Stories from Stafford Crossing
Andrew and Laura Conklin
I (Laura) started coming to Stafford Crossing 22 years ago, when I was a freshman in high school. The foundation I received has guided me ever since. About 13 years ago, I brought my now husband, Andrew, to church, where he came to trust and follow Jesus. Since then, Stafford Crossing has equipped us as parents, strengthened our marriage, and deepened our faith. I’m so thankful for all God has done in my life through this church.
I (Andrew) grew up in a Catholic church but walked away as a teenager. Years later, when I was stationed at Quantico, I met Laura. She invited me to Stafford Crossing, and for the first time, I truly wanted a relationship with God. Soon after, Pastor Darryl married us, and we began faithfully attending together. Through small groups and the Alpha course, my questions were answered, and I gave my life to Jesus—on my 26th birthday! Later, when I was baptized, I was able to share my story and faith with my family. Now, as parents of two, we are grateful that our kids get to watch our faith grow. Stafford Crossing has transformed our lives, and we are eternally grateful.
I (Andrew) grew up in a Catholic church but walked away as a teenager. Years later, when I was stationed at Quantico, I met Laura. She invited me to Stafford Crossing, and for the first time, I truly wanted a relationship with God. Soon after, Pastor Darryl married us, and we began faithfully attending together. Through small groups and the Alpha course, my questions were answered, and I gave my life to Jesus—on my 26th birthday! Later, when I was baptized, I was able to share my story and faith with my family. Now, as parents of two, we are grateful that our kids get to watch our faith grow. Stafford Crossing has transformed our lives, and we are eternally grateful.
Ann Baidwan
As someone who didn’t grow up Christian, God was more of an idea to me. I remember believing there was a God since I was a child, but I definitely didn’t have a relationship with Him. My medical training brought me to Fredericksburg, where I made a friend one day last year. After meeting me only once, she asked me if I wanted to go to church with her. This was the invitation I had been waiting for. I attended a Christmas Eve service at Stafford Crossing by myself, and even though I was nervous, after listening to the message, I left thinking, “I can’t wait to come back.”
Over the next few months, I spent time learning more about Jesus. I bought my first Bible, started attending church, and learned from role models. The issues that troubled me throughout most of my life, including deep-rooted anxieties and insecurities, now felt different; they didn’t have the same hold on me. I decided that I wanted a relationship with Jesus, and I placed my trust and repentance in Him. I have not looked back since.
If you had known me even a year ago, you would never have imagined this. But I have never felt freer, more fulfilled, or more purposeful than I do in this new life knowing Jesus. He is the only way to know true peace. Jesus rescued me, and I am eternally grateful to Him.
Over the next few months, I spent time learning more about Jesus. I bought my first Bible, started attending church, and learned from role models. The issues that troubled me throughout most of my life, including deep-rooted anxieties and insecurities, now felt different; they didn’t have the same hold on me. I decided that I wanted a relationship with Jesus, and I placed my trust and repentance in Him. I have not looked back since.
If you had known me even a year ago, you would never have imagined this. But I have never felt freer, more fulfilled, or more purposeful than I do in this new life knowing Jesus. He is the only way to know true peace. Jesus rescued me, and I am eternally grateful to Him.