I did not grow up in a Christian household. I had gone to church occasionally as a teenager, but I admit I went for social purposes rather than learning about the Bible. For more than two decades, I was spiritually lost, without feeling any connection to God. It was not until 2019, when I met my then-girlfriend (now fiancée, Michelle), that I began my Christian journey. Michelle is a Christian, and she invited me to attend Grace Community Church. I cannot pinpoint exactly why, but the more I listened to Pastor Mitchel’s sermons, the more I wanted to come back for more. As the weeks went by and as I learned more about the Bible through Mitchel, I felt my personal connection with God growing stronger. I have now come to realize that God is in control of all aspects of our lives and that we cannot gain favor with God because we have already gained acceptance through Jesus’ dying on the cross for our sins.
As a doctor, I have personally dealt with anxiety all my life. From worrying about not performing well on standardized tests during medical school to feeling the stress and burnout of residency, I have always worried about “what if?” What if I don’t pass the medical licensing or board exams? What if my attendings give me poor evaluations? What if my patients are not satisfied with my knowledge? However, I now know that even if I fail my standardized tests, even if I fail my mentor evaluations, even if I fail my patients, God is good and God is always in control.
I am ready to be baptized now because I accept that I am a sinner and in need of salvation, which can only be obtained through trusting in Jesus’ dying on the cross for our sins. I am excited to make my public profession of faith and be baptized because I would like to inspire others, who may not come from a Christian family or background, to know that it is never too late to develop your personal connection with God.