BAPTISM TESTIMONIES
13 October 2024
I thank God that I finally accepted Christ in 2022 after a long journey of indecisiveness that lasted for several decades.
I first started going to church after Form 5, but I faced strong family pressure to stop. When my children were young, I brought them to church, but again, I encountered family resistance. Deep down, I believed in the Christian faith, but many of my Christian friends did not live up to my expectations of Christian behavior, which caused me to hesitate many times in accepting Christ.
Over the years, I attended several churches on and off at the invitation of friends. It wasn’t until I reconnected with my old schoolmate, Gong, and a church member, Jolene, that I began regularly attending PJEFC and participating in cell group events.
I got to know more PJEFC members and began to feel a new sense of calm in my life. I also came to accept that there will always be different levels of faith within a congregation, and that shouldn’t deter me from following Christ’s teachings.
On November 10, 2022, I finally accepted and welcomed Jesus into my life as my Lord and Savior.
Bible Verse
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
~ Proverbs 3:5-6
I decided to follow Jesus because I longed for guidance, peace, purpose, and love. The immeasurable love Christ shows me in the Bible, as part of God’s beloved creation, is wider, deeper, and greater than anyone or anything this world could ever offer. His life, filled with compassion and grace, inspires me to be more loving, forgiving, and kind to those around me, especially to those who are difficult to love.
I chose to be baptized as a public declaration of my faith and commitment to follow Him wholeheartedly. To me, baptism symbolizes my new life in Christ — a life filled with purpose, hope, and a deep sense of belonging to God’s family.
Bible Verse
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
~ John 15:9-11
Over the past four years, I’ve faced many challenges. There were moments when I achieved everything I set out to do, only to feel completely burnt out and exhausted. I’ve also endured times when my plans and loved ones were taken from me, leaving me with no choice but to keep moving forward. Yet, through it all, God has been doing incredible and wondrous things in my life and heart. He has never forsaken me, even in moments when I forgot about Him. He blessed me with amazing people who reflect the love of Jesus Christ and filled my heart with peace. Now, I choose to place my eternal hope in Christ, our Savior, who gave His life for me.
Bible Verse
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
~ Ephesians 2:8-9
Although I’ve known that God exists for most of my life, I didn’t truly understand who God—Jesus—is or what His death on the cross meant until my university years. Since then, I have continually witnessed His unconditional love and mercy upon me and my family, through both the highs and the lows, through His Word, and through the people He has blessed me with. I trust that, in His perfect timing, He has opened my eyes to see that He is truly the way, the truth, and the life. Knowing that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, I can fully trust Him, and that is why I want to commit to following Him for the rest of my life. Even in the face of the unknown, I trust that He remains sovereign through it all.
Bible Verse
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
~ Ephesians 2:8-9
I have chosen to become a Christian because I believe in the love and grace of Jesus Christ. His teachings have touched my heart, offering me hope and purpose in life. Through prayer and reflection, I have felt a deep connection to God’s presence, guiding me every step of the way. I want to be baptized as a public declaration of my faith and commitment to follow Christ’s path. Baptism symbolizes a fresh start, a cleansing of my past, and a promise to live according to God’s will. I’m excited to grow spiritually and walk more closely with God.
Bible Verse
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
~ Colossians 2:6-7
I am writing this testimony today to share a few things, starting with why I chose to follow Jesus.
Since I was young, I have been a believer in Christ. However, I decided that I want to be more than just a believer—I want to be a follower and strengthen my relationship with the Lord, serving Him continuously with grace.
Secondly, I’d like to share the reason behind my baptism. I want to be baptized because I wish to secure my faith in Christ.
Lastly, who is Jesus to me? Well, to me, Jesus is the Creator, the Father of everything, and my one true way to heaven. I want to follow Him humbly for the rest of my life.
Bible Verse
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
~ Romans 8:18
Growing up, I never really understood what it meant to be a Christian. I thought it just meant going to church. That’s what I believed as a child, even though I always believed in God. My grandfather is a Christian, and when I lived with him in Ipoh, he took me to church once. However, I didn’t grasp the meaning behind it—I just remember thinking the place was cold. But whenever I was scared, I would always go to the giant golden cross my grandfather had by the stairs.
As the years passed, I didn’t think much about it and lived my life as a freethinker. But one day, I realized I couldn’t truly be a freethinker if I had always believed in God. Then, when I moved to a new school called Heritage, I met a few friends—Ee-Jien, Kendrick, and Nic—who invited me to join Impact Youth. I thought, why not? I’ll try it out and see what happens. After that first visit, I kept going back—week after week.
One day, they invited me to join them for Impact Camp. I wasn’t planning to go, but I did anyway, and it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. During the camp, I made new friends, grew closer to some old ones, and most importantly, grew closer to God. To this day, I’m grateful to my grandfather and my friends for introducing me to Christ.
Bible Verse
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
~ Romans 8:18
I have been attending church since I was a young boy. My parents took me to church every Sunday, and I always tried my best to listen and follow the Christian teachings from both my parents and my Sunday school teachers. However, when COVID-19 and the MCO (Movement Control Order) hit during a critical time in my life, I drifted away from my faith.
Over the past few years, especially during Impact Youth camps, I’ve witnessed God touching people’s hearts, and I’ve personally experienced His presence at these camps. This year, I joined the Impact Camp Committee, and through this involvement, I’ve grown closer to God. Now, I want to take the next step in my faith by getting baptized. I have seen God’s good works, and I am ready to publicly proclaim my faith through baptism.
Bible Verse
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
~ Proverbs 3:5-6
My decision to follow Jesus began during the MCO period, though at the time, it wasn’t a full belief in Him. Since my mom is a Christian, I wasn’t really exposed to other religions. However, from October 2023 onwards, I started growing closer to Jesus Christ, for which I’m truly grateful. Through my youth group, camp, and church, I’ve been able to connect with Him, and I’m happy to be taking this step into Christianity by accepting Him as my Savior and the one true God.
I decided to get baptized because I want to grow in my faith and deepen my relationship with Jesus. Over the past few years, and especially recently, I’ve learned so much from Him. He has reached out to me during prayer and once during camp in a way that was truly touching. I feel He’s given me a clear, positive sign to get baptized at PJEFC, where I’ve built meaningful connections with many in the community, including the wonderful pastors and friends I’ve met during my time at the church.
Jesus is the friend who will always be there, no matter how far you run or how hard you try to avoid Him. He will follow you, help you when you need it, and provide guidance during difficult times. He is the Rock, Shield, and Light of my life, and I will honor Him as my Lord and Savior for the rest of my life.
Bible Verse
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
~ Galatians 2:20
Bible Verse
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
~ 2 Corinthians 5:17
若 有 人 在 基 督 裡 , 他 就 是 新 造 的 人 , 舊 事 已 過 , 都 變 成 新 的 了!
~ 歌 林 多 後 書 5:17
Bible Verse
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
~ Romans 6:4
所 以 , 我 們 藉 著 洗 禮 歸 入 死 , 和 他 一 同 埋 葬 , 原 是 叫 我 們 一 舉 一 動 有 新 生 的 樣 式 , 像 基 督 藉 著 父 的 榮 耀 從 死 裡 復 活 一 樣 。
~羅 馬 書 6:4
Bible Verse
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!
~ Galatians 2:20-21
现在活着的不再是我,乃是基督在我里面活着;并且我如今在肉身活着,是因信 神的儿子而活;他是爱我,为我舍己。 我不废掉 神的恩;如果义是藉着律法而获得,那么基督就白白死了!
~ 加 拉 太 書 2:20-21
Bible Verse
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
~ Psalm 23:1
Bible Verse
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
~ John 1:1-2
Bible Verse
My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation.
He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—
from violent people you save me.
~ 2 Samuel 22:3
Bible Verse
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
~ Psalm 91:4
Bible Verse
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
~ Matthew 11:28
Bible Verse
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
~ Joshua 1:9
Bible Verse
As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the Lord our God,
till he shows us his mercy.
~ Psalm 123:2
Bible Verse
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.
~ Revelation 2:10
Bible Verse
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no-one can boast.
~ Ephesians 2:8-9
Bible Verse
Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?
~ Luke 6:46
Bible Verse
Let my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right.
~ Psalm 17:2