by DJ Schofield |
Last Updated:March 28, 2016 Woke up to my alarm at 8:03 AM reading “CHURCH TYME PTL” (PTL=Praise the Lord…fyi lol). Feet hit the floor, got ready, went to dunkin donuts (so good), and hurried to Midtown. W000, it was flippin’ Easter Sunday!! It was also the day I WAS GETTING BAPTIZED. Had no idea where to even start to contain my excitement.
First, I went to the 10:00 service… and oh man let me know tell, it. was. amazing. To see Jesus working in so many lives and so many wonderful people getting Baptized was just GREAT.
I couldn’t wait to see my boy, Evan (Aka Ev’ron LaFlare), get baptized. Where to even start with this kid… Well we met on the 2015 Midtown spring break trip to Chicago. We instantly had so much in common and could relate with many of our struggles.
After the trip, this dude quickly became my best friend, go to guy, my road dawg (inside joke haha). We hang out nearly every day, know every thing about each other, and have been through so many ups and downs together.
When I first saw Evan on the screen I instantly got the craziest feeling ever… nervousness, excitement, happiness, so many different feelings at once. I mean I knew this dude’s entire story… every single detail. But, there was something about the fact that he was publicly sharing his story that really hit me. I found myself struggling to hold back tears… so choked up I couldn’t sing the songs between videos.
It was absolutely amazing. When he stepped in the Baptismal I couldn’t contain my excitement… Instantly began screaming as loud as I could for him. HE WAS ABOUT TO BE BORN AGAIN! It was so incredibly humbling.
He then went under the water and I was holding back tears again. So overwhelmed with the fact that, after everything, he was publicly proclaiming his love for Jesus and washing his sins. I was so incredibly happy and proud for him. His family was also there and I know they were all so proud of how far he has come. Jesus has worked in life in such an amazing way, it is so encouraging.
Once the service was over, I headed to Monterrey’s (#gainz) with mom (Katie), dad (Chris), and Josh for lunch. It was great spending time with some awesome people. They are always so encouraging and insightful.
Then, I had to be a little basic and go to starbucks for coffee with Chris and Josh. We had one of the best conversations of my life… Just sharing stories and talking about our Lord and Savior. These guys are straight up amazing role models. Their stories are so inspiring and really help me to know Jesus and learn more about him.
3:45 quickly approached. The anticipation quickly began to grow… I was so nervous. Waiting an hour and a half felt like 35 years.
The videos began… My nervousness was at an all time high. I didn’t know what to expect… I had a million different feelings building up. THE TIME HAD ALMOST COME. Watching everyone’s videos was once again amazing seeing people that love Jesus so much share their story. The way Jesus works in people’s lives and how Jesus pursues people is absolutely incredible.
It was almost time for my Baptism… I looked at Josh and Chris, and they looked at me. It was my turn. I had never felt a feeling so incredible in my entire life… I use to think that playing in the 4A baseball state championship with over 6,000 fans at USC’s baseball stadium would be the greatest, most nerve racking event of my life. Boy was I wrong.
This topped anything I had ever done in my life. I stepped in the Baptismal and glared out to the amazing community all screaming and yelling. The first thing I saw and set me eyes on was my parents. I felt so much joy and love. They are my rock… been there for me through everything and no matter what, supported me in everything I’ve done. It was so humbling to see them stand right in front of me while I die and become reborn and rid my sins. I wanted nothing more than for them to share this special moment with me and I’m so thankful they were able to attend.
I then proclaimed Jesus as my Lord and Savior! Josh said: “I now baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit” and I was dunked. I came up with the biggest rush of adrenaline ever. The most amazing feeling I have ever felt in my life! Just like that… I had been Baptized. It still sounds so crazy to me.
Baptism video
Then I ran to the refrigerated backroom to get my change of clothes… LITERALLY like -20 degrees in there lol.
After the service concluded, I was met by so many people congratulating me and saying how proud they were of me. It was amazing to have such a wonderful community to support me during this amazing event. I even had a friend come up and give me a card. I was so caught off guard, my first thought was “what’s this?” haha. It’s small things like that that really shows me how much Jesus loves me. I know Jesus has been working diligently in her life and for her to do such a sweet gesture overwhelmed me with happiness.
For God to put such a supportive group of Jesus loving people, like myself, around me is the biggest blessing I have ever received. They make it so much easier to avoid temptation and to repent when I sin. It is comforting to know they are there for me at my highs and lows. Hmm… actually sounds like someone I know… Oh yeah, Jesus! These people understand what it means to be Godly men and women and that is so encouraging.
A family dinner including: my parents, grandparents, Evan, and Chris followed the service. It was great to have everyone together to reflect on the events of the day. I loved seeing how proud my parents and grandparents were. They were so excited that I made the decision to proclaim my love for Jesus and become born again. That really made me really happy.
The amazing community didn’t stop at the service or at dinner… I began receiving countless texts from friends, family, and even long lost friends that I haven’t spoken to since high school. It was so humbling to see that many people reach out to me and show their love. The support is such a blessing and I know God purposely did this.
I now sit here reflecting on this amazing day… But I must remember that the pursuit of Jesus doesn’t stop here. I will still struggle with sin… I will still struggle with temptation… However, I will always look to Jesus for the support and answers I need.
This indescribable, symbolic day would be nothing if it weren’t for Jesus, who died for our sin over 2,000 years ago. When I should have been the one treated so horribly… I sit here so thankful for my Lord, Jesus Christ, who I will live for, the rest of my life.
Thank you
Thank you to everyone who supported me during this amazing day. I love each and everyone of you so much. I just want you all to know that I am here for every single one of you no matter what. Even if I don’t know you, know that I love you! If you ever need someone to talk to or need me anything at all you can probably find me at Cool Beans (The Coolest of Beans).