Baptised

Last year we were given the opportunity to have a believers baptism. At that time I had just become a member of Chapel and was taking my first steps as a Christian. My best friend had also felt God's presence in her life also decided that she was interested. Having been blessed with a new Chapel, new brothers and sisters in Christ and a new faith it felt right to commit my life to God that year. I felt led to it and very comfortable in the meetings and classes leading up to us confirming that we wanted to be baptised. The connection I was experiencing with God was so strong that I knew that to be baptised as an adult and to publicly give everything to God was what I needed to do. I wrote an account of my Baptism which is written below - all my thoughts and feelings from that night.

"It was during the first songs of the service but particularly 'How great though Art' when my legs began to tremble. I closed my eyes and allowed the feeling to take me over. It coarsed through my veins and wrapped itself around my heart and my very self. It was the Holy Spirit. I surrendered my life to God in that moment, eyes closed, hands open, silent tears running down my cheeks, I felt God in my life. I felt completely overwhelmed with joy. I felt safe and completely saved. It was then and there that I knew his plan for me. I knew that God wanted me to be baptised. It had never been so clear as it was in that moment. My nerves went away as I stood in front of the congregation and gave my testimony fearlessly and stood boldly for Jesus and as a true Christian.

When I came to stand in the baptismal bath I had no doubt that this was to be the most life changing event for me. I felt so at peace and those words, as I sank into the water on my knees, 'Rachel, on your confession of faith I baptise you I  the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,' seemed so strong before I plunged into my faith.

The icy water hit my face, awakening me and as cold as it was I felt instantly cleansed, as though all my sin had been washed away. Being pulled back out was surreal, the congregations cheers, claps and celebrations seemed inaudible as I brushed the hair out of my face and embraced my new life as a Christian. I couldn't stop smiling!

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