Following God’s call to make disciples has always been our priority at Hope for the Island. It is a beautiful thing to be a part of someone discovering and walking out his or her identity in Christ!
Recently our new junior staff shared with us their desire to be baptized. Persecution is always a reality here for those who turn to the Lord. Being baptized will increase the persecution. Family often views baptism as being initiated into a new religion and the ultimate rejection of a Catholic upbringing. Fear of rejection held some of our junior staff back from boldly entering the water.
After meditating on God’s Word, they felt the time was right for them to take a stand regardless of the outcome. A few days before the baptism they told their family about their decision to obey God’s Word and asked them to come bear witness.
God honored the desire of their hearts when many family members attended. It was a deeply emotional day. God’s presence was evident. Testimonies were shared, family members embraced them and joy radiated on the face of each staff that rose up out of the ocean where they were baptized.
Here are a few words from them…
Ching
Ching
I am thankful to God for changing my life. Through God’s love for me, I see His goodness in my life. Before my walk with Jesus was not faithful, but still His word is always reminding me that the man who does the will of God prospers and has true joy. I decided to be baptized because Jesus is my Lord and my faith in Him is 100%. I now walk in God’s presence and have joy serving Him. Only in Him I have this joy that is not found in the world. I thank God how He is growing me and making me a new creation. I am a new Ching now! My life in this world is temporary and I will surrender it for God alone. I’m praying always for His direction over my life together with my husband Jerry and my two kids. Through hardship and good times we will serve the Lord!
NOTE FROM DEREK: Before his baptism, Jerry asked forgiveness from his grandmother for the way his lifestyle hurt her before he turned to Jesus. It was a beautiful moment!
Each of those being baptized had similar heart felt and God led moments before they entered the water. What a great way to begin a day that represents their new life in Jesus!
Jerry
Jerry asks forgiveness
Thank you Lord God for this opportunity that I will be baptized in you. At first when I don’t really know God, I did not give control
to Him. I was baptized during that time but did not understand what I was doing. During my time at Hope for the Island I have been growing. My heart changed and God work His amazing plan in my life. God answer my prayer and use Hope for the Island so that my wife and I can be married and not live in sin anymore. Today when I was baptized my faith is in God alone. I am thankful that my sins are washed away by Jesus and that I am a new life in Him. I commit my life to you Lord! Thank you for your patience with me.
Gina
Gina
I thank God for Oct 5! It is the day I obey God in baptism. I accept Christ with all my heart and surrender my life to Him. God answered my pray this day also because it is the first time my parents accept who I am in Christ. Before they don’t understand my faith. In Baptism I know more what Jesus accomplished for me. It is Christ who lives in me and I will serve Him and live for Him so others will also know Him more. To God be the glory and honor.
MaryGrace
For so long I don’t understand what baptism is. I know God is important to me and I kept praying for more understanding. God answered that prayer and I desired so much to be baptized. Being baptized I really experience God’s presence and I get picture of how my sins are cleansed because of Jesus. I am happy that time because my mother came to show support and love. Even my father cannot attend I know He loves me. I am thankful for my parents and all those who are part of my life at Hope.
Janece
First I want to thank God for what He has done in my life, for His goodness and faithfulness! I am happy that I understand and have courage to be baptized even I am the only Christian in my family. My life is His and I am a new creation in Christ. This day is so special because it is the day I will remember the joy I experienced being baptized!
Leah
When I was 10 years old I was baptized so that I could be saved from hell. I was wrong and God spoke to me through a friend. Through faith in Jesus I am a new creation in Him. God increase the desire in my heart to be baptized. God had the right timing for it to be with other staff at Hope. It was also a special day because God touched my mother’s heart to witness my baptism. Even my father wont attend I have God’s joy.
Jennifer
I am happy with where my life is now. My home life was very hard and it led me to choose bad habits. Through Hope for the Island I accept Christ and grow in my faith. I love to meditate on His word. Being accepted here changed my life. I am thankful to Kuya Derek and Ate Jenn because they are the one who help me get back to the Lord. They treat me as their own daughter and send me to school so I can finish my studies. I am blessed because through them I know what is right in the Lord. Being baptized today makes me so happy and I thank God I am part of His family at Hope for the Island.
