I have been going to church ever since I can remember, and even before that too. My mom brought me to church before I was born, and between my parents and closest relatives, I pretty much grew up into a Christian family. My mom and dad both teach in the Cantonese congregation, helping me develop a strong sense of faith ever since I was young. My journey with God has been continuous, but there were certain times that I felt him more prominently, through the acts of my family and friends as well.

I remember always asking myself why God took away people that I loved, or anyone at all. The idea that he was a loving God youth not having many relatives around, besides my mom, dad, and brother. The rest of my family lived in Hong Kong, but even so, I never got to meet three of my grandparents. Although I didn’t think it was life-changing at the time, I always questioned why God took them away from me without letting me meet them first. Was God just looking out for me because they were bad people? Or did he not want me to be happy and see them? Both ideas confused me, especially when I had to live through the death of my aunt, one of my closest relatives.

She was kind and loving, followed God, and served in her church. She didn’t seem like someone that God should take away, specifically through cancer, a long, painful and hopeful road to passing away. I know now that it wasn’t all bad, and that God had reasons to give my family that experience. Seeing my parents live through the grief and suffering after her death gave me a better understanding of God’s plans and what he holds for each of us. My parents didn’t get mad at God for taking my aunt away, or yell or scream in frustration at his choice, but accepted her death and remembered her for her bright character and attitude instead. I saw how even though God took her away, he also gave her to us to begin with, and I learned to be thankful for that in place of anger.

Children’s ministry and worship has been a big part of my involvement at church. I’ve always had a passion for kids growing up, and it led me to see God’s power and grace through the character of younger children. These little kids that have a great sense of purity and innocence wanting to learn about God truly did amaze me, knowing that they had no other reason to want to learn except out of curiosity and intrigue. I wanted to spark that curiosity in myself, and in getting baptized (not that this is the only reason), I hope that my faith will be reignited so that it can burn brighter than before.

This is the summer that I have chosen to be baptized because of both the timing and the attitude I have developed in Christ. Before I step into university, I know that my foundation has to be stronger than ever so that it doesn’t crumble. I want to be baptized because I love God, and the way that he has changed my life. He has taught me that it’s okay to have questions, to wonder, and to love. I want to follow him for the rest of my life, growing to become as deserving as I can of his forgiveness and grace.