Baptisms

Contributed by Andie McNamara, member of the HB community

When I found out that ROCKHARBOR was doing baptisms next weekend the first thought that popped into my head was “sign me up!” This time, however, I will be a bystander.  Last summer during RHHB’s very first round of baptisms I was dunked in the Pacific Ocean and entered into a new life with Christ.

Being baptized was such a pivotal point in my life. Now, I accepted Christ into my life almost three years ago, but the moment I came up out of the water on that hot August day I physically felt the renewing love of Christ like I had never felt it before.

Growing up attending private Catholic school laid the foundation for a life dedicated to following Jesus, but my world lacked the most important element; a real relationship with Him.  My teens and early twenties were nothing more than an endless search for wholeness and happiness via worldly idols.  I was broken, unfulfilled, and empty.

God, through His bewildering love and grace, rescued me at the very moment I had given up. I had reached my breaking point and He swooped in to wrap His loving arms around me.  Without even realizing it, he began to transform my life.

I find it funny because when I became a Christian I felt so different. I felt like a completely new person compared to my old life. When I was baptized though, I felt transformed on a whole new level. I walked away from the beach that day with such overwhelming joy in my heart; I am brought to tears when I think about it.

God has blessed me immeasurably since that day. I’m not talking about material or worldly things either. The blessings he has bestowed upon me are gifts that I am able to utilize in loving His people and furthering His kingdom.  They are for Him, but in turn fill me with indescribable joy and happiness.  Believe me when I say I would take these treasures over ANYTHING the world has to offer.

My life has not been struggle free either. The enemy is always lurking around the corner.  The difference though, is that I have Jesus and he resides in my renewed and cleansed heart like never before. A fresh start gives you a sense of freedom, a sense of excitement at the possibilities and new opportunities. A fresh start with Jesus though?  It gives you the inexpressible excitement of a new LIFE, with our savior at the forefront.