Indiana

When I (Brittany Ward) was in fifth grade, I took baptismal classes at the Cicero Seventh-day Adventist School. They only lasted for about half the year, but that was when I first thought about being baptized. In sixth grade, I switched from the Cicero School to Cross Street Christian School in Anderson. I also took baptismal studies there for about half a year, with two other members of my class. When I was in seventh grade, I started another baptismal class. That class really inspired me.

After school ended, my teacher still offered to have us come to her house on Tuesdays for a baptismal study with Peter Neri, Indiana Conference ministerial director. He had been teaching the classes during the school year. After our study at my teacher's house, we ate lunch and went swimming. I went to those studies as often as I could and really enjoyed them.

A certain study about the second coming got me thinking. Then one Sabbath, at the Cicero Seventh-day Adventist Church, the senior pastor, Ron Kelly, called for people who wanted to commit their lives to Jesus to come up front. I went forward, along with three other people in the church. That very day I decided to be baptized at Timber Ridge Camp, where one of my favorite pastors, Charlie Thompson (Indiana Conference youth director), could baptize me. I knew lots of my friends would be there.

I love Jesus so much. I want to spend eternity with Him, and I want everyone to know where I stand with Jesus. That’s why I got baptized.

Brittany Ward, Cicero Seventh-day Adventist Church member