I grew up in a Christian household. My parents are devout believers and raised my family in the faith. Once when I was six, I was praying with my mom before going to bed, and I asked Jesus to forgive me for my sins. My mother explained that by asking Jesus to forgive me for my sins and accepting him into my heart, I was a Christian. Her reaction excited me about being a Christian, and I was baptized later that year, but I didn't fully understand what I was saying I believed.
In school I was known as the Christian kid, but my actions didn’t reflect this. While among people I surrounded myself with, I didn’t act the way I knew I was supposed to. I made vulgar jokes, swore constantly, and struggled with lust. In sixth grade I went to a youth camp with my church, and a sermon spoke to me. I was convicted that my beliefs didn’t match the person I was. That day, I truly gave my life to Christ.
Years later, while applying for a position at a campus ministry called Ignite I was prompted with re-baptism. After sharing my testimony, they asked if I had considered being re-baptized because of what it truly meant to have a believer's baptism. After speaking with leaders at Ignite, my family, and pastors at Sojourn, I realized that God was calling me to truly display the transformation he has made in my life and publicly declare that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. I know that I’m not perfect. I am redeemed by the blood he shed for me. Temptation, anxiety, self-dependence, and pride are ongoing struggles in my life, but because of my relationship with Christ, I stand confident in what happened on the Cross. Just as my favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:6-7 states, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”