I think there’s a big difference between believing in God and having a relationship with Him. Growing up, I knew there was a God, yet somehow I never felt I knew God. But in His perfect timing, God led me to a place where I could encounter His love and grace in a way that changed my life forever. Before attending Cornerstone, I struggled with feelings of loneliness and isolation in school. Making friends and feeling accepted among my peers seemed like an impossible feat, and I often found myself feeling alone in a crowded room. During these times, turning to God didn’t even cross my mind, because again, I only knew of God. I didn’t truly know Him. But I’ll give my old self some credit. I knew that something or someone was missing. Little did I know that that someone would be Jesus.

I believe God’s timing is perfect. I wasn’t the only one secretly longing for Jesus. God was also at work in my parents. When God first led our family to Cornerstone, it was truly an unforgettable experience. I can still recall the powerful moment when Laurelle and the whole congregation sang “O Come To The Altar” and the emotions it stirred within me. At that time, I was in a place of brokenness and the lyrics spoke directly to my heart. I had never seen so many people in one room openly praising God that way. He was reassuring me that there was something extraordinary happening here.

A few weeks later, I switched schools and began attending Wesley Christian Academy. I truly felt God’s love working in this school. I had never experienced God’s presence in such a tangible way at school before. I think deep down I had always felt unworthy to talk to God, but here, it felt as if God was pursuing me, and urging me to come home. I soon started attending youth group here at Cornerstone on Fridays and formed close bonds with the girls in my small group.

With each passing year and the challenges they brought, I learned to take refuge in God’s presence, often in moments of worship. God knows me inside out and originally used worship music to reach me. But now, God was calling me to serve and spread His message through worship music. Now I was the one on stage leading the congregation in worship on Sundays – me, someone who originally felt she barely knew God. I know that I have been redeemed by His death on the cross, and am lavished by His love and grace. I am humbled to have the opportunity to lead worship and am grateful that God has used music as a powerful gift in my spiritual journey, providing me with comfort and security in times of distress. 1 Peter 5:7 says “Cast all your anxieties on Him for He cares for you”. Once I learned that I could no longer lean on my own understanding, I learned to lean into God’s plan for me.

And so, today, I am choosing to be baptized and publicly declare my faith in Jesus. Reflecting back on my journey, I can see how my struggles were actually a blessing in disguise. It was only through Him that I found true peace, love, and acceptance. My faith journey has been a process of learning to surrender my fears and insecurities to God and trusting in His plan for my life.

As I continue to walk in faith, I am so grateful for the many people that God has brought into my life. I want to thank my mom, dad and my little sister Grace for showing me God’s transformative love and power at work, my grade 5 teacher Mr. MacLean at Wesley Christian Academy for teaching me about Jesus in a beautiful new way and for making me feel welcomed at a new school. Abby, thanks for being such a great listener and supportive friend. I’m so glad we get to do this together today. I also want to thank my entire small group and our leader, Adriana, for walking alongside me and being an incredible support system for me. I want to thank Pastor Kevin for making space for youth like me to serve in various ways and guiding me through this baptism process. Getting here didn’t happen overnight. Through the love of my parents, family, teachers, friends and powerful moments here at Cornerstone, I have learned that God’s love extends to all of us, regardless of our mistakes and shortcomings, and that my identity is found in Christ, and in Christ alone.

Last but not least, I want to thank Jesus, for not only saving me but for being my friend. Thank you.