Amy was baptised on Sunday, 6th December and we were glad to welcome a number of visitors, who joined us for the service and for the lunch which followed.
We are praying that the Lord will work in the hearts of others who will want to witness to their faith in the Lord Jesus in this way. This is a summary of Amy's testimony:
I I have been brought up in a Christian home and family all my life and I have gone to church every Sunday, but, as I have found out over the years, that doesn't make you a Christian. When I was quite young I made a commitment to God but, sadly, I drifted far away from Him, so from then on I tried to sort myself out. To become a Christian you have to make a commitment to God. I had been searching for God for quite a few years and I have finally found Him.
I have been on a few courses about Christianity and Baptism and I have found them very helpful. They have made me think about being a Christian and what it means. On Monday, 18th February 2002, I suddenly felt that I should give myself and my life to God and so I did, and since then I have felt changed-I have entered a New Life.
My parents have been very supportive and helpful and so have my grandparents and all my family and friends, for which I am very grateful. It is not easy being a Christian these days. It is like swimming against the tide, as my Grandad put it, but with the help, support and prayer of all my beloved family and friends it will be easier.
I would like to say a special thank you to Kate and Nigel Steere and Hannah Borrett for being so encouraging and helpful to me. I was particularly touched by Kate's and Nigel's baptisms on 4th May 2002. They encouraged me greatly. I am so grateful for their friendship.
The day after I was saved, I read Genesis 1, about how God made the world. It was so sweet, beautiful and peaceful and that was how I felt with the Lord, peaceful.
I would like to share some scriptures with you that I particularly like:
'Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord He is God; it is He that hath made us and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good: His mercy is everlasting: and His truth endureth to all generations.'
Other scriptures I have found helpful are Ephesians 5:19-20, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 & 1 Corinthians 15:57.
I thank everyone for their support and prayer. It really is truly wonderful being with the Lord.
Amy Baker 6 December 2002