Hi, my name is Morgan. I’m 15, and I’ve decided to dedicate my life to Jesus and publicly declare that today by being baptized. I come from a Christian family. I grew up learning about the Bible and going to church. I never really paid much attention and just went because my parents went. During Covid though, things changed. I wasn’t able to see my friends or socialize and I felt alone. I started to rely on God and ask Him for help. This was when I started to understand that Jesus would always be with me, even when no one else was. Even though my sinful nature goes against God, He chose to save me through Jesus’ death. That love is something amazing.

After Covid, my family and I moved from Scarborough Community Alliance Church (or SComm) to Cornerstone. This change was difficult for me. I had been at SComm for my whole life. It was small and comfortable. I didn’t want to lose my friends and I imagined getting baptized there, nowhere else. Well, obviously that changed because I’m standing in front of you today. The first time I went to pursuit I didn’t know anyone, but someone still came up to me to say hi. Even in this big church, God saw me.

I had another chance to experience God in the summer of 2023. My family and I went on the Thunder Bay missions trip. We were running an overnight camp for Indigenous children in the area. Getting to spend so much time with the children showed me how much God cares for each and every one of us. Despite Canada forgetting about their promises, God didn’t. I want to thank my team members from that trip. You encouraged me, cried with me, and laughed with me. You showed me how I could use my gifts to serve and grew alongside me. You all know who you are, so thank you.

I also want to thank my parents for strengthening me, teaching me, listening, and giving me advice. To one of my best friends from SComm, Charlotte, thank you for sticking by my side and having conversations about Christianity with me. Thanks to my aunt Ana and uncle Edward for supporting me and showing God’s love to me. And thanks to the rest of my family and friends for caring for me. I can’t thank everyone enough for guiding me through my journey. I was putting off baptism for a while. I was unsure and nervous. But, knowing that other Christians are in my life (and seeing other youth being baptized) I was encouraged in my decision.

Before I close I want to share a Bible verse with you from Titus 3:5 NIV. It says “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and the renewal by the Holy Spirit,” Thank you.