Written by Jaxon Reinhardt, UNF Soccer player and FCA Student Leader
When I wanted to get baptized and give my life to my Lord and Savior, I didn’t realize the feelings that would come with the most important decision of my life. Sunday April 28, 2024, was a day for me that was filled with emotions and challenges.
Zach Board, a teammate of mine, had been discipling me through my walk with Jesus for roughly 6 months. Up to that point and nothing made me happier than to have him baptize me on that Sunday with all of my closest friends watching. It was an unbelievable moment and feelings to have roughly 30 people on the beach cheering for Jesus and my public declaration that I am giving my life to the Lord.
However, the noise a couple hours later turned into murmur from the enemy telling me that I am not good enough, or I am not clean enough to represent team Jesus.
I am blessed to have a team and community that I have surrounded myself with – like the FCA community at UNF. To reinforce me with scripture and encouragement that God so loved the world he gave his one and only Son, so that those who believe in him will have eternal life (John 3:16).
Joby Martin, Lead Pastor at Church of Eleven22, teaches "that the birthmark for a Christian is a bullseye on your back," and that is what I felt at that moment. The scripture turned the situation around for myself and my mental headspace – and after that I started walking in Jesus’ power and the power of Grace. I can’t thank God for putting me in Jacksonville, surrounded by amazing people and a community that has led me to Jesus more daily, and in the life I lived before.
April 28, 2024, will forever be the rebirth of Jaxon Reinhardt.
