We got to chat with Taylor and Sam, a father and daughter, who both recently took the step of baptism, to hear what their experience was like!

Story Team: Tell us a little bit about yourself and what was happening in your life leading up to this decision?

Taylor - I knew it was something that I wanted to do, but was scared to not live up to God’s expectations. So, I took some time contemplating it. After prayers, I realized that I shouldn’t be scared to do it. Also, talking to Pastor Anthony and my cousin, Jayne, helped get rid of my worries tremendously.

Sam - I grew up in the church environment, but always lacked a serious commitment to put Christ first. Now that my kids are getting older and more independent, I have more time to reflect and act on what is important in life.

Story Team: Who or what encouraged or inspired you most as you prepared for baptism?

Taylor - My dad encouraged me because we were both taking the step together. We supported each other through the process and will forever be a memory for the both of us. Additionally, I had a long talk with Annah and Jayne about me taking this step, which made me feel so at peace.

Sam - Watching my daughter desire to have a closer relationship with God inspired me.

Story Team: You chose to take this step together, what did that mean for each of you?

Taylor - For me, it meant so much to have my dad take this step with me. I have always wanted us to be baptized together and it was so much more than I could’ve hoped for. Taking this step of faith created a great memory and now I feel like we are more connected.

Sam - It was an unbelievable experience to embark on this journey together and I am thrilled for what the future has in store, for both of us.

Story Team: For another Hoboken Grace community member who may be thinking about taking this step, what would you say to them?

Taylor - I would say: don’t be afraid to mess up. That was the one thing that I was scared about because I thought you had to be perfect after you were baptized. Fortunately, that is not the case! Baptism is a public display of faith and it doesn’t mean you won’t ever make a mistake again.

Sam - Trust that God has something better planned for your life and take the leap of faith and do it.

Story Team: When you look back on your baptism day, what’s the one moment that stands out most to you? Did anything surprise you about the experience?

Taylor - One moment that stood out to me was when I first got into the tub. Everything became still and all I could hear and see was Pastor Chris asking me the two questions. It was like everything got blocked out and all I could focus on was getting baptized. I also thought I would be scared to be in front of everyone, but I didn't even realize that there was a crowd. It felt like it was just my family right there with me.

Sam - Having my family and friends around the baptismal water was a memory I will not forget. The most surprising thing to me that day was the sense of calm I had in the morning and during worship service leading up to it.

What do you hope this step means for your journey moving forward?

Taylor - I am entering a new chapter in my life and I hope that I continue growing and strengthening my relationship with God. I want to keep putting my relationship with Him first and I know that He will always be there for me.

Sam - My aspiration is to align with God’s purpose for me, enabling me to grow as a father, husband, brother, son, friend, neighbor etc….