My baptism - May 13th, 2003

 This is the program I created when I planned my own baptism service.  I chose the scriptures, the songs, the people involved, and the service order.  I found a pastor in town willing to baptize me and I sent out invitations to my Mountain Lake friends.  I shared my life story and testimony and shared a meaningful song with the congregation.  As part of my testimony, I explained why I wanted to be baptized.  Here is what I had to say on May 13th, 2003:

Jon and Cindy led worship

   "Why do I want to be baptized?  I've been thinking about it for the past three years.  I've looked up all the verses on baptism that a Bible concordance listed.  I've prayed about it.  I've read about it in books.  One book declared that "baptism in water is an act of obedience to declare the lordship of Jesus in your life."  Jesus Himself was baptized in order to do what was right and He commands us all to do the same.  In Mark 16:16 it says, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved."  I want to be baptized to do what is right.     
    I also want to be baptized because I think it will be neat.  I want my life to be like Jesus' life.  I want to serve others and love others and love God the way that Jesus did.  Jesus was baptized and the heavens were opened to Him and the Spirit of God descended on Him like a dove.  Well, I don't expect the heavens to open up or to see any doves - but I know God will be pleased with this baptism and I know that the Holy Spirit will wash over me and cleanse me.  I know that Jesus is in my heart. 

Mom read Psalm 139

I shared my "story"

Why do I want to be baptized now?  Well, my time with you in Mountain Lake these last three years has meant a lot to me and your friendships and support have meant a lot to me.  I decided I wanted to create my own church family today and experience this event with all of you.  After I leave Mountain Lake and continue my life somewhere else, I want to be able to look back on this baptism as one of the sweet memories of my life here.  I also want to be baptized now because of a verse in Acts 22, verse 16 that says, "And now, why are you waiting?  Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord."  Who can argue with that?" 

I sang, "Make My Heart Your Home"

The water and the word

   Here I sit at my computer, 9 years later and I look back on that day as a sweet memory.  My dad made a video recording of the event and I have been able to share the video with my husband, with some of my good friends, and with some members of my current church family in Becker.
    Once in a while I struggle with guilt and shame over things I have done in my past.  I want to be perfect and I often beat myself up when I am not perfect.  Well, there are painful events that happened before my baptism and when I am tempted to let Satan remind me of those events, I tell myself, "Jennifer, you have been washed in the water and the word - you are clean - your stains are gone!"  What a freeing feeling! 
    Sometimes I think how nice it would be to be baptized again and again and again.  But, then I am reminded of Romans 6:3-4 which says, "As many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death.  Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."  To me, that means:
  

gathering for prayer

Jesus didn't die on the cross so that I could be full of
guilt and shame.  He died on the cross to set me free!  Being baptized didn't save me from my sins - Jesus did!  His grace is enough.  His mercies are new every morning.  His love is unconditional.  There is nothing I can do to make Him love me less.  There is nothing I can do to make Him love me more.  What a great God we serve! 
     Looking back to 9 years ago, I am amazed at how my life has changed - I'm happily married.  I enjoy teaching in the public school.  I've been to Ukraine on a mission trip.  I've saught out Christian counseling for life's tougher stuff.  I've joined my church's worship team and I help with VBS.  I've found new friends.
    God has been faithful.  He is the same God today, right now, as He was in Mountain Lake on May 13th, 2003 and the same God as when I was born in 1977 and when my Grandma was born in 1917!  God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  So, I have the peace of knowing that He will continue to be faithful in my life for the rest of my life!  "Slava Bohu!" - Praise God!  (in Ukrainian)