Hello, my name is Violet Kwan and I am a sophomore in high school. I am taking this step of baptism to publicly proclaim my identity in Christ and for you all to keep me accountable in my actions as well as witness my obedience to the LORD in water baptism.

I grew up in CGBC living what you might call a “normal Christian life”. I would go to Sunday school, answer questions, and memorize verses; however, I would only do these things in hopes of getting the prize afterwards, not to apply the lessons. Around 4th grade, I said the sinner’s prayer and talked about accepting Christ with my mom, but I still didn’t know what being a true follower and child of God meant.

Before I started to mature as a Christian and learn what it meant to commit my life to Him, I cared a lot about popularity and focused mainly on academics. I would pay more attention to the prizes or hanging out with my friends at church than actually learning about the lessons. In addition, I wouldn’t to do my devotionals intentionally or regularly. I didn’t take salvation seriously.

As I grew up, I started to make more friends at church who were models of faithful servants with a pure love for Christ. Their examples convicted me to start taking my faith seriously as I saw how much they dedicated their lives to God. I asked myself, “What is holding me back from doing the same thing?” During my 7th grade year, things started to change as I went to CBM camp. I never expected to be so convicted of my faith and to see how much I needed God. From talks with my counselors and friends as well as listening to the messages, I kept learning about God and what it means to really live a life worthy of pleasing Him. Afterwards, I didn’t want to go back to being a loose testimony at school. Again, I asked God to forgive me, allow me to be a part of His family, and have a personal relationship with Him. I wanted God to reside in my heart as I lived my life for him.

As I have begun to grow in my walk with Christ, I have been doing my devotionals and praying with more intent. Additionally, I have been making deeper relationships with other Christians in which we can go to each other and keep each other accountable. In my life, as many of you know, I am a constant worrier and I am always afraid that I will make the wrong choice. But I know that I shouldn’t have to fear because I put my faith in a God who has already defeated our biggest fear and worry—sin. God has a plan for me and I am so grateful that he has chosen me to be one of the many children adopted into His family.

I would like to end with one verse. Psalms 27:4 states, “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and seek Him in his temple.” It is a reminder that I have one purpose and identity in this life, which is in God. I know I am not a “perfect Christian”, but I plan to continue to spiritually grow in Christ and seek to be a light to others to show how God has worked in me. And as the last part of the verse reminds me, how majestic is our Lord that I wouldn’t want to live a life for Him? He sent his one and only Son to die for me and my sins so that I can be with Him. To answer the question that I asked myself many years ago, there is now nothing stopping me from dedicating my life to Christ in this moment from here on out. Thank you.