I have always wondered about this “baptism” thing.

I have always wondered about this “baptism” thing. I've never been baptized (not even as a baby) and now at the student church I've joined they baptize people as adults. I never knew much about it so I left it. As my relationship with God grew, the baptism-thing became increasingly intriguing   to me. Then, after a two year journey of getting to know God better and what He wants for me and why, I got baptized at the age of 20.

About two weeks before an outreach, the church had an opportunity for all who wanted to be baptized to be able to do it. About 80 people got baptized that day. I knew I was ready to get baptized because for three weeks before the public baptism I wrote my name on the list - just to cross it out again. And then to write it on again. This went on for three weeks. That conflicting feeling of “Maybe I should just do it…ok wait, no. I’m not ready. Or maybe I am. Urgh, I don’t know!”

I ended up not getting baptized that day. I said to God, “Dad, if I am going to this, I want it to be special. I don’t just want to be one of the masses. It’s our special day. I trust that You will give me the perfect opportunity to do this.”

The kiddies in my little group on the outreach.

I went on an outreach to a little town named Nababeep in the Namakwaland here in South Africa. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. I thought that to get baptized there would be perfect. But, as stubborn as I am, I refused to create the opportunity myself, and I waited patiently for God to answer my prayer. Halfway through the outreach there was still no opportunity and it didn’t seem like there was going to be one either… So I gave up on the thought of doing it there. 

It was the very last day. The morning of departure back home. The bus was already packed and we were all just having a quick breakfast before we leave. Then, on my way to the bus someone called my name and said that we all have to go to the pool. “Why?” I said. “Someone’s getting baptized!” My heart started racing faster than I've ever felt before. I felt dizzy and scared and excited and overwhelmed and whatever emotion you can think of all at the same time. Right there and then I ran to the trailer, grabbed by bag from the back, pulled out a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, left my bag wide open right in the middle of the street and ran to the pool as if my life depended on it.

There we were. Just two of us ready to take the next step in our relationship with God. I was sobbing. I wasn't sad or anything. But the tears were pouring and I could not stop them. 

I went under the water full of tears and came back up as if my tears never began. I have NEVER been so at peace in my entire life. It’s a feeling I can't describe as no English word could ever give it justice it deserves. 

He took my breath away. 

And hasn't stopped since.

That day was more than just doing what all Believers do. 

For me and my personal relationship with God,

 that was like our wedding day. 

The day He gave me the opportunity to be His 

and the day I said “YES”. 

I committed to Him that day. 

And since that day our relationship has been on a 

new level of intimacy.

[In the next post we will look at what the deal is of this baptism-thing. If you also have a cool testimony of your big day, then mail me so that we can share it with the world!]