Bishop Hosteler explained that baptism was not the means by which one is saved, but simply an outward sign of salvation. Just as an Amish man’s beard is an indication of his marriage and commitment to his wife, so baptism symbolizes our covenant with Christ.

— J.E.B. Spredemann

Brianna peered through the large window into the sea of plexiglass cradles. Each infant, so small and precious, belonged to someone. Someone who cared for them. Someone who loved them. Brianna sniffled and turned away, unable to bear the thought that she had no one.

— J.E.B. Spredemann

Choices made, whether bad or good, follow you forever and affect everyone in their path one way or another.

— J.E.B. Spredemann

Don't let the bonds of fear and doubt keep you from attempting the impossible. Each attempt will loosen the chains, and you'll eventually break free, thus finding the 'impossible' was actually possible all along.

— J.E.B. Spredemann

Every time someone reaches out to you, even if it's to point out your sin, and they seem to be judging you, it is a token of God's mercy. He sees the past, present, and future. He knows that you're headed for an eternity of pain and sorrow, and He's begging you to turn to Him for salvation. Jesus is the only way to Heaven: the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is your only hope. He is your Creator, and He loves you more than you could ever love yourself. Please turn to Him. Please don't be deceived into thinking your way is better than His. God's way is perfect.

— J.E.B. Spredemann

Expecting to receive a rebuke, her heart lifted when she read the words on the page, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

— J.E.B. Spredemann

God doesn't promise us an easy life. But He does promise to love us and never leave us, no matter what happens.

— J.E.B. Spredemann

He realized he needed strength, sustenance that couldn’t come from bread alone. He desperately needed God.

— J.E.B. Spredemann

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the imagination is worth a thousand pictures.

— J.E.B. Spredemann

If you’re always looking back at what you’ve lost, you’ll never discover the treasure that lies just up ahead.

— J.E.B. Spredemann