Brothers and sisters, May the Peace of the Lord be with you!

After making my decision to be baptized on this day, I felt a faint uneasiness in my heart. I am fully aware that this signifies bidding goodbye to many things of the past. It also means that there is still a lot more ahead in my walk of faith. I shall begin a life journey that is filled with hope and joy. I feel this is a step I need to take – as I break free from the devil’s bondage and walk towards our Heavenly Father without any reservation. Behind me is a twisted winding path coming to the US. Today, as I stand before you, I profoundly feel God’s grace and mercy in the here and now.

Truthfully, I have always been a perceptive seeker of religious faith. Living day to day, working and studying, I always felt something was amiss in my life. I frequently find myself praying to God, albeit unconsciously. This is especially true during the important and crucial moments of my life. Through the years, I have vicariously experienced God’s saving grace through my parents, brother and sister-in-law. I am a keen observer of their living examples. Looking at life through their lenses, I began to draw near to God. I feel obliged to seek God’s forgiveness every time I make a mistake or commit a sin.

However, to boldly face God with my sinful nature is another completely different matter. It took me a long time before yielding myself in complete obedience. It was quite a struggle – from the time God first attracted me with His Word, through the nurturing and growth of my faith. Looking back, it was indeed an arduous process. My limited mind of a fallen man was finally overcome by the eternal truth of a Holy
God.

Growing up in China, my generation was “brainwashed” to embrace the “Theory of Evolution”: mankind evolved from monkeys; divine creation is a fantasy; everything came into existence through a natural process; science can explain all phenomena. Since my childhood, these thoughts had cast serious doubts in my mind. Eventually coming to God in obedience, I had to remove many intellectual roadblocks. Even though I respect the believers in my family as they shared their faiths, I struggled with the issue of “sin”. Of course, I invariably make many “mistakes” in my life. How does an all-knowing God forgive my “sins”? What is the difference between sin and mistake? A myriad of similar questions cluttered my mind, begging for answers. Sadly, there are none. Where do I even begin to search?

Thank God for His providence. He did not give up on me when I was lost and confused. He always shines His light upon my darkened paths. Deep in my heart, I continued to seek after His Word. Praise the Lord! Shortly after my arrival in the United States, I met Daniel, Lawrence and Monique, and Pastor Adrian. With their help and guidance, I learned about the wonders of God’s creation. Biblical truths such as God’s holiness and Jesus’ redemption became clear to me. With a deep sense of repentance, I confess my sin before Almighty God with utmost humility.

Brother Lawrence accompanied me to a Sunday service at this church. As I stood before the cross, I felt a sense of freedom as rays of sunlight fell upon my shoulders. As we began to sing the worship songs, peace and joy filled my heart. The pastor’s message relieved me of my anguish and pains. That morning, I readily surrendered myself to God’s love with a simple heartfelt prayer. In God’s holy presence, I saw myself as a dreadful sinner. I realized what a desolate and cloistered spiritual life I led. Through the years, my environs, upbringing and education have turned me into a soul-less “paper tiger” devoid of any spiritual strength. With God’s grace, I accepted Christ last March in the Mandarin Seekers’ class.

Teacher Daniel prayed with me as I opened my heart to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior.

Today, I pledge to trust and obey God’s teaching. I pray that His Spirit will continue to permeate my whole being. Praise the Lord for His provision of honesty, integrity and strength. I thank God for allowing me into His presence to receive his divine guidance. The Bible states in John 8:32, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”. With God’s help, I pledge to follow His truth as I walk with faith towards eternal life.

Thank you, Lord. Hallelujah!