and I felt God’s presence come into me.

It was as if Chris Spurlock had been gently replaced within by a bright, loving presence. As Paul wrote in Romans 10:9 (NIV) : “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” My experience with Christ proves this Scripture true. Although I soon realized that there was a lot of myself still in me, Christ continued to work on that “problem.” I accepted God’s presence and forgiveness, and, upon baptism, became a member of the church. The hymn of dedication after my baptism, “Take My Life and Let It Be Consecrated, Lord, to Thee,” became my life’s prayer. God, however, had more decisions for me to make.

A few years later, I felt God channeling my love for people toward pastoral ministry. After Samford University and Southeastern Seminary (while Dr. Lolley was president) I, with my wife, Gayle, at my side, pastored four churches and served a Baptist association.

Not all Christians have a dramatic salvation experience like mine, but Christ will mean as much to anyone who will accept and follow Him. My testimony is this: If you are seeking a perfect friend you cannot find in anyone else, ask Christ into your heart, making Him your Lord, giving your life in service to Him and to those who need Him. He will never fail you.

Finally, if you’re seeking friends who will support you in your journey of faith, Hayes Barton Baptist Church offers a wonderful Christian community. Throughout my life with God, I wish I had had the environment and mentorship provided by Hayes Barton Baptist. The spiritual nourishment you’ll receive in this fellowship is the finest “Great Physician” diet for your personal journey of growth and discovery.

Faith Story | Nancy J.

February 26, 2026

I grew up in a Christian home with my mother as the dominant force in teaching me about God. I was always involved in church as a child, Sunbeams, GAs, Training Union, and choir. When I was 10 years old, I professed my faith in Christ, accepted Him as Savior and Lord of my life, and was baptized here at Hayes Barton, since my church, Emmanuel Baptist, did not have a baptistry. My faith walk has involved several churches along the way, and it’s so great that in my retirement years, I have returned to Hayes Barton, where my walk began. God is good!

In the 10th grade, I met the love of my life and my husband of 55 years. He was a Christian and grew up in the church, so it was easy for us to start our married life with the church as a focal point.

My spiritual growth only began to flourish after our 4-year-old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. Why, my child, I asked. Why not you, Jesus answered me. We struggled with the rigors of chemotherapy, radiation, and three years of watching our beautiful daughter be consumed by cancer treatments. Suffering led me to God’s word to find comfort, hope, and peace. Ephesians 3:20 was my source of strength: “Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we ask or think because of the power that worketh within us.” This meant that God’s power was limitless and He can do all things. Psalm 56:3 was also a verse I relied on: “What time I am afraid, I will trust in Him.”

Our daughter survived the three-year treatment, and every year our faith increased, and along with a wonderful medical team and the power of God she was healed.

When our daughter was 10 years old, we were blessed with a son. He was perfect, life was good, and we were active in our church and sharing our testimony of God’s work in our lives. At 4 years old, our world crashed again. He was diagnosed with a very aggressive and rare cancer. Why, Lord? We were devastated, but not without hope. We trusted God as we walked through the darkest of times. We struggled and again turned to Scripture. John 11:4 speaks of the death of Jesus’ friend Lazarus “this disease will not end in death.” It illustrates the ultimate purpose of suffering is not destruction, but to bring glory and honor to God. Our son survived 15 months of intense radiation and chemotherapy. Our faith was tested beyond the limit, but our suffering was not finished. Seventeen years later, our son was diagnosed with a brain tumor that was caused by the cancer treatment. Once again, God carried us through a surgery and a diagnosis that doctors believed would take his life, but it didn’t. He survived. The brain tumor returned with a vengeance 10 years later, bigger and worse than before. Despite disabilities caused by this surgery, he survived. Unfortunately, two years ago, the residual tumors began growing again, but after 30 radiation treatments, his tumors are stable. We give God the glory and praise Him from whom all blessings flow!

John and I have grown individually and as a couple through these hardships. We know God is good, and God is good all the time, even in the darkest of times.

Faith Story | Gayle S.

February 24, 2026

Like many, I grew up in a Christian family. My first experience with church was at Northside Baptist  Church in Milan, Tennessee, when I was just three and a half weeks old. 

My father, who was already a Sunday School teacher, was ordained as a deacon at Northside Baptist  Church, roles he faithfully fulfilled. My mother actively participated in Sunday School and the Women’s  Ministry (WMU), while my older brother, Ron, attended Sunday School, RAs, and children’s choirs. I  eagerly embraced church involvement, recognizing the opportunities it offered, and consistently attended choir, Sunday School, and mission activities. During my teenage years, I assumed leadership roles in our youth music program and youth group. I served as president of the youth choir, youth council, youth representative for the church council, and later taught Sunday School. 

However, I must clarify that this story is not about my church experience but rather my faith and life in Christ. Even as a child, I was independent and thoughtful about important decisions. Choosing to follow  Christ was one of those pivotal moments. Although I was somewhat pressured by an adult leader to accept Christ, I knew I was ready. However, I wanted to profess my faith because of my genuine commitment to Christ, not as a result of pressure. After months of introspection, I confessed my sins and expressed my desire to follow Jesus to my pastor, church, and family, ultimately leading to my baptism at the age of ten. 

From that moment on, I embarked on a journey that I have never regretted. I diligently read my Bible,  attended Sunday School, and worshipped, seeking God’s guidance and will. My journey was filled with joy and led to a deepening relationship with the Lord. As I became more involved in youth activities, I yearned to be closer to the Lord and participate in activities that would strengthen my fellowship with  Him. By the time I was fifteen, the Holy Spirit was calling me to go beyond mere church attendance. I  began to understand that God desired all of my life and gifts. 

As a college student, I prepared for a full-time career in Christian ministry, particularly youth ministry.  However, my understanding of God’s plan diverged from His. Enter Chris Spurlock, a young ministerial student at my church. After hearing him preach and getting to know him, I felt a profound sense of God’s intervention. He hadn’t changed my calling; instead, He had redirected it. Chris and I fell in love, and on  August 21, 1971, we were married and soon moved to Birmingham, Alabama, where Chris earned a  Bachelor of Arts degree from Samford University. After Samford, we embarked on our ministry journey,  pastoring four churches and serving a Baptist association. Chris then earned his Master of Divinity degree at Southeastern Seminary and eventually pastored the last two of those four churches in North  Carolina. Throughout our journey, I supported him as an encourager, study partner, and committed wife.  Although I couldn’t attend classes, God used our long discussions about his studies and my reading his textbooks and extra reading materials to broaden my horizons and strengthen my faith. I am deeply grateful for Chris’s inclusion of me in his education and the profound impact it had on me, as well as the closer bond it forged between us and our Lord. 

Now, as a senior adult, I feel a stronger sense of alignment with the person God has called me to be.  However, I’m still aware of my ongoing need for growth in both knowledge and commitment. As I’ve aged, I’ve come to appreciate God’s incredible patience with me, even when I’ve sinned, failed, doubted,  or questioned Him. He wants to nurture my growth and build a stronger faith in the face of life’s many challenges. 

Hayes Barton Baptist Church has been an incredible blessing in my life. Dr. Hailey, Kristen, Jeff, Sarah,  Tyler, and Christian, as well as the entire congregation, have shared their messages and studies,  exposing me to exceptional teaching that has challenged, encouraged, and strengthened me. As I  strive to fulfill my calling, I’m committed to growing in my knowledge of God and seeking Him in His work. I’m profoundly grateful to be a follower of Christ and thankful for His grace in making me His child and a part of Hayes Barton Baptist Church.

Faith Story | Marlene N.

February 5, 2026

It wasn’t until I faced the sudden death of my spouse, Nick, after 38 years of marriage, that I was led by God to HBBC. I was raised Presbyterian at a church just a few blocks from HBBC. I was not very involved in church during my younger years. After I met Nick, who was Baptist, we regularly attended church.

When we lived in Austin, TX, I joined a start-up church, and since I’d been christened as an infant, they accepted me as an “Alien Baptist,” meaning I didn’t have to have full immersion. Sprinkling was sufficient, but I somehow felt a little weird as an Alien Baptist. As time went on, we moved back to NC because I got homesick. 

We found another church, but my involvement was mostly helping with A/V, sound operator and praise band set-up and take down. It was fun, but I really didn’t learn about the Bible. Attending church became less of a priority. 

Then, in July 2022, when Nick died, my world changed. I set some goals. Having to think about my life as a widow, survivor (I hated those two words), I made it a priority to find a church and attend regularly. One local church in Cary I attended briefly, which led me to get involved in GriefShare classes. That was a good thing. That led to meeting a new friend who lived nearby. That was a good thing. That led to finding out about “BSF” Bible Study Fellowship. That was a good thing. 

I started watching HBBC on TV regularly. Loved the music, orchestra, sermons, and it is located where I grew up (Five Points). On Sept 4, 2022, I felt Dr Hailey was talking straight to me through the TV. He said:

“Life takes unexpected change, something we never imagined, never planned for…Maybe a loved one dies. They say, maybe in a passage of time, we lose sight of who we are, who we want to be. Choose LIFE again, REBOOT or re-commit. Our lives have become so intertwined with another person and it’s impossible to imagine life without that person. It’s a good thing that the two have become one, but we need to remember our individual life has value too. And when that person is taken away by death, we have to come to grips that OUR LIFE CONTINUES. Our life is important and has value, and there are 

BLESSINGS yet to be experienced.
LOVE to be shared.
JOY to be celebrated.
LIFE to be lived.
But WE have to choose LIFE.”

That was a “sign,” a spiritual moment for me to choose this church and go there in person.  Julia and Joe Ledford were the first to welcome me. After attending Membership Matters, I joined and requested an official baptism on Aug 6, 2023. That was a special moment for me. 

I have so much to learn. My wonderful Sunday School class is a great source of knowledge, being a part of the Chancel Choir is awesome, and attending Wednesday night dinners and activities provides fellowship and more learning. So many talented members of this church add to an enriched and fulfilling experience. 

I have learned that faith provides strength and hope. Faith gives me the resilience to overcome trials and know that I am never alone. 

It has been A Change For The Good.

Faith Story | Carla W.

February 3, 2026

My family was always very active in church, as were many of my friends. My husband’s family was also active in church, and we continued that tradition in our marriage.

In 2006, my husband and I moved to North Carolina. We had a home church in our town, but we also discovered HBBC’s Television Ministry Sunday services – “our TV church.”

In 2015, we celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary. Then, in January 2016, our world changed when my husband was diagnosed with leukemia (AML). We began an 11-month journey with UNC’s Lineberger Cancer Center. We held hands and said prayers countless times, and our daughter was with us throughout the journey.

We had a great medical team – doctors, pharmacists, nurses, CNAs, and hospital staff. Some of the team shared Bible verses, prayed for us and thanked us for praying for them. And, during our time at UNC, we watched HBBC’s Sunday services.

Later in 2016, my husband completed initial preparation for a bone marrow/stem cell transplant, and we returned home briefly. During that time, we attended the Television Ministry Celebration at HBBC, as longtime TV viewers. We met HBBC staff and Dr. Hailey, and sat with Larita Kellison and her husband during lunch.

My husband’s subsequent bone marrow/stem cell transplant was successful. He was discharged on October 31, with periodic checkups. At his November checkup, we heard bad news – the leukemia had returned, and he needed chemo to get back into remission. While in the hospital for chemo, he had an unexpected fatal cerebral hemorrhage. The UNC medical/transplant team came to pay their respects. His funeral was held at our home church, and he went to his Heavenly Home to join that Great Cloud of Witnesses. Our faith sustained us throughout this difficult journey.

We have all heard the phrase “There are no coincidences.” After my husband’s death, I attended a “GriefShare” program at an area Baptist church. The 13-week, faith-based program was very beneficial for me, and I met some wonderful people. After that program ended, I received a phone call.

A family member of one of the GriefShare facilitators had been diagnosed with leukemia and would be going to UNC. Since I was familiar with that medical journey, had recently completed GriefShare, and had a degree in human relations/psychology, they asked if I would fill in for that facilitator. So, I served as a GriefShare facilitator for the next 13-week course, and then as a substitute facilitator.

Through this experience, I met incredible people who were going through loss and needed support – just as I had. I was also able to provide information and support for the GriefShare facilitator during their family’s medical journey – since I had recently walked that path as well.

I truly believe that the Lord used my lifelong faith journey (including HBBC) and my life experiences to prepare me “for such a time as this.”

Esther 4:14 – “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (God’s providence in placing individuals in specific positions to fulfill a purpose.)

Faith Story | Cameron T.

January 22, 2026

I grew up Methodist, and my early idea of God was pretty literal. God was in the clouds. Heaven was “up.” And Bible stories were history class with characters.

One of my favorite childhood misunderstandings happened when I learned that Jesus was baptized in the Jordan. I was stunned. Not spiritually but geographically. I remember being genuinely upset with my parents. “You mean to tell me Jesus was baptized right down the road at Jordan Lake and no one told me?!?” I felt robbed of a major field trip opportunity.

That was my faith back then. Sincere, but simple. I went through confirmation, stayed a believer, and showed up to church. But I wasn’t challenging my faith or letting it grow. Like a lot of people in college, I drifted. I didn’t abandon faith, but I didn’t lean into it either. Then I met Susanna, and everything changed.

Through her, I became reinvested in church, found a real passion for teaching with the youth group, and officially joined HBBC. We were married, and soon after, we were blessed with our first daughter, Millie. Life felt full, my Faith felt strong.

Then came October 12, 2022.

We were expecting our second child, a son we had already named Harry. At Susanna’s 16-week appointment, we heard the words no expecting parent ever wants to hear: “You’ve lost the baby.” I was devastated. Confused. Full of rage. I didn’t understand why this had happened, and I wasn’t shy about telling God how I felt. I wrestled with Him, like Jacob, refusing to let go without answers.

As our families and our HBBC family rallied around us, I realized something important. God wasn’t punishing me. He wasn’t turning away. He was inviting me closer. He was meeting me in the ring, welcoming my questions instead of rejecting them.

In time, we were blessed with another pregnancy. This time, I approached it with a deeper, more honest faith, one that had stared into loss and had chosen hope.

When Louisa was born, we knew something wasn’t right. She had trouble breathing and feeding.

One day, during that window of awaiting a surgery slot, Louisa choked in my arms and stopped breathing for a terrifying moment. We rushed her to UNC Children’s Hospital. And strangely, even in that fear, my faith didn’t crumble. I felt God’s presence, steady, quiet, and close.

It was late one night, listening to the hum of machines helping Louisa breathe, that I noticed butterflies painted on the ceiling of her hospital room. I felt compelled to write. 

And this is part of what I wrote: “I muse on the effect they say these wings have, how one flutter of those delicate wings can cause a hurricane across the world. There is no doubt, we are in a hurricane now, and so I ponder the butterfly wing that got us here. My mind wanders to the mystery of God and his plan. How small imperceptible happenstances interweave with masterly precision to guide us to exactly where we need to be.”

That moment helped me see God differently. Not just in the big miracles, but in the tiny, almost invisible connections that guide us when we don’t even realize it.

Louisa came through surgery beautifully. And my faith had grown again. Not louder, but deeper.

I had seen the peaks and the valleys. I had walked with God, wrestled with God, and trusted God.

My faith had gone through a metamorphosis. It started as an unremarkable caterpillar. Then shut itself off in a cocoon of anger and grief. And now, it has emerged as something lighter, stronger, and more aware.

I see God differently now. I see Him in the butterflies, unexpected, beautiful, quietly asking you to notice.

I see Him in my girls. In their laughter. Their songs, and when people say Louisa looks like me. I smile and think she must look like her brother, Harry. To me, that’s a gift from God.

Faith Story | Christian T.

January 20, 2026

A Promise Kept to a Grandmother

After a gentle nudge from Pastor Kristen Muse to our Yost Men’s Bible Study group, I asked my family if I had ever shared my Testimony. To my shock, I never had. They asked me to share this very personal testimony.

When I was seven years old, my grandmother, Rose, called me “obdurate” over a broken promise. She explained why it is vital to keep our word, just as our best friend Jesus always keeps His. Here’s the story of why she believed that a promise wasn’t just a social courtesy; it was the foundation of her survival and her faith:

When my father was fifteen, he and my grandparents were traveling through Americus, Georgia, in a converted bread truck. My grandmother was in the back making sandwiches with my father when she saw a drunk driver run a red light. She had just enough time to dive over my father to save him.

During the horrific accident, she experienced a divine moment. Jesus made her a promise: she could choose to come with Him and have no more pain, or she could choose to live in constant, agonizing pain to enjoy grandchildren (plural, and who had not even been born).

She chose us.

She defied the doctors that she would never leave the hospital and when she did, that she would only live for a year or two. When I turned 14, my brother Frank was born, followed by my sister Kelley and my youngest brother Zachary.

Our grandmother, who, despite being a double amputee above the knees, who had 90% of her bones broken, partial paralysis of her vocal cords and a lung ablation, taught us to read the Bible, to pray before every meal and bedtime. She taught us how to swim, took us to the library, how to fish on the pier in Emerald Isle, taught us how to cook, clean, and be self-sufficient.

Jesus kept His promise to my grandmother. That promise became a sacred bond that bridged the gap between heaven and earth. In return, she asked that I make a promise to her, that I become a Christian. 

How could I refuse? As Joshua 23:14 says. “Deep in your hearts you know that every promise of the Lord your God has come true. Not a single one has failed!”

Faith Story | Ron O.

January 15, 2026

I grew up in a strong Christian family in Portsmouth, Virginia. My parents and grandmother (who lived with us) taught and grounded me in Christian values. We attended Sunday school and church each Sunday and went back Sunday evenings for Training Union, where I was active with the youth. We also attended Family Nights and Bible study on Wednesdays. My grandmother was a significant influence on my faith. I recall her reading the Bible each day, often reading verses to me. My father was a deacon, which inspired me to follow in his footsteps.

I graduated from the University of Richmond, a strong Baptist-affiliated university. My faith in the Lord never waned, but my values were often tested as I became very involved in fraternity and social activities. I felt like I veered off the pathway, but my belief and faith never suffered. I met my wife, Debbie, in 1981, and we were married in 1985. Debbie had a strong faith and conviction, and she was a strong influence on me until her passing in 2012. Shortly after moving to Raleigh, I had to have major heart surgery, and while recovering at home we discovered HBBC as TV viewers. We commented that HBBC reminded us of the churches we grew up in, and as soon as I was able, we became members and have never looked back. I often tell church members that the first person we met was Helen Cashwell, which was a blessing.

My faith and Christianity have gotten stronger over the past 25 years as an HBBC member and deacon. When Debbie passed away, I began to question her death at a relatively young age and why God would bring such a devoted and solid Christian to Heaven, and then I recalled something Debbie said while suffering. She said, “God has a plan for me, and I’m just going to follow the Lord.” Her statement is still one of the most inspiring things I have heard in my long lifetime, and I often repeat it to myself and pass on her faith to others. Debbie was such a devoted child of God, and I will always remain inspired by her strong love of the Lord. Since her passing, I have been motivated to help others and have chaired three nonprofit boards in the Triangle area. By serving those in need, I feel that I am helping them to achieve and realize their missions. My service to HBBC has grown as well. As noted above, I currently serve as a deacon and as a member of the Stewardship Committee, and am very honored to be serving as co-chair of HBBC’s Centennial Planning Committee. I often refer to the church as “my happy place.” When I am at church, no matter what day it is, I feel inspired, motivated, and worthwhile as I serve the Lord.

Over my lifetime, I have grown to know that I am secure in Christ and I will not be judged and separated from God for eternity. I believe I will live with him in a perfect paradise when I join Debbie in Heaven. I am confident in my belief and faith that the “Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Faith Story | Denny F.

January 13, 2026

My father and mother were both in the military when I was born. After they retired, we moved around a lot for my dad’s job. We went from Maine to Florida, then on to North Dakota and settled for a while in upstate New York, in the town of Saugerties. Our growing family joined First Baptist Church of Saugerties, and there is where my most important memories began. My mother and a close high school friend planted the faith seeds, and for the next 12 years I learned about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It is where I became a believer, came to love God and was baptized at the age of 10. I attended Sunday school, vacation Bible school, and the church-sponsored Explorer troop. The first verse I committed to heart was John 3:16.

It wasn’t until I graduated from high school that I realized my mother was very sick, and my father decided to move his four children and wife to Virginia to be closer to family. Three years later, we moved again to Raleigh. Three years after we moved, my mother went home. During this time I began to drift away from church. I visited different churches but never joined another church until I got married. My wife and I felt a conviction to find a church home. One Sunday, we discovered Hayes Barton Baptist Church on TV. After many visits, we finally joined in May of 2013. It felt like a real church and we both felt very welcomed here. I am sure it is where we are supposed to be.

Shortly after we joined, my wife went home. During this time I came to lean on Romans 8:28. I continue to grow as a Christian at Hayes Barton Baptist Church. I know that God is with me during my grief and suffering and in my celebration. His grace is enough.

Faith Story | John B.

January 8, 2026

When I look back on my life at 85 years of age, I am struck not by my own accomplishments but by my beginnings. I was born into a family that lived its faith every day, expressed through hope, and hope made visible through love. Those lessons did not come from books alone; they were taught patiently, lived faithfully, and handed down by the people who loved me most.

My parents nurtured those values quietly and consistently, but I would be remiss if I did not mention my grandfather, Judge H.A. Bland, who played an influential role in shaping my understanding of how to live well within a community. From an early age, he guided me thoughtfully and with wisdom, helping me recognize the importance of fairness, compassion, and responsibility toward others.

My grandfather earned a solid reputation throughout Raleigh and beyond. Before becoming a charter member of Hayes Barton Baptist Church with my grandmother Ruby and their five children, he served as a lay leader at Tabernacle Baptist Church, often called the “Mother Church,” in downtown Raleigh. His work as Circulation Manager of the North Carolina Biblical Recorder gave him a deep familiarity with Baptist churches across the state. Many knew him as a modern-day circuit rider, faithfully traveling and serving wherever he was needed.

In 1926, he helped establish a new church in the expanding Five Points community, where his real estate company, Bland Realty, was constructing homes. Just three years later, the optimism of the Roaring Twenties gave way to the hardships of the Great Depression. Those early members learned firsthand what it means to live by faith, to hold onto hope, and to love one another with a deep, all-encompassing love.

My personal confirmation of faith came in April of 1951, when I was baptized at the age of 11 at First Baptist Church in Rocky Mount by my pastor, Dr. Kincheloe Sr. He was the father of Dr. Kincheloe Jr., who served as pastor of HBBC until the sanctuary burned in 1962.

As a boy, I was given many opportunities to practice making the right judgments. Through our church-sponsored Boy Scout Troop 239 (later led by my father as Scoutmaster) and through my work as a paper carrier, I learned responsibility, integrity, and accountability. One incident remains etched in my memory. While collecting payments one Saturday, a widow with failing eyesight overpaid me. When I realized her mistake, I immediately returned the five-dollar bill. That small act of honesty became a quiet compass that guided me throughout my life.

During my seminary years, one verse from Scripture was stamped upon my heart: Matthew 28:20. Jesus did not promise us easy answers or trouble-free lives. His promise was simpler and far more profound. He would always be with us, in good times and in bad, as a constant presence, a friend, and a mentor. That promise has sustained me through every season of my life.

This reflection is written in loving memory of my family, my first mentors, all of whom walked before me and helped shape who I became. Their love extended not only to me, but also to Anne for many years. Though they have all since ascended to their heavenly home, their faith, wisdom, and love remain alive in my heart.

I remember them with gratitude and humility:
Judge H.A. Bland Grandfather, Charter Member
Mrs. H.A. Bland (Ruby) Grandmother, Charter Member
John Henry Bland Sr. Father, Charter Member
Jessamine Bland Aunt, Charter Member
Daniel A. Bland Uncle, Charter Member
Saranna Bland Aunt, Child Member
Herman Bland Uncle, Child Member

Their lives taught me that faith is not merely believed – it is lived.

Faith Story | John C.

January 6, 2026

Growing up in a small town in eastern North Carolina meant attending church for any church-related activity at all times. So, I grew up attending Sunday school and church every Sunday morning, plus services on Sunday night, Wednesday prayer meeting, all revivals, and Royal Ambassador meetings. There were no soccer games, baseball, football, or basketball games scheduled for Sunday or Wednesday nights. Everybody knew better!

At an early age I learned about the baby Jesus, Daniel and the lion’s den, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Jonah and the whale, Joseph and his coat of many colors, and our crucified Lord. To say I grew up in a Christian home would be an understatement.

But I didn’t always act like a Christian. In my late teens I became disenchanted with my church and my fellow Christians. I strayed off the straight and narrow path and quit going to church services of any kind. It fell to the women in my life to bring me back into the fold. These women were my mother and my grandmother. They never harassed me about church. They never fussed with me about it. They never tried to make me feel bad about myself. No. Instead they showed me the way. They lived the way they wanted me to live. They demonstrated their faith every day. They didn’t just talk the talk. They walked the walk as well. Seeing them live their faith made me want to live that way, too.

Susan and I had many discussions about church before we were married. We agreed we wanted a church that felt like home. A church whose members were welcoming, friendly, accepting, and loving. A church where no one looked down on a person because their beliefs were different. We attended services at many churches in the Triangle area. Then we heard about Hayes Barton Baptist Church and decided to give it a shot.

As soon as we walked into the narthex, we were greeted by several folks who introduced themselves and thanked us for attending the service. Then, as we entered the sanctuary, Susan saw several people she knew from her hometown of Smithfield. Meeting those members of HBBC and conversing with them made us feel right at home. Later that day, John McClendon came by our home and delivered a loaf of “friendship” bread and thanked us for visiting. He invited us to visit again and to try one of the Sunday school classes. John also pointed out that Dr. Hailey and family lived just a block down the street from us. We could feel the call to join the HBBC family!

We knew we had found a home when, on our next visit, we discovered there was a Sunday school class named the “Cashwell” class! Started by and named after HBBC Pastor Emeritus T.L. Cashwell, the class welcomed us with open arms. I’m happy to say we’ve been members for 28 years.

HBBC has been a blessing to Susan and me. I have been encouraged to study the Bible more deeply and thoroughly. My faith in God has grown as my trust in Him has become deeper. John McClendon is and has been one of my best friends over the years. He is one of the strongest Christians I have ever known and a man I look up to. I count my blessings every time I step into Hayes Barton Baptist Church. I thank Dr. Hailey and the ministerial staff, and every member for creating a place where I can worship, learn about God, be in fellowship with other Christians, and, hopefully, help someone else find their way.

Faith Story | Sally G.

December 16, 2025

My faith story actually began in 1942, the year my grandparents and my mother and her two sisters moved to Raleigh from Gastonia. The Denny family found a church home at Hayes Barton Baptist Church less than a mile from where they lived. My mother, Sarah Denny Williamson, was married at HBBC, and I was raised in this church. My grandparents usually sat on the seventh pew on the right hand side of the sanctuary and for many years my mother, sister and I sat there with them.

I am grateful for the Sunday School teachers I had growing up who taught me familiar Bible stories and encouraged me to memorize scripture and to learn in order the books of the Old and New Testaments and the names of Jesus’ 12 disciplines. I do not remember all their names, but I do remember being taught by Jane Spencer as a young child and Betty Griffin, Crystal Potter, Sue Ashley, Katherine Brady and Shirley Stennis while in elementary school, all of whom invested their time in me and gave up being in an adult Sunday School Class so that they could teach me that by believing in God and trusting Jesus I would gain eternal life and forgiveness of my sins.

I am also grateful for the teachers who taught me during my junior high and high school years, Martha Bunn, Martha McAdams, Jimmy Lassiter and Ed Gaskins, among others. As I grew older and particularly as I participated in in-depth Bible studies, I began to understand that Jesus calls us as Christians to act – to feed the hungry, house the homeless, love the stranger. Not only are we to believe but we are to do.

My favorite Bible verse comes from Chapter 6 (verse 8) in the prophetic Book of Micah in the Old Testament.

He has told you, O mortal, what is good:
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and walk humbly with your God?

I am grateful that there are places in the Raleigh community where I have had the opportunity to live out my faith and serve the children of God about whom Jesus had so much to say.

Faith Story | Julia L.

December 11, 2025

As a Protestant believer, I was discipled in five traditions. Each phase has been an essential part of my life development as a follower of Christ with an ecumenical vision.

I was introduced to Jesus and salvation by Grace through faith in the revivalistic Nazarene church of my childhood era when I was 7. I was nurtured in ways of integrating faith in my life through the Methodist tradition from age 8 to age 19. During that same time frame, I was influenced by my stepmother’s Catholic faith. I was grounded in the evangelistic and missionary vision of Southern Baptists from age 20 to mid life, when I became aware of a call to ministry and was simultaneously introduced to the contemplative pathway.

I knew what it was like to feel as a Christian that I had touched all the bases but still had a sense that there was more in God’s calling. I became disillusioned with the informational approach of studying about the Bible and about Jesus. I didn’t need more information and suspected others did not either. I wanted to know Jesus, in a more experiential walk WITH Jesus. I wanted to be more spiritually alive, formed in Christ, and found that others do, too. I wanted and still want to help those who are hungry for a deeper walk with Christ to enter into it.

II Corinthians 5:17 has been my life verse: “If anyone is in Christ, he/she is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come.” I have been on a relentless search to live into that fully. There have been key movements of Grace in my life, in which the longings of my soul were matched by the work of God’s Spirit – times when I needed forgiveness, assurance of redemption, peace and joy to fill a deep abyss of fear, anger, doubt or guilt that is often the lot of those who are raised in dysfunctional families as I was.

All along the way, the scriptures have been as the Psalmist described them: “a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” And the church at large has been the organic family of God to me.

The single most foundational enlightenment for me was a call to surrender to trust Jesus, not just believe He existed, not just be enamored by his story, not just claim his salvation as a contract. Along with that awareness, was the revelation that Jesus is One with God and therefore His death truly brings atonement, for the Divine One received my guilt into his sinless life and died a death that the sinless one could not otherwise experience, for God has declared “the wages of sin is death.” The wages of righteousness is life. Jesus made a great exchange for us.

My calling into Christian ministry grew out of a longing to help others grow in faith in Christ to the point that they truly follow Him as Lord of their lives. It was, and is, rewarding to help others pay attention to what the Lord is bringing to birth in their lives. When I retired, I knew I was not retiring from that vision but from the formal ministry aspect. My ongoing quest is to satisfy the deep longing in my soul to know God and be attuned to His ways. I have a long way to go as I continue to become aware of ways in which I fail, but I am loving the journey of faith, hope and love.

Faith Story | Ann P.

December 9, 2025

I grew up in the Baptist church. For the first many years of my life, I just followed along with what I was supposed to do. When I got to college, my church activities slowed down, and I’d only attend with my family in Raleigh.

But things changed suddenly, in an instant, so to say.

I went from being an active person to someone with physical challenges that will last for the rest of my life. I felt sorry for myself. Why did this happen? I wanted a do-over.

Okay, so no do-over was in my future, but I did have times when I felt that God was looking out for me in this new iteration of my life. First, my leg rebroke, which allowed doctors to straighten it. That was a prayer answered, even though it took a bit to understand that I had to take the bad in order to get the good. Another strong impression of God’s love and attention came when I physically felt him envelop me, hold me in his arms. It was a peace that I had not experienced in years. I can only explain it through faith.

I know that God has been with me.

Faith Story | Karlyn J.

December 4, 2025

When I was about 4 years old and attended church every Sunday with my parents and three siblings, the name Jesus was introduced to me. In Sunday School I learned about Jesus by listening to my teacher read Bible stories, reciting memorized Bible verses, coloring pictures and singing “Jesus Loves Me.” I was taught to respect, praise, and talk to Jesus by praying with head bowed and eyes closed. Oh, how much I learned about this special man when I was very young. Throughout my childhood I learned more and more about this man named Jesus, from his birth celebrated at Christmas to his death and resurrection at Easter.

As I, now at 91 years old, remember my childhood days of learning about Jesus, I realize how important the stories of his way of life influenced my little mind. Continuing through adolescence and adult life I have learned about Jesus by attending church services, reading and studying the Bible, reading daily devotionals and singing, and listening to church music. Singing words of praise, thankfulness, and adoration always brings me comfort and joy!

In early adulthood my journey with Jesus became more serious, more real. He had become my friend, always with me through the ups and downs of life. As an adult I worked with many different people, different personalities, attitudes and habits. Some of these people seemed to stand out from the others; they seemed happier, more confident and at peace. I soon realized they were on their journeys with Jesus; they were Christians.

It was time for me to decide if I wanted to live as Jesus taught his disciples and followers or as the ways of the world. To live as Jesus taught, I knew I had to truly believe in Jesus, believe his virgin birth, believe he walked on this earth teaching a way of life called Christianity, believe in his healing power, believe he was God’s only son whom God sacrificed on a cross for my sins and the sins of the world that we might have everlasting life, and believe that Jesus was resurrected on the third day after his crucifixion.

Oh, what love and peace I felt when I chose to Believe. It is a love and peace that only God can give!

My profession of believing Jesus is the Son of God, repentance of my sins and acceptance of Jesus as my Lord and Savior was carried out in a baptism service many years ago.

Learning and Believing are never-ending parts of my journey. I practice them every day as I read the Bible, devotionals, and pray. Taking time to talk to my Heavenly Father is so important. Praying to praise him, thank him and even bring him my problems are so comforting. Praying about a problem and then having that problem resolved the same day when I read the Bible or a devotional is truly “answered prayer” and has strengthened my belief and faith in God.

Truly believing in Jesus led me to having Faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 reads “Walk by faith, not by sight,” which means trust in God’s promises and guidance rather than surely on what you see or understand. My faith developed from the Learning and Believing areas of my journey; in other words as a Response to God’s Word.

Jesus taught that Faith comes from Hearing and Believing God’s Word. I have heard, I do believe, and I have faith in God’s promises – and oh, what peace and joy have filled my soul.

Faith Story | Shirley A.

December 2, 2025

My father decided it was time for his family to join the church, so my mother, brother and I were baptized September 16, 1956, by Dr. Kincheloe. We became members of Hayes Barton Baptist Church. My journey to becoming a Christian was just beginning. I remember attending Vacation Bible School, Sunday school, Training Union, choir, drama productions, GAs (reaching the position of Queen Regent.) I helped in the office, took bus trips to choir festivals with our leader, Carolyn Brockwell, attended summer camp at Fort Caswell and participated in the Living Nativity every Christmas. I loved being involved in the church – it was safe being with good, solid believers. This ALL laid a solid foundation for my faith journey.

After I went off to college, I started to drift. In 1969, I was married by Dr. Cashwell and moved to Oregon. My husband was not a Christian and did not “need” church; and my church involvement ended. I reconnected with HBBC when my father died. Through some faith challenges in 2006, Dr. Hailey restored my faith. Our son’s personal search led him to the Catholic Church and, impressed by his peace, my husband was baptized and I converted to Catholicism. Still searching, I joined a women’s group and BSF, where I was hearing about a “loving God” and a personal relationship with Him.

Then COVID hit and everything shut down! I clearly remembered the night before the shutdown being anxious and struggling not to be afraid. That morning, just as I was waking up, I heard Jesus telling me not to be afraid, He was with me and would protect me. I realized I was smiling and felt at peace because I knew I was not alone. Rather than giving into fear, I pulled out our church directory and called each member, letting them know I was thinking of them. It brought such peace to me.

Then Zoom became part of our vocabulary! I located churches across the country, HBBC being one of them. I attended a service each day, but hungered for more. I still wanted to have a personal relationship with Jesus, but I just did NOT know how to connect. I saw Jesus helping others but did not feel worthy. When my husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I went through all the emotions, including anger and resentment! I began to attend a support group I started when my mother-in-law had her memory journey. God had given me a dress rehearsal. A new Alzheimer’s Association facilitator joined us and emphasized that the group was for all of us in the room, NOT just the person at home.

Finally, someone was here for ME! She said if we allowed it, we would experience every possible feeling and emotion. The goal was to look for the “nuggets” along the way and hopefully at the end we would come out stronger and healthier. As I turned to God asking for help, I moved toward surrender and acceptance. With the help of a coach, I am learning to turn to Jesus, and He is bringing healing into my life. I am active again in the church and continue to learn about Jesus and His love. I never had a light bulb moment, but instead the blessing of a solid foundation as a young child, learning Bible stories and the basics. As this year comes to an end, I have been married 56 years and will be 80 years old. I can honestly say I am grateful for the journey God has given me. His provisions have proven better than my requests. His timing is perfect! I know I am where I am supposed to be.

Faith Story | Susan T.

November 27, 2025

My life at Hayes Barton Baptist Church began when I married my husband, Jim, in 2017.

Ironically, my mother was a lifelong Baptist before she married my Lutheran father in 1964. Mother joined Hayes Barton in December 2022, just two months before her death. I was happy she had “come home,” and she was, too.

In turn, I was a lifelong Lutheran before I married Jim.

I came from a church that had a strong music program, strong preaching, and strong programs for all ages — much like Hayes Barton. Mother and Daddy had always sung in the choir at whatever congregation they attended. Mother and I were especially pleased to endow the Shinn-Turner Cello Two Chair in Daddy’s memory, as well as in memory of Jim and Ann Turner, Jim’s parents.

I’d always thought I’d be a lifelong Lutheran. Then I went to Cuba in September 2016 on a visioning trip with Tom Beam, one of my (many) Baptist cousins. There, I met Jim, and we got married four months later — Jan. 6, the Day of Epiphany.

After much discussion between my husband and me as to whether I’d be baptized by immersion — his idea, not mine, as I’d already been “sprinkled” as a Lutheran — I officially joined Hayes Barton on Aug. 11, 2019.

As I wrote shortly afterward, I’d always wondered what I’d find beneath those waters. It was worth the experience.

Over the last nine years, it has been a beautiful experience being part of a such a warm, welcoming — and large — congregation. That means there are myriad opportunities to plug in.

Several years ago, I kind of fell into being a part of the Bereavement Committee. The year 2026 will be my third year of co-chairing one of the teams with my fabulous friend Debra DeCamillis.

First of all, I want to share what a joyful experience this has been. There is joy in serving our fellow members and their families in a time of need. And there’s never a funeral service our team has assisted with that we are not thanked profusely by the family.

But all we do is greet and direct family members and non-members to Hailey Hall or the parlor or the columbarium or the sanctuary or to restrooms. We put out trays of cookies, and napkins, and pitchers of ice water. We clean up afterward.

I’ve thought about this a lot. For me, it calls to mind the Bible verse in Matthew 10:42 in which Jesus says: “If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

I’ve not consulted anyone on our team, but I don’t think any of us is concerned with our rewards in Heaven. It’s just a wonderful opportunity to serve for those of us who are able.

To me, it’s an example of “many hands make light work,” because our team is working together. Maybe not a well-oiled machine, but close. We have learned that, like each person, each funeral or memorial service is different, and we strive to fill whatever needs there are for each occasion.

That saying isn’t a biblical verse, incidentally. It’s from a book of proverbs first published in 1546. So if it’s still being used today it must still be relevant!

But working together does make our task lighter, and dare I say, fun — even at a funeral. It’s a time for our team to get to know one another and catch up with one another.

Thanks be to God!

Faith Story | Marsha H.

November 25, 2025

A Calvary Baptist mom from Asheville and a First Methodist dad from Charlotte got married and had babies. Me included. They moved to a small town for Daddy’s career. What did they do? Joined First Presbyterian of course!

From cradle roll on through high school I learned to love Jesus. I memorized Children’s Catechism in the bathtub with Mama as my coach. Every night we worked on it. 

I loved Sunday school and children’s choir and youth group. I was an angel in school plays and the Christmas pageant until I outgrew two costumes.

My parents held practically every church office possible. Often the meetings were in our living room. Nosey me sat quietly in the hall and listened in! 

Our pastor, Dr Carl McMurray, was an intellectual. University of Edinburgh and Princeton Theological. My dad talked me through his sermons til I was old enough to “get it.” Dr. McMurray prepared me for profession and first communion in Communicants Class. Membership Matters for kiddos.

I went to a Presbyterian college. Went to First Presbyterian during college years and after. Met a Baptist guy. Had a Presbyterian wedding. Then the push pull. It lasted years! Zig zag from Presbyterian to Baptist over and over. Guess who won out? Hayes Barton Baptist Church. 

Thank you Dr. Hailey for coming to our home at my husband’s request and winning me over. I have been at home here 23 years. He said I was predestined to be a Baptist! The friendships and the opportunities to serve my Lord and Savior have been golden.

I love my Sunday school class. Many of them are as treasured aunts and uncles to me. I marvel at their faith and courage and joy as years go by.

So to close, Dr McMurray gave me 2 Timothy 3:14-15 as my verse: “….Continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through Jesus Christ.“ Amen.

Faith Story | Meredith K.

November 20, 2025

My faith in Christ has shaped who I am today. It has shaped how I approach every part of my life. Because of my relationship with God, I live with a deep sense of confidence and peace, knowing that I never face anything alone. Life is full of challenges and unknowns, but I trust that God is always with me, guiding my steps and giving me strength for whatever twists and turns come my way.

This confidence is rooted in my belief that, when I ask, God equips me with the one thing I need for life, which is Him. When I step into something new or difficult, I remind myself that His presence goes before me and stays beside me. That assurance allows me to approach every challenge with courage instead of fear, and hope instead of doubt.

My faith was strengthened in a profound way as my dad fought Alzheimer’s. There were days when the weight of it all felt overwhelming. I remember feeling helpless at times, unsure of how to handle the demands. It was during that time that I truly learned what it means to surrender everything to God.

Instead of carrying the worry and fear alone, I chose to put my trust in Him. I prayed constantly — sometimes for strength, sometimes for patience, and often simply for peace. God answered and gave me comfort when I felt broken and calm when life seemed chaotic. Even in moments of sadness, I could sense His presence and His love surrounding both me and my dad.

Being a Christian means that I don’t measure my life by what goes right or wrong, but by how God is working through it all. I’ve learned that every challenge is an opportunity to grow closer to Him, to rely on His strength, and to share His love with others.

There’s a line from the hymn “Because He Lives” that says, “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.” This song reminds me that my strength and courage don’t come from my own abilities but from knowing that Christ lives within me. No matter what tomorrow brings, I can face it without fear because I know who holds the future.

Faith Story | Bob H.

November 18, 2025

I didn’t grow up in a church-going home. My first experience with church happened at age eight. Playing outside on a Sunday morning in our small town, I could hear the most beautiful music. I followed the sound a few blocks and sat down on the church steps and was mesmerized. Suddenly the door opened and it scared me, so I ran all the way home.

Fast forward two years. A little girl named Carolyn, a friend and classmate at Winchester Avenue Grade School, invited me to church. So I had a little boy crush on her. But when she told me they had baseball and basketball and scouts, I was all in.

Yes, I met her that Sunday at First Baptist Martinsburg,West Virginia. My mom made sure I was well dressed. As Carolyn and I walked down the aisle, we held hands! A big deal for age 10. Her mom and dad were the greatest. I love them to this day.

Over the years, I became the starting pitcher for baseball and starting forward for basketball. Became a Sea Scout and learned a lot about lakes and rivers and creeks.

At twelve, Carolyn Clohen and I gave our lives to Christ and were baptized together. You may think we ended up together, but it was just a young love thing. After growing up together at FBC, she married a golf pro and I joined the Air Force. Then a degree in Architectural Design from Chicago Technical College.

My membership stayed with First Baptist all the years. In 1985, I got married and for quite a while I thought I would be Presbyterian. But my roots kept calling me back.

It wasn’t easy to get my bride to turn in my direction, but God was in it. Here we are decades later, Marsha and I, serving God together at HBBC. Together.

Faith Story | Polly L.

November 13, 2025

Imagine playing Twister combined with finding Wheel of Fortune’s missing letters while wrestling with Jeopardy’s intricacies. Then you may have some grasp of my convoluted Faith Journey. When I sing   “I Stand Amazed in the Presence of Jesus… and Wonder How He Could Love Me,” I reflect on how often I have experienced my Savior’s wonderful, marvelous, unconditional love during turns/detours before I formally joined Hayes Barton Baptist Church in the last year. Jesus long ago decided the world needed another Army brat who, under His guidance, would become a singer, teacher, lawyer, stepmother, and, best of all, mother. Me!!! 

At an early age, I learned about Jesus. My churchgoing maternal grandparents were blessings! During Vacation Bible School at their Baptist church, I made my baptism decision at age 7, joining several young friends. Mama, my grandmother, sang hymns with me. Papa, my grandfather, quiet as Mama was chatty, always attended church with us and rejoiced in my very existence. I lost these Saints during law school but smile thinking of them.

During my Raleigh years, following military deployments to Japan (where my sister was born), Alabama, and Ft. Bragg (where my brother was born), I attended HBBC at times, then another Baptist church, then Emmanuel Baptist Church, which Mother joined. College was at Meredith with required religion classes, on-campus chapel, and off-campus church. 

My church attendance was sporadic for the one year I taught high school biology in MD. When I returned to pursue my M.A. in American history at UNC-Chapel Hill, I had no interest whatsoever in anything church related.  But when I moved to PA to teach high school American history, Jesus knew that my churchgoing days had simply been on hiatus. A singer friend led me to the best church choir in York, PA, at the Lutheran Church downtown. Jesus had led me back to church, mostly for the music, but He was persistent.  

If I wanted to attend law school, the time had come. I tackled three years of legal studies, followed by lawyer work. Robert Frost, in “The Road Not Taken,” reminds us that the road chosen makes “all the difference.” God remained present in my life during my PA years. I joined Harrisburg Choral Society, attended a small Baptist church, was married there, then moved to VA, singing in our church choir and helping start a community choral group.

After relocating with my daughter to NC, my marriage irretrievably broken, then facing the death of my brother, I was led to fulfilling legal work plus services for my child. God also encouraged my music interests through Capital Area Chorale and Concert Singers of Cary. During the pandemic, God whispered it was time for church ties. The HBBC broadcast ministry was key to my attending and later joining. 

My most significant lifetime event was my child’s unexpected death in the summer, 2024. No grief compares to a parent’s loss of a child of whatever age. But God had been preparing to receive her and has provided many comforts I still need. He has focused me repeatedly on Psalm 18:28, which states, “You, Lord, keep my lamp burning. My God turns my darkness into light.”  Equally important is Psalm 46:1, proclaiming, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” 

A quote attributed to Fannie Brice, Sophie Tucker, and others, says, “I’ve tried it rich, and I’ve tried it poor.  And believe me, rich is better.” I’ve tried life with this church, and I’ve tried life without it.  And believe me, being at Hayes Barton Baptist Church (and choir singing) is better!

Faith Story | Shirley F.

My mother is the reason for my strong faith. I saw Jesus at work in and through her every day of her life. What a blessing! She was a member for nearly 60 years and missed being a charter member by 2 weeks.

In looking back over the years, I realize how significant the many devoted Sunday School teachers, ministers and Christian friends are who have influenced, supported and loved me. I have been led by 5 senior ministers – all different and special in their own way. Of course, I have some favorites. I have served on many committees during my lifetime and was privileged to have directed weddings for some 40 years.

I have a great love and respect for the Bible. I don’t know that I have a favorite verse but through it all I know that Jesus loves me.

Faith Story | Brian R.

Then, an acquaintance invited me to Sunday school … and somehow, deep down, I felt that was where I needed to be. Yet I balked; “I won’t have slept off my hangover by then, you gotta be kidding me,” and I dismissed it.

But that feeling remained … that I needed to be there. I’d purposefully stay out till 4 a.m. yet was wide awake in time for Sunday school … so I started going. I was instantly aware of the “community” experienced by that group of kind, thoughtful Christians. I enjoyed meeting them and getting to know them. Such a stark contrast to those I met at clubs. This new group cared about each other, on a fundamental level.

I began to think more … where will I be in twenty years? Ten years? Five years? And with whom? I know there are right ways to fly a plane, to be a leader of Marines, to exercise … is there also a right way to live my life, too? And, what if I don’t live that way? Beyond that, I looked at the evidence of the Christian truth claims … history, psychology, sociology, and particularly science (“Intelligent Design” and “Irreducible Complexity”) … and it all fit perfectly.

So, not knowing what I was getting myself into but trusting this God that I was beginning to know, I prayed for God’s forgiveness and that Jesus would indeed be my Savior, to lead me as I sought Him. And I discovered the possibility and the intensity of a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe, who has guided me over the next 30 years, proving Himself over and over.

Throughout my career and after, whether overseas or here in the U.S., I see that it’s not that there are God-forsaken places, it’s that places have forsaken God. And I saw what happens to a society that does so. It’s not that I’ve been delivered FROM challenges, it’s that I’ve been delivered THROUGH them, and I am learning and growing as I do. The meaning of life has been proven to me … to realize there is a loving God, and to spend my life getting to know Him and becoming like His Son, to be able to spend eternity in the presence of a perfect, holy God.

How will our families, neighborhoods, communities, cities, nation, and world thrive, or even survive, without Jesus? I realized that God isn’t keeping any good thing away from us (like Satan alleges in Genesis 3:4), but is giving us a clear path and opportunities (John 10:10) … that life is about what we give, not about what we get.

Oh, and when that acquaintance invited me to Sunday school: His friend said to him, “Why bother inviting Brian … he’s a lost cause.” At one point, I was a lost cause! But Jesus found me. Also, I later learned that my mom had been praying intensely for me as well. No coincidence, just God-incidents. Lastly, my home church of HBBC hasn’t just been a “refuge” to recharge, but also a “launching pad,” where I refit to continue and grow! Romans 8:28, Romans 5:3-5, James 1:25, 2 Timothy 1:7.

Faith Story | Mark H.

Imagine God. If you think you can, you’re really not trying. Our best scientists can’t unravel the atom or this vast universe. So how can one comprehend the creator of the universe, and then add infinite love and the supposition that this God also cares about us as individuals?

Fortunately, along comes Jesus – the incarnation of this incomprehensible God. Fully God yet fully human, we like to say. Sharing our feeble bodies and lovingly helping us wrap our feeble minds around what God wants from us.

This is the basis of my faith. Not the promise of heaven (whatever that might be) or the threat of hell (ditto), but Jesus as the foundation, showing how I might build a life in which I can do at least some good.

It’s odd to think about what “influenced my commitment to Christ.” It’s like asking what made me an American. I’ve been a Christian (and an American) since birth, and I have no intention of giving up on either. But that hasn’t stopped me from growing and doing serious questioning in both roles.

That growth has had twists and turns. As a child, worshiping with my parents, I served as an Episcopalian acolyte and then learned to stay awake during Quaker meeting. I attended a Presbyterian college, married the daughter of a Presbyterian minister (in a New England Congregational church) and became a Presbyterian elder. And now, in retirement, I’m an active Baptist here at Hayes Barton!

Growing in my faith has meant being less afraid to ask questions and acknowledge my doubts. My many doubts. If Jesus’ hand-picked disciples failed to “get it” time and time again, certainly I can be excused as well.

“Foundation” is the word I come back to.

Through my doubts and my uncertainties, Christ is there (even if as a sometimes inaudible whisper), giving me a foundation – for dealing with my fellow humans, making workplace decisions, raising two children (both of whom are now church leaders) and maybe helping others.

Is that a faith story? Maybe just the start of one — with a long, long way to go.