Indiana

Being raised by a single parent, I (Andy Leach) appreciated more what I received—I'm not talking toys either. The love that comes is spread back to others. My brother and I were taught by our grandpa and mother to help anyone we can.

Being without a father can be seen as bad, but our God is good. He put different people in my life to help my mom out. Ron Kelly, Cicero Church pastor, has always been someone I've looked up to and I feel God put him in my life. There are a lot more people He's blessed me with, too. I can't name them all. You know who you are.

I know God has always been in our lives; there is no way we could have gone through Indiana Academy and the Cicero Elementary School without God blessing other peoples' lives to help bless ours. Trust me, I worked hard myself and, of course, so did my mother. But I would like to thank everyone who helped with the cost of our school bill. I would also like to thank mom for being there for Mikel and me. She made a lot of sacrifices for both of us.

What got me thinking of being baptized again? Well, there were two things. First, you rebel against God and try to do it your way. You think your way is better. Then you say, "Why was my life happier when I was younger? No, it wasn't because of being in school!" Then you realize what you are missing.

Secondly, I want to show God through my actions that I want to be like Jesus. I know I'm not perfect, but I'll live my life so people know I'm a Christian and I'm here to help.

I would like to recommend if you haven't been on a mission trip and you feel God is leading you, pray about going. It will change not only your life, but someone else's also. I like helping people and I also like traveling to warm climates, but the best thing about mission trips is showing God's love for others through your hard work.

I try to always remember to thank God for both the good and bad things in my life. Just remember: diamonds come out of coal. Saints come from sinners.

Andy Leach is a member of the Cicero Seventh-day Adventist Church.