So, I was baptized on the 21st of October, and this is the testimony I used (mostly... I did skip some parts).
Though I was brought up as a child surrounded by the Christian faith and Christian people, Jesus didn’t mean much to me. I felt quite detached from Heaven. For I was also surrounded by a raging storm of severe family dysfunction- child abuse, neglect, and mental disorders. It was so loud and distracting, I couldn’t see or hear God; nor did I think I ever would. As life went on, I rebelled against everything spiritual that I had been taught, running from God as fast as I could. I am blessed though, because I never stopped believing. I had been dedicated to God as a baby. Whether or not there was a God, whether or not Jesus was His perfect, sacrificial Son, these were never questions in my mind. I knew something was wrong, missing from my life, but I didn’t want to accept what I knew it was. I didn’t want to follow God’s will.
But then, I happened to go to a special concert in a church. As I finally just listened, the songs really touched my burning, drowning heart. One song, spoken from God’s voice says, “You, you are loved. You are mine. You are my child. And though, they may say otherwise, you’re beloved in my eyes.” I hadn’t felt like anyone’s child in a long time. I hadn’t felt truly loved by almost anyone in my life. But there was God, the loving father I had rejected and not even acknowledged, declaring His undying love for me. I started a search for truth.
A long and eventful story brought me to this place, Bunkyo Gospel Center. What I have found here is something I have not found anywhere else. I have found a home, when I never felt safe and secure anywhere, not once in my life. I have found the answers I have searched so long and fought so hard for, even when I thought they might not exist. Through Jesus, so much has been quieted inside of me. So much of the anger, hurt, and fear that had been constantly whirling in my heart for years has slowed and lost a lot of their force. I am finally answering God’s call, fully. I pledge my life to Him, His Son Jesus, and His Holy Spirit. I will not let me or anything else stand in my way. This is why I am being baptized today. I wish to die to my old ways and start life anew with my Lord and Savior. May the Holy Spirit fill me and free me from the terrible slave master, sin.
I would like to take this time to thank every Christian who has ever been a part of my life, and really, every person who has ever entered my life, for everyone has played some part in this decision of mine. *Thank you.