7 Aug 2026, 11:02Valdeiza CostaBury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, England, United Kingdom
From Recovery to Baptism: A Life Transformed at Bury St Edmunds SDA
Lives Transformed Through the Highest Power
The Bury St Edmunds Seventh-day Adventist Church is delighted to share the joyful news of the baptism of Dominic Turnbull, which took place during the Sabbath service on 1 August 2026.
For several years, our church has opened its doors to serve the local community by hosting meetings for Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Turning Point. We currently host six meetings each week. During every meeting, at least one member of our church family is present to provide refreshments, but more importantly, to build friendships, offer encouragement and, where appropriate, share the hope we have found in our Highest Power—God, who gives us victory.
We have been greatly blessed by the support of Ray Patrick, whose passion for helping people overcome addiction has made a lasting impact. He regularly leads special Sabbath programmes to which our friends from NA, AA and Turning Point are warmly invited. Many have attended, particularly after Pastor Patrick has visited their meetings to share his own testimony and point them to the true Highest Power.
Over the past few months, Dominic—known affectionately by everyone as Dom—has faithfully attended our church. While studying the Bible with our Head Elder, Richard Shone, and participating in Pastor Mary Barrett's online small group, Dom decided to give his life to Christ through baptism and become a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
It was a privilege for our Pastor Anthony Opoku-Mensah to baptise Dom during Ray Patrick's scheduled visit.
However, the story does not end there. Filled with gratitude for the way God has transformed his life, Dom has found peace, assurance and hope in Jesus Christ, as well as genuine love and support within his church family. His enthusiasm has been contagious. Eager to share his experience, he invited many of his friends from the NA and AA communities to witness his baptism.
As a result, between fifteen and twenty guests attended the service. They listened attentively as Ray Patrick presented a powerful message entitled "The Game Changer", introducing Jesus as the One who truly changes lives. They then witnessed Dom publicly declare his faith through baptism.
Many of the visitors remained for the fellowship lunch afterwards, where they asked thoughtful questions, expressed their appreciation for the service and spoke warmly about the love and acceptance they had experienced. No one left disappointed; several commented on how deeply they had been touched.
Each guest received a gift bag containing, among other items, a copy of Messiah, the contemporary edition of The Desire of Ages. Dom has already begun reading the book himself and enthusiastically recommends it to others, describing it as both accessible and deeply meaningful.
The following evening, during the regular NA meeting at the church, Richard Shone welcomed those attending. The conversations that followed were especially encouraging. One gentleman, Cameron, shared that once his shop closes at the end of the month, he plans to begin attending Sabbath services regularly. His friend Caroline also expressed her intention to come. Others spoke very positively about the baptismal service, saying how much they had appreciated it and asking further questions about the Christian faith. As the meeting concluded, one attendee, Dean, smiled and said, "I'll see you next Sabbath."
It is evident that the Holy Spirit is working powerfully in the lives of these precious individuals. As they journey towards freedom from addiction, they are discovering that God is far more than a source of strength to overcome life's struggles. They are discovering a living relationship with Jesus Christ.
Please join us in praying that their hearts will remain open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and that the seeds planted through this ministry will continue to bear fruit for God's kingdom.
The Bury St Edmunds Seventh-day Adventist Church is delighted to share the joyful news of the baptism of Dominic Turnbull, which took place during the Sabbath service on 1 August 2026.
For several years, our church has opened its doors to serve the local community by hosting meetings for Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Turning Point. We currently host six meetings each week. During every meeting, at least one member of our church family is present to provide refreshments, but more importantly, to build friendships, offer encouragement and, where appropriate, share the hope we have found in our Highest Power—God, who gives us victory.
We have been greatly blessed by the support of Ray Patrick, whose passion for helping people overcome addiction has made a lasting impact. He regularly leads special Sabbath programmes to which our friends from NA, AA and Turning Point are warmly invited. Many have attended, particularly after Pastor Patrick has visited their meetings to share his own testimony and point them to the true Highest Power.
Over the past few months, Dominic—known affectionately by everyone as Dom—has faithfully attended our church. While studying the Bible with our Head Elder, Richard Shone, and participating in Pastor Mary Barrett's online small group, Dom decided to give his life to Christ through baptism and become a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
It was a privilege for our Pastor Anthony Opoku-Mensah to baptise Dom during Ray Patrick's scheduled visit.
However, the story does not end there. Filled with gratitude for the way God has transformed his life, Dom has found peace, assurance and hope in Jesus Christ, as well as genuine love and support within his church family. His enthusiasm has been contagious. Eager to share his experience, he invited many of his friends from the NA and AA communities to witness his baptism.
As a result, between fifteen and twenty guests attended the service. They listened attentively as Ray Patrick presented a powerful message entitled "The Game Changer", introducing Jesus as the One who truly changes lives. They then witnessed Dom publicly declare his faith through baptism.
Many of the visitors remained for the fellowship lunch afterwards, where they asked thoughtful questions, expressed their appreciation for the service and spoke warmly about the love and acceptance they had experienced. No one left disappointed; several commented on how deeply they had been touched.
Each guest received a gift bag containing, among other items, a copy of Messiah, the contemporary edition of The Desire of Ages. Dom has already begun reading the book himself and enthusiastically recommends it to others, describing it as both accessible and deeply meaningful.
The following evening, during the regular NA meeting at the church, Richard Shone welcomed those attending. The conversations that followed were especially encouraging. One gentleman, Cameron, shared that once his shop closes at the end of the month, he plans to begin attending Sabbath services regularly. His friend Caroline also expressed her intention to come. Others spoke very positively about the baptismal service, saying how much they had appreciated it and asking further questions about the Christian faith. As the meeting concluded, one attendee, Dean, smiled and said, "I'll see you next Sabbath."
It is evident that the Holy Spirit is working powerfully in the lives of these precious individuals. As they journey towards freedom from addiction, they are discovering that God is far more than a source of strength to overcome life's struggles. They are discovering a living relationship with Jesus Christ.
Please join us in praying that their hearts will remain open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and that the seeds planted through this ministry will continue to bear fruit for God's kingdom.
