Week 38- SHARIF IS BAPTIZED

Hellloooo gonna be super quick but SHARIF. is finally baptized!! He has been waiting for soooo flippin long and oh wow how lucky was I to be a part of his journey. For my email this week I'm just gonna share his testimony with all of you because it is quite special: 

Dear friends, family, and loved ones in the faith,

Today is a special day in my life, and I am so grateful that you are here to celebrate with me this sacred moment of baptism. This moment marks a new beginning in my spiritual life and is a significant step toward living the life God desires for me.

As the Bible teaches, in John 5:3, Jesus said, "One must be born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God." Baptism is a sign of repentance and the beginning of a new life in Christ. Today I take an important step in my spiritual journey, as I repent of my sins and cleanse myself of everything that hinders me from living the way God desires.

Baptism is more than just a religious ritual; it is a new beginning for the soul. In *Revelation 1:5*, we are told about Jesus Christ: “He loved us and washed us from our sins in his blood.” Today, I live this meaning in my life, as I wash away my sins and receive the gift of the *Holy Spirit*, who will guide and motivate me to live according to God’s will.

Baptism is not only an outward cleansing, but also an inward renewal, as the *Apostle* Paul stated in *Romans 4:6*: “Therefore, if we are buried with him in his death, we also walk in newness of life.” Today, I choose to live in *newness of life* and to be close to God every moment of my life. It is an opportunity to be a better person and live a life worthy of Christ.

I am grateful for the great blessing God has given me today, and I thank Him for His endless love and mercy. *In 1 John 1:9*, we find a beautiful promise: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to purify us from all unrighteousness.” Today, at this moment, I place my repentant heart before Him and ask Him to forgive and purify me.

Baptism also means a commitment to a new life. In *Ephesians 4:22-24*, the Apostle Paul reminds us: “Leave the old way… and put on the new.” Today, I commit to that, seeking to live a new life with Christ in love, patience, and virtue.

I know this is not the end of the road, but the beginning of a new journey in the Christian life. *In Philippians 3:14*, Paul says, “I am running into exile so that I may receive the prize…” This prize is eternal life with God in the presence of Christ, and today I set my feet on that path.

I conclude with these words from *Matthew 28:19-20*, where Jesus said to his disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Today, I accept this invitation and begin my new life of obedience to God’s commandments and following the example of Christ.

 I would like to thank God for this blessed opportunity. I would also like to thank all of you for your love and support, and I hope that we will continue together in serving and loving God.

*In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

I love you all!! The Lord is blessing Stretford so much it's actually a miracles to see. I can't even explain how much joy I feel. We are teaching these sweet brothers and their niece maggie. They are getting baptized on Easter. Every time we travel to their home for a lesson and travel home, Sister Rowland are the happiest we have ever been. THEY ARE JUST SO AMAZING 

I LOVE this work!! Just a reminder... true joy comes in the Lord not from the Lord. 

Hope everyone had a great week! Love you!

Cheeeers 

Sister Smith