If anyone knows me, I like to have things in order so I know what’s coming; I like to have my own plan. But, God sees that, chuckles and says “hold on..”.

I grew up in a Christian household and originally decided to get baptized about a year ago but as the time came to follow through, I hesitated and pushed it back. It wasn’t a question of IF but rather WHEN. I felt pressure to ‘live up’ to the standards of being a baptized Christian and that led me to think I wasn’t ready. The uncertainty of not knowing what God had in store for me after I became baptized was another thing that had me hesitating. But after talking to Pastor Kevin, I realized that I will never be ‘prepared’ or have a ‘plan’ when it comes to God’s will for me. I just have to take one step of faith at a time knowing that God will have a BETTER plan for me even when I can’t see or feel anything in the moment. And I’ve experienced this first hand.

When our family moved to Trinidad, I greatly disliked that idea so much that I didn’t want to EVER go back to Boston Pizza (which was the restaurant our parents broke the news to us at). Even though I was only 7 when we moved, God was working. In Trinidad I was given so many opportunities to experience the beautiful things God had created and planned for me. I was able to experience scuba diving with a shark, turtles, sting rays, and see pods of dolphins Down De Islands (DDI) which all led me to want to pursue a career to conserve the beautiful oceans that He created. I’ve had to overcome spondylolisthesis (a spinal cord condition) which forced me to stop doing gymnastics, the sport I grew up competing in. But when God closes one door, he opens another. Because of that, I was able to start up a Dragon Boat team in my school and lead that team to the Pan American Club Crew Championships.

I was able to make an impact by hosting some of our church’s youth group events, and I saw God working in the form of the Logos Hope Ship which travels ministering to all countries around the world and came to visit Trinidad!

Through all that, I learned about my identity and foundation as a Christian, learned to trust His plan alone, and tried to inspire others around me to follow the same God who stooped down from his heavenly throne and died with all my sins so that I wouldn’t have to. Because of that I’m ready to not know what my future holds, be baptized and just let God do the rest. I’m ready to follow His plan.

So I’d like to thank some people who’ve led me here; my parents, my youth group leaders in Westside Church, especially Richard, my sisters, and this whole Cornerstone Church family from the people who know me personally to the people who I don’t even know. Just seeing so many people be so passionate about their faith inspired and pushed me to be baptized today.

As the lyrics to Won’t Stop Now by my favourite Christian band, Elevation worship, says, “In every season. Your grace has been enough. And I’m believing. The best is yet to come!” Thank you!