Sunday, October 26, was a very special day in the lives of seven of our youth.  These young people stood before us and professed their faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, and became members of Hope Presbyterian Church.

For the prior three months, these students were busy preparing for their public declaration of faith and their lifelong walk with Jesus by:

• Studying Scripture

• Participating in Sunday worship

• Understanding Presbyterian history

• Meeting with their mentors

• Writing their own personal statements of faith

• Learning practices and concepts of the Christian faith.

Congratulations to the Confirmation Class of 2008!

If you have questions or are interested in participating in the next confirmation class, call Holly Dills at 863-324-6382.

I believe in God, for He is my Savior.  He gives me strength when I am weak.  He gives me courage when I have none.  God is the light for me when everything else is dark.  He has been there with me through thick and thin.  The Lord guides me through my life's obstacles and without Him I would fall.  I pray to Him each day and I feel as if He is a friend.  A good friend that is always by my side.  To me, God is my friend.
— Carly Summers (with mentor Christine Wilcutt - Carly's grandmother)

My amazing God is always watching over me and loves me unconditionally.  He blesses my family with health, happiness, and keeps us safe.  Through my Baptism and now Confirmation, I feel I am growing closer to Him.  God has given me a new life and forgives all my sins.  I know God will always be with me in my heart.  Through God, I know I can achieve victory over death and live eternally with my Savior in Heaven.
— Bethany Dawson (with mentor Julie Wilson)

I believe in God and my relationship with my family.  I found my relationship with God through my parents, grandmother, Dr. McGrath, and the congregation.  God has helped me feel stronger in life.
— Patrick Banner (with mentor Jay Couturier)

I believe in an amazing God and His son, Jesus.  I know that God will be there for me and help me make the right decisions.  I believe that God sent His son, Jesus, to save us from our sins.  I know that God will forgive me and always love me no matter what happens, and I will do the same.  God is always in my heart even in the bad times.  I love you Lord.  Amen.
— Becca Wilson (with mentor Helen Herge)

I believe in an amazing God.  I believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins.  We pray at meals and occasionally I read the Bible.  My grandfather got us going to church very early which triggered my mother to be a part of the church.  Then all of this got me going to church every Sunday.  God is helping me through tough times, and He is helping me to be more laid back and not worry about anything.
— Skyler Bagienski (with mentor Ron Hatley)

I believe in God, the Lord who created the Earth and heavens.  He gave his only Son who died on the cross to forgive us of our sins.  As I go through life, I am confident that Jesus will guide me through obstacles that fall upon me.  I believe that there is a place for me in Heaven when the time comes.  Amen.
— Gregory Dills (with mentor Bill Dawson)

God helps me every day.  He's there when times are tough and even when they're not.  Even when I feel at my worst, I know that things will eventually get better because God is always with me.  I can talk to Him whenever I need to and someday I will be able to talk to Him in person.
— Leah Tofanelli (with mentor Patrice Hatley)