I was born into a Christian family sixteen years ago and grew up in the church. Like most kids in such similar situations, I went to church, prayed, learned about Jesus, and read the Bible every night with my mom. Although I grew up learning about Jesus, I didn’t know him personally.

Before I accepted Jesus, I was dissatisfied with my life which lacked meaning and purpose. I tried putting my life in things that didn’t matter, such as my friendships and video games. But those things constantly failed me. When I was ten years old, my family and I moved back to Canada. Leaving my friends caused me a lot of sorrow, and I quickly learned that without them, I no longer knew who I was anymore. But it was not long before I made many new friends and again placed my identity in my friendships. But three years later, we would have to move again, and it did not take long before I realized I was again completely lost without these people. Facing disappointment for a second time, I turned my efforts away from trying to make many friends and spent my free time playing video games. Although fun at first, it soon became lonely, and I was left feeling dissatisfied.

When I observed the lives of those around me, it was obvious to me that both my parents seemed content with their lives, despite the many trials and changes we had to face. For about six months, while we were waiting for our visa to be approved so that we could move to Sacramento, we stayed with a church friend after we had sold our house. Despite having no home, and both my parents resigning from their jobs, they remained oddly calm. Their faith made me curious and so, it was around this time that I started reading and seeing the Bible in a new way.

Instead of seeing the Bible as fictional stories, it became “alive and active” just like Hebrews 4:12 states. And I grew to realize how important the Bible and God truly are — they are what last forever. Eventually, I realized that I could not live my life without God, so I confessed that I was a sinner and committed myself to live for God instead of myself. Since giving my life over to God, He, unlike my friendships and video games, has never failed me. And now, because of Him, I have purpose and joy in my life. I want to take this step of baptism today so that I can publicly declare my faith, be a light to others, and share the Good News.