12-year-old boy surrenders life to God

Nathaniel Loyd, a local 12-year-old, accepted his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, into his heart in early October. Recently, he was baptized at New Beginnings Church by Jesus Saves pastor Brad McKenzie. Loyd is the son of Barbara and Jeremy Loyd and brother of Austin and Elijah.

The Swainsboro Middle School seventh grader ultimately decided to dedicate his life to Christ during a Judgement House trip, but he was led to faith by his brother, Elijah, who was baptized in the summer and was a great influence on his younger brother who looks up to him. Jesus Saves youth pastor Ashley Roberson testified to that fact prior to the baptism; it was, in fact, Elijah who led his brother to Jesus.

At Judgement House, Loyd began to ask questions about how he could grow in his faith and be saved. With help of Nicole Johnson and Roberson, he decided to take his leap of faith that very night.

For parents, there is no greater joy than to watch their child thrive and succeed in their own decisions.

“It was breathtaking and awe-inspiring to watch him make that decision for himself,” Loyd’s mother said. “It was emotional. For him to accept and know Jesus on his own–without any pressure–made me very proud.”

Loyd offered his own take.

“Being baptized makes me feel different. I feel great,” he said. “So many things have changed since then. It has really changed my life.”

Loyd, who was previously kept busy through travel ball and various middle school sports, now makes extra time for Bible study. He continues to go to church, read God’s word, and do devotionals.

His favorite Bible verse is Matthew 19:26, “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”