We had the chance to hear from Martin and learn about his journey to baptism.

Story Team: What made you take the step of baptism?

Martin: I was born into a Christian home, so church life has always been part of me. Back home (in Ghana), church could take the whole of Sunday, from Sunday school to Bible discussions and after-service meetings. Whenever my mother went to church, I went too. Even when I didn’t always go willingly, I grew up knowing about God and believing I already knew Him. For years, when people were asked, “When did you accept Christ?” I would quietly think, I’ve always been a Christian. That was my default answer and that was my honest belief.

But over the past 5-8 years, especially during my four-year stay in China, cracks began to form in my faith. Living in a country where most people were non-Christians yet seemed to thrive and succeed made me question if Christians had overestimated the “God factor.” My work schedule in China (Wednesday to Sunday) kept me away from church for years, and this continued during my first two years in the U.S, even though my schedule was back to normal. I slowly drifted, even though I never abandoned my belief entirely.

Though I regret some of the choices I made during that season, looking back, I can see that God was still at work. He allowed me to experience life without the comfort of religion, without my mother’s gentle nudges to go to church, so that I could truly find Him for myself.

Although I was baptized in my earlier years, this step of baptism at Hoboken Grace is different. It’s not about tradition or family faith, it’s about my personal relationship with Jesus. It’s my public way of saying, “I know You now, Lord, not just because I was born into a Christian home, but because I have come to experience Your grace and salvation for myself.

Story Team: What was the feeling like after you were baptized?

Martin: I would like to tackle my experience/feeling in five stages, each with its own emotion and meaning.

1. Weeks before the baptism:

In the weeks leading up to it, I was filled with a deep sense of excitement and expectation. I couldn’t wait for the day to come. There was this quiet joy inside me, a feeling that something new and significant was about to happen.

2. Moments before the baptism:

Just a few minutes before stepping into the water, that joy turned into nervousness. I began asking myself, am I really ready for this? Do I truly understand what I’m doing? My heart was racing, but beneath the anxiety, there was peace, a quiet assurance that this was the right step.

3. In the baptism tub:

That moment in the tub is one that will stick with me forever. It’s hard to describe, it felt like time stopped. I didn’t see the congregation or hear the noise around me. It was as if everything faded away, and it was just me and God, face to face. I felt completely new. That moment became a defining point in my faith, the reference point I had been searching for, for some time now.

4. Right afterwards:

When I came out of the water, I felt joy unlike anything I’ve ever known. Seeing the smiles and encouragement from those around me filled me with love and gratitude. I felt brand new; cleansed, light, and deeply at peace.

5. A week later:

A week later, life feels back to normal, the usual challenges are still there. But I’ve come to realize that the difference now is who I’m walking with. Allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and teach me daily, and surrounding myself with a community of believers, remains the key to staying grounded in this new chapter of my faith.

Story Team: Who was up there with you?

Martin: This was one of the most beautiful highlights of my baptism. I’m hesitant to mention names because I do not want to leave anyone out, but standing up there with me was the spiritual family I have been blessed to build here at Hoboken Grace, as I do not have my biological family in the United States. My entire First Impressions team: the greeters and ushers from the 28th of September, came to support me, along with friends from my Monday Dinner Group, the Men’s F3 workout group, and many others I have connected with through the church.

It was such a big, joy-filled group, people who have each impacted my life and helped me grow spiritually since I joined Hoboken Grace. Even those who couldn’t be there in person surrounded me with prayers and encouraging messages. I am truly grateful for the community and family God has given me here.

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

Martin: I would say, let it be personal, but don’t overthink it, and don’t wait until you feel “perfectly ready.” I wasn’t ready and questioned myself just moments before the final step. For me, baptism isn’t about having everything figured out; it is about saying yes to God and allowing Him to meet you where you are.

If you’ve been part of church life for years, like I was, it’s easy to assume that knowing about God is the same as knowing Him. But this step helped me realize the difference; it’s a personal surrender, a moment where your faith becomes your own.

You might have doubts or even feel nervous about standing in front of everyone, but the truth is, once you step into that water, everything else fades. It’s just you and God, and that moment changes you. And the beauty of doing it here at Hoboken Grace is that you’re not doing it alone. You will be surrounded by a loving, supportive family that celebrates with you, prays for you, and walks with you long after that day.

So, if you are feeling that gentle nudge in your heart, take it. It is one of the most powerful and freeing steps you will ever take in your faith journey.