I still remember that sultry August morning. I was both nervous and excited. I walked into church and took a seat in one of the cushioned burgundy pews alongside the rest of my family and fellow church members. The air was filled with a mixture of furniture polish and old-lady perfume. When it came time, my grandfather, my mother and I followed the preacher into his office. What happened after that moment changed my life and helped shaped me into the person I am today – and will remain.
EckersleyPreacher Lonnie Johnson spoke to us about what would happen when we walked up to the baptismal pool. I remember the roughness of the carpet on my bare feet and the coolness I felt all the way down into my fingertips. My grandfather and I walked solemnly behind one of the deacons as he led us to a room lined with long white robes. The appearance was overwhelming, and I thought of the significance behind that one color – purity. We slipped the robes on and stood in the center of the hallway waiting for the signal to climb the stairway to our destiny.
I glanced over and saw my mother standing by my side, tears streaming down her cheeks. I knew, right there in that moment, that I was truly blessed. I have a family that loves me and has taught me about Jesus so that I would become a Christian and face the world with my family and God on my side. I was more than ready to take my Uncle Bill’s hand, along with the hand of Preacher Lonnie, who already stood waist-deep in the cold water, and be submerged.
As I held my breath, I could feel the water wash over me and cleanse me in a way that I had never felt before. Although cold water covered me, a warm sensation filled my body; God’s salvation was the warm blanket around my heart. The last thing I remember before going under was the sight of my mother’s face, a smile curling up across her tear-stained cheeks, while my grandfather stood by her side, pride welling up inside him. I was happy as well as humbled at that moment. My commitment to God and the church had been made earlier, and my life had been forever changed. The feeling of knowing I would never be alone was confirmed. I was a new person – a Christian.
My promise to God was binding; therefore, I will spend the rest of my days serving the Lord and giving my best in this life he has given me. When my time here on earth has ended, I know he will be waiting for me to walk through the gates of heaven – my new home.
– Eckersley, 17, the daughter of Bobby and Kimberly Eckersley, is an 11th-grade student at Horry County Early College High School. She was baptized at age 15 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Conway.