Baptism Reflection – Jeanne Zheng
So, here is the little story of my baptism:
I made up my mind to be baptised in March 2020 although I had just accepted Christ in August last year. COVID-19 has brought me closer to God and I had made up my mind I would like to declare my faith to the public – hence, I signed up for the baptism in August. However, the baptism date kept being postponed due to COVID-19, so much so that I had given up the hope of getting baptised this year. I perceived that it wasn't time yet for me to be baptised and He would give me the date when He thinks that I am ready, at the right timing.
While waiting, I drew way closer to God. Probably grew closer due to all the stress caused by the pandemic, being away from my family for almost a year, and problems in my previous relationship - which was all quite chaotic. I found how much I needed God in my life and how deep and great His love is. While waiting, I developed a deeper connection with God. I prayed more often. I read the Bible daily, and also kept a prayer journal for myself (and God), which was a very intimate, comfortable and personal routine where I enjoyed (and still enjoy) the presence of God.
When I almost forgot about the baptism, the good news came! When Katie texted us in the WhatsApp group, I was shocked (and joyful, of course), that something I did not expect would happen this year, was, for real, happening! I indeed felt very grateful when I was telling people around about the news of my baptism. My parents are in mainland China and they are non-believers. Before telling them the baptism news, I was very hesitant and worried. To my surprise, and praise God, they seemed quite chill with the news. My dad just made a soft comment like “Oh, so from now on, do you need to go to church every Sunday?” – which to me, sounded very soothing as I thought he would be very furious or even against my decision. But, thank God that all of my worries did not happen.
Everything went so well before baptism and I enthusiastically invited all my close friends, believers and non-believers to my baptism ceremony, and many of them were more than thrilled to join! I was so glad that on my baptism day, about 12 of my friends came and almost half of them were non-believers. I could feel that they rejoiced with me for the baptism and they genuinely felt so happy for me! One of my friends, who isn’t a Christian, told me that she shed tears the moment I was baptised as she felt so touched and moved and proud of me! To be honest, I was very nervous when I knew that I would be baptised in the church and in front of people that I didn't know. But when I heard my friend’s word, I was so happy that my baptism happened in the church and I got to declare my faith to everyone and was cheered and encouraged by people who were there to witness that amazing moment. Well, another amazing thing is that I received more gifts on my baptism day than on my birthday! And I felt so touched that all my friends who aren't Christians bought me Christian gifts, which was unexpected and touched my heart. It was great to know that they supported me and embraced me as a Christian! Especially to the extent that they were also moved by my public declaration of my relationship to Jesus! I really, could not thank God more for everything.
My baptism day will definitely be the most memorable and unforgettable day in my life. I was absolutely so emotional on that day and I was and still am, feeling over-thrilled, blessed, grateful, joyful, and amazed by how great our Lord is. Thank you, Jesus, and Amen.
