This one is different. It's too fresh and too raw to fully describe and capture in just a few paragraphs. It's powerful and emotional. It's definitely worth the 6 minute listen.

Mel shared her story before being baptized at the Reunion and Baptism party on Saturday evening and was willing to have it shared on the podcast as well. Like all of us, Mel's story is still being written and has many unknowns. But she knows now that Jesus walks with her through it all.

A year after choosing faith in Jesus I was diagnosed with cancer. Tumor the size of a golf ball hanging out of my thigh. I noticed it playing sports and just wasn’t functioning as well. At the end of the day it was friendly cancer, as friendly as cancer can be. No chemo no radiation, just one bad surgery where they did a number on my leg.

Leading up to our Reunion and Baptism party this Saturday with Lakepoint and Revive we're listening in on a few stories from our extended family! Brian Hofmeister launched Lakepoint Church in his hometown of Muskego in 2012. Brian is passionate about helping people live out their Jesus mission in their everyday life and everyday circles.

Pastor Brian Hofmeister from Lakepoint Church in Muskego wraps up our Raised in the Likeness series before the baptism celebration with our family of churches on August 24, 2024.

Brian got into what Baptism represents, who should be baptized, and challenged us all to take a next step of faith in our journey with Jesus.

I had to trust what God said and that I would take a six figure pay cut and my family wouldn't suffer, that we wouldn't lose our home and we wouldn’t be living in the alley next to the church. So I said okay I’m gonna quit and I quit. That was that next level because my faith would’ve plateaued.

Leading up to our Reunion and Baptism party on August 24th with Lakepoint and Revive we're listening in on a few stories from our extended family! Ed Cook launched Revive church in September of 2023 as a part of our family tree of churches. Ed is passionate about teaching and preaching and helping people discover their purpose and how to use it.

Mike Francisco continued our "Raised in the Likeness" series leading up to the "family reunion" celebration with 11|28, Lakepoint and Revive on August 24, 2024.

Mike brought a message about the importance of repentance as it relates to baptism. Mike challenges us to consider what John the Baptist meant when he said your life must change not just your skins (Matthew 3 MSG).

I’m glad that we found a community that we are a part of. I’m glad that we're part of a life group, like I never thought I would’ve been part of a Bible study group three years ago. Three years ago I never would’ve thought that, but I’m glad we are. I think it’s just taking steps, seeing if it’s for you and then when you get to a point where you’re feeling comfortable then take the next step thats in front of you.

Nick Schilling has been coming to 11|28 for the last 2.5 years after hearing about us at the 4th of July parade. Nick has been taking small steps one after another, exploring faith, and discovering something that makes sense for him. Nick serves regularly at the front door and attends a LifeGroup every other Wednesday with others who are seeking the same kind of answers as him.

Pastor Ed Cook from Revive Life Transformation Church in Milwaukee kicks off a new series leading up to the "family reunion" celebration with 11|28, Lakepoint and Revive on August 24, 2024.

Ed brought a message about Baptism by the Holy Spirit and the life change and transformation that takes place within a person when they receive the gift of God's presence into their lives. Ed shares his own experience and encourages us to make a commitment for ourselves.

Since there is no cast, I couldn't show them and be like this is what’s wrong with me. It was really difficult to explain to people because I didn’t know if I was overreacting or even underreacting in a sense. It definitely was more serious than I was making it.

Eli Pavlik comes to our Monday evening student group and often takes on a leadership role among his peers in the discussion groups. Eli loves soccer, his friends, and being the oldest sibling. He's experienced significant health challenges in the last year but believes that you can't hide your pain from God.