Stepping Into New Life: Sam Jones' Baptism at the Pool of Bethesda

Family, friends, teammates, and coaches gathered together at the Pool of Bethesda on the Dallas Baptist University campus to witness the baptism of Women's Soccer goalkeeper, Sam Jones. This was a time when they watched a servant leader follow through in faith, leaving her old self behind, and resting in the knowledge that God has control of her future.

This life-changing moment not only moved Sam but everyone who stood around the Pool of Bethesda to witness her publicly declare her faith in Christ.

Throughout her life, Sam always longed for perfection in everything she did, wanting to satisfy the desire within her to feel good enough. In these moments, she sensed she was missing something greater but struggled to understand what it meant to put her trust in someone she could not see.

Her mindset shifted when she stepped onto DBU's campus. "It felt like I had been wrapped in a big hug that wasn't going to ever let go," she recalls. Sam was quickly surrounded by chapel services, Bible studies, Christ-centered classes, friends, and mentors who never stopped encouraging her to grow in her faith and learn more about God.

In this pivotal moment of her life, Sam shares how the Lord used every relationship and experience to soften her heart and draw her closer to Him. After accepting Christ, she discovered a new peace within her, where she no longer felt the pressure to be the perfect person the world expects her to be. "Seeing the beautiful life God already had planned out for me," Sam says, "I felt the weight lifted off my shoulders because I knew God was in control."

DBU Head Women's Soccer Coach, Marcus Wood, highlights how Sam has continually been a servant leader to her team, leading those around her first through her own actions. "She is reliable and consistent," he shares. Coach Wood describes her as someone who seeks to serve others and sets an example for what it means to live as both a leader and follower of Christ.

Sam's baptism on the DBU campus was a powerful moment, touching the hearts of everyone around the Pool of Bethesda. "It touches your soul when you see someone on your team make the most important decision of her life," Coach Wood says, "We love Sam, and we are all thankful for the time we have been able to share with her."

Teammate, Leslie Miller, reflects on how Sam's baptism was an inspiring moment as she publicly proclaimed the Lord as her personal Savior. "The entire team was thrilled to be there to support her, and we can't wait to see all she does in her walk with Him," Leslie says.

Looking back on her baptism, Sam describes how this was one of the most humbling and joyful experiences of her life. Being surrounded by her coaches, family, and teammates as she took this step in her faith made her feel deeply loved and supported. "I felt completely covered in love—God's love and the love of the community He placed around me," Sam shares.

Hoping to encourage others through her own story and experiences, Sam prays this moment will strengthen someone else's walk with Christ. Sam says, "if even one person sees my baptism and feels inspired to take the next step in their own faith, then every part of this journey is worth it."