Maria got #dunked this morning! Check out what led her to the water:
Hello, my name is Maria Ciarrocchi and I’m 16 years old. I grew up in a Christian home, and when I was in about fourth grade when my mom decided to start going to a church in northern Virginia. My mom really connected at this church, but to me it was just somewhere we would drive an hour to every Sunday. After some time we decided that this church wasn’t the right place for us, and came to Grace, which was much closer to home.
It took me about a year to meet my best friend, whom I connected with in about 20 minutes on a retreat in 7th grade. She really has helped me with my journey in life and continues to do so. Up until that spring retreat I knew who God was but I didn’t really know what he could do for me. It wasn’t until the speaker, Brent, said something about letting God just take all the weight off your shoulders, and at that point I physically felt God.
When I was 10 year old, I was diagnosed with a rare incurable disease, and it would require multiple surgeries. I have had 13 surgeries since I was 10. Whenever I would have surgeries I remember my mom praying before them, but I never actually prayed myself until after that retreat. The first surgery I had after I was saved was an extreme success, and I know it was all because I trusted in God and prayed before I went into the operating room. All the surgeries have been a huge struggle in my life, but knowing that God is with me is so reassuring.
I’ve decided to get baptized because in my heart I know that I have given everything to Jesus and I want to display that publicly so my community will be there and know how much Jesus means to me.
Baptism at Grace
During all worship gatherings on Baptism Weekends, we celebrate the very reason we exist as a church: Christ’s mission to make disciples, baptizing and teaching in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28: 19-20). We share testimonies of how Jesus changes lives now and for eternity. And the best part… we baptize with a joy that’s out of this world!