05/31/2026
Amazing news!
After service, we witnessed the spiritual birth of Jenny Zhang. Jenny is originally from Kingsport, Tennessee, but currently lives in Knoxville while attending LMU College of Dental Medicine, where she is pursuing a degree in dentistry.
When Jenny and Nathaniel Bowen began dating in March of 2025, Jenny was not yet a Christian. Her parents are first-generation immigrants from China and practice Buddhism, so she had very little exposure to Christianity growing up. Early in their relationship, Nathaniel shared that he could not see himself marrying someone who was not a follower of Christ. Together, they made a unique agreement: Nathaniel would study Chinese so he could better communicate with her parents, and Jenny would study the Bible.
Over the past year, many faithful Christians have walked alongside Jenny in her spiritual journey. Her friends Abby, Grace, and Michaela spent time studying God’s Word with her, and Abby even bought Jenny her very first Bible. Nathaniel and Jenny frequently discussed spiritual matters, what Christ desires for our lives, and questions she had about Scripture. When Jenny began asking questions about the Lord’s Supper, Nathaniel introduced the subject of baptism, and her interest in following Christ continued to grow.
In recent months, Jenny has been praying, singing, and expressing a deep desire to be part of God’s family. Then today, without any prompting, she told Nathaniel that Brother Miller’s words had deeply impacted her and that she wanted to be baptized.
Although she had an appointment scheduled for noon, Jenny returned after services and was baptized into Christ.
What a beautiful reminder of the power of God’s Word, the influence of faithful friends, and the patience of those who lovingly share the Gospel. Please join us in welcoming our new sister in Christ and praying for her continued growth and faithfulness.
“Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” — Luke 15:10
Praise God!