BAPTISM TESTIMONIES

Goh Siew Eng

I remember going to a Methodist church with our landlady and her two children in a trishaw during my pre-school years. I was too young to understand what going to church meant, but I remember the rides clearly. Later, when we moved away, the trishaw rides to church stopped, and so did those early church visits.

 

Not long after that, I followed my grandmother and cousins to St. Peter’s Church. I didn’t understand why we were there as we were non-Christians. But I remember clearly what I saw inside the church—a large statue of Jesus dressed in a purple robe, lying on a wooden bed. His face was stained with blood, and there was a crown of thorns on His head. That image stayed with me for a long time, though I didn’t understand it then.

 

Before coming to know Jesus as an adult, I often found life meaningless. Whenever I faced challenges, I felt crushed by the weight of all my issues. At one point, I turned to Buddhist practices and often recited Buddha prayers during tough times. Despite that, my heart felt empty. There was no peace, and I felt very much alone in facing life’s struggles.

 

That began to change when I attended the Alpha Course at PJEFC in 2018. Through it, I came to understand who Jesus is, and eventually, I accepted Him as my Lord and Saviour.

 

Since then, I’ve experienced the peace of Jesus. I still face challenges but God’s presence and faithfulness have become very real to me. Just last year, I had two bad falls but by God’s grace, there were no fractures, despite my age! I truly believe Jesus was protecting me.

 

On another occasion, my husband—who has slight dementia—suddenly passed out a large amount of blood clots on the floor. I was alone at home with him, but somehow, I had the strength to clean him up, call for help, and get him safely warded. I knew it was Jesus who gave me the strength and peace to manage on my own.

 

Today is Easter—a day that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the new life we have in Him. The crown of thorns that He wore and the blood that He shed help me to experience the sweet fragrance of life. That’s why I’ve chosen to be baptised today as a meaningful reminder that just as Jesus was raised to life, I too have found new life in Him. He has filled the emptiness in my heart, walked with me through every trial, and given me peace and hope for the days to come.

Bible Verse
I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
~ Philippians 4:12-13

Tham Yi Lyn

I’ve been going to church for as long as I can remember. Being born into a Christian family, I never really thought much about being a Christian. I’ve just always been a Christian. Last year, someone asked me  why I had not been baptised and I told her that I wasn’t ready. However, she told me that not being ready wasn’t a reason to not get baptised. Her words really made me think about baptism and the meaning behind it. I learned that baptism is a public declaration of my faith. And I realised that if I truly am a Christian, wouldn’t I want everybody to know that? If getting baptised is the next step in my journey to Him, then I am definitely ready for it.

Bible Verse
…he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names…
~ Philippians 2:8-9

Lau Swee Chan

My journey to becoming a Christian began when one of my family friends invited me to attend the Alpha course. During the course, I learned a lot about Christianity and what being a Christian means. Since then, I have been attending PJEFC regularly and am impressed by the warm fellowship among the church members. Last year, I felt that the time was right to become a Christian and I gratefully accepted Lord Jesus into my life. Jesus is my Lord and Saviour, my rock and refuge and my salvation and redemption. It is in Him that I’ve found peace, not only in my mind but also in my soul. My baptism is an act of obedience to Him, to show that I am committed in my faith to Him just as He is faithful to us. I seek to obey Him in all the things that I do as my response to the endless grace that He has so lovingly given to me.

Bible Verse
For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
~ John 3:16-17

Cheong Mun Wai

I attended the recent Alpha course to know more about Christianity. The course was very informative and it started my journey in Christianity. Since then, I’ve been regularly attending PJEFC and listening to the sermons. Last year, I felt the time was right to become a Christian and I gratefully accepted Jesus into my life. Jesus is my Lord and Saviour, the Way, the Truth and the Life. I fully surrender myself to Him and pray for the Holy Spirit to guide me in all the things that I do. My baptism is my act of obedience to Him to show I fully trust Him and let Him lead the way. Jesus is my Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace and I am truly grateful for the bountiful grace that He has freely given to me.

Bible Verse
For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

~ John 3:16-17

Lee Mei Khuan

I was born and raised in a family that practised Taoism.

 

About a year ago, I attended a PJEFC church event upon my friends’ invitation. I was comfortable and felt a sense of peace in the sanctuary but I did not pursue church further.

 

Due to family conflicts and life challenges, I became physically and mentally exhausted, and was unable to sleep at night. A friend took me to pray to different deities, but I felt even more overwhelmed. Then, I remembered what my church friend said, “Jesus is our Savior. He died for our sins. Pray to Him, and He will answer you.”

 

That night, I sincerely prayed, “Lord, if You can let me sleep through the night, I will believe in You.” To my amazement, I had a restful sleep. Thank you, Lord.

 

From that point onwards, I decided to follow Jesus as I have experienced His presence and surpassing peace. I started to attend Sunday services at PJEFC regularly and attended cell group meetings, which I eventually joined as a permanent member. 

 

I’ve learned to pray daily and depend on God. God has faithfully guided and provided for my needs through my financial struggles and blessed me with a permanent job. Praise the Lord.

Bible Verse
For the mountains may depart and the hills be shaken, but my steadfast love for you will not depart, nor will my covenant of peace be shaken, declares the Lord, who has mercy on you.

~ Isaiah 54:10

Ethan Tai Hao Xian

Jesus is my Lord and Saviour. He was there for me at my darkest times and was the one that pulled me through. I owe it all to Him for all that I was, am and will be.

 

I was born into a Christian family, and I’ve decided to get baptised as a public declaration of my faith in Jesus Christ, for all that He has done for me.

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

Ong Kay Ti

Growing up in church, I’ve been waiting for a big, lightbulb “aha!” moment—some defining event that would solidify my faith and make me confident about my purpose in life. To be honest, I still don’t think I’ve experienced it, and maybe I never will. But as time passes and I learn to take a step back, I’ve started to see how He’s been quietly working in my life through the people around me instead. God has been good in every season of my life and I trust that He will continue to hold me close even on the days I don’t believe Him.

Bible Verse

What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race.  He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

~ Ecclesiastes 3:9-11

Ong Ying Jia, Adeline

I am a second-generation Christian and have been in church my whole life. My siblings and I moved to PJEFC back in 2011 and I’m very happy to have found a community here. I’ve decided to get baptised because I have experienced God’s goodness throughout the ups and downs of my life. In my 20s I thought I would have figured out life but as I am approaching my 30s, the only constant has been God’s presence. I’ve seen Him working during the Alpha sessions and personally carrying me through my low moments, navigating me through my tough professional life and messy personal life. I now feel it is the right time to take this step to proclaim my faith in Jesus Christ.

Bible Verse

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

~ Galatians 6:9

Jewel Chen Zi Qin

Jesus is my best friend who supported me and died to redeem me from eternal death.

 

I’ve definitely sinned in thoughts and deeds. Thinking about Jesus being tortured and condemned to die on Calvary to walking down the Via Dolorosa and dying on the cross has made me realise how much He loves me. No one else in this world can ever love me like He does…

 

By getting baptised, I’m taking a step to dedicate my life to God to the fullest capacity. I want to know more about God, so that I can help others in their faith journey in Christ.

 

Being born in a Christian family, I’ve always been a Christian, but I became really close to God when I was 15 years old. I was going through a hard time questioning my existence and having mental spirals. Through this, Jesus was always by my side, cheering me on. He is patient and understanding, encouraging me, even when I am incapacitated by my anxiety. It is still a process but I am grateful and want to use the talents that He has given me to serve Him.

Bible Verse

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

~ ‭‭Ezekiel 36:26

Samuel Chew Chok Seong

As a second-generation Christian, I have always struggled with my faith in God. I’ve been in PJEFC since I was born, and participated in everything the church offered. Even though I was taught what I needed to know, I felt that I lacked purpose as a Christian. I always felt like I needed to experience God in tangible ways to be convinced that He was worth devoting my life to. There were times when I felt guilty as a youth facilitator because I felt like I could not apply what I teach the younger people. I felt God at times but was in this never-ending loop of believing and doubting. 

 

After I finished my term as a youth facilitator, I was given 2 options: continue serving the church or disappear from it. I really thank God that I was given the chance to serve in the sports ministry and in a cell group. Last year, I was involved in a freak accident which made me realise how God has always been very real in my life from the day I was born. Looking back, there were so many things in my life that could have gone wrong, but in hindsight, I now see God’s never-failing, unwavering presence, as I am constantly surrounded by the family, friends and community that God has given me.

 

I’m getting baptised today because I feel my personal relationship with God has grown consistently day by day. I thank God for where I am now – serving in PJEFC and being a blessing. I appreciate this so much now. I hope to inspire and walk alongside those that are going through the same struggles that I went through as a second-generation Christian.

Bible Verse

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

~ Philippians 4:6

Alena Kam Ern-Hui

I am getting baptized today because I want to obey God’s command to be baptised. I believe that I’m at an age where I can take my faith more seriously, and after attending the baptism class I am aware of all the implications of baptism. I also want to deepen my relationship with God and become better at speaking to and hearing from Him. This baptism will be a fresh start for me to move forward and draw closer to God in good faith that I will always turn to Him in everything.

Bible Verse

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

~ Matthew 6:34

Aeryn Kam Ern-Li

I was born in a Christian family so I have always gone to church and been taught about God since I was young. When I was five years old, I asked Jesus to be my Saviour. This year, I am 12 years old, so it has been seven years since I accepted Christ into my life. I have been thinking about getting baptized for a while and I’m ready for it now. I know that the Bible tells us that baptism is an act of obedience. I was originally nervous about doing this on my own but this time I decided I would do it even if I was on my own. Turns out my sister (Alena Kam) will be doing it too! I know that God has and will always be by my side and He sent His one and only Son to save me by dying on the cross, so I want to publicly declare that I will follow Him.

Bible Verse

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

~ Joshua 1:9

Wong Tsu Tsu

I came to know Jesus Christ through my best friend and my sister-in-law six years ago. 

 

Three years ago, my father became seriously ill and was going in and out of hospital, and finally passed away because of heart failure. I was down in the dumps and couldn’t sleep till dawn almost every day. My friend then brought me to church and got me a Bible, taught me how to pray and believe in Jesus. I got to know Him. Thank you Lord for Your love, care & protection. Jesus has been so good to me from the start and continues to be. My emotional health has improved and I am increasingly becoming more interested in studying the Bible. I’ve been attending a Bible class for almost a year. 

 

Before knowing God, I was a self-centred and emotional person. Now, I am more considerate of other people. I’ve learned that the “solution” to emptiness is Jesus. 

 

Last year, my daughter wanted to study in the UK. She applied to several universities, but didn’t receive any offers. She started to get anxious. I prayed that God would help her get an offer and true enough, He did. I’m so thankful to God for fulfilling that wish!

Bible Verse

What no eye has seen,

    what no ear has heard,

and what no human mind has conceived —

    the things God has prepared for those who love him.

~ 1 Corinthians 2:9

Marlyn M. Macasait

Years back, I was in a very dark place, struggling daily to live and facing sorrows and hardship.


But in my cries and questioning, I always held on to my favourite verse: “In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, for You will answer me.” (Psalm 86:7)

 

Truly, Jesus has always been there and answered me when I least expected it!

 

This morning, I am being baptized to publicly declare my faith in Jesus Christ. He has delivered me from my past, and I have His eternal love and a new life in Him.

Bible Verse

In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, For You will answer me.

~ Psalm 86:7