By Nate Skaife –Grand Junction, Colorado … Learning how to read in jail using the Bible as a textbook led the newest member of the Grand Junction church to baptism and the public declaration of Jesus as his Savior.

To witness Russell Adam’s confession of his love for and acceptance of Jesus, as many as 50 believers from the Grand Junction church gathered on July 25 by a lake at a secluded piece of property owned by a member.

Russell’s incredible journey began while he was in jail and a friend suggested he contact Dave and Elaine Phillips.  After several Bible studies by correspondences, Russell was released from jail and continued studying with Dave and Elaine, but now face to face.

The Phillipses joined Russell in the lake during his baptism, a gesture that made the experience especially meaningful.

“Last Sabbath afternoon we celebrated with all of heaven as Russell Adams made a public declaration of his decision to follow Christ through baptism,” said Nate Skaife, Grand Junction pastor. God has been working in Russell’s life in powerful ways, even giving him victory over chains that have bound him,” Pastor Skaife explained.  “He has an amazing testimony of how God has worked in his life and continues to do so. The Phillipses have been part of Russell’s journey with Jesus and had the pleasure of participating in his baptism.”

Many other individuals are studying to be baptized. Soon, the Grand Junction family will gather again to celebrate those walks toward becoming faith believers.

–Nate Skaife is pastor of the Grand Junction church; photo courtesy of Grand Junction church newsletter.

To view a video of the baptism please click here