Every year my wife and I celebrate our children's spiritual birthdays, and thirteen years ago today our oldest son, Timothy, received Christ. It was a great honor to share the gospel message with him and baptize him. To witness him continue to follow Christ year after year is even greater.

Below is a letter I wrote the day Timothy was baptized:

Dear Timothy,

Today is a very special day for you. You will be baptized today. 

On March 13, you asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins and come into your life as Lord and Savior. That is the most important decision you will ever make. 

I’m so glad you have committed your life to Christ. Mom and I have been praying that you would do that. 

Your new life as a follower of Jesus will be very exciting. Following Jesus every day is like riding a two-person bicycle. Jesus is the driver, and you are the passenger. Sometimes He will take you where life is calm and beautiful. Sometimes He will take you up on the highest, most majestic mountains. He will even lead you into the lowest, darkest valleys. Sometimes your ride of faith will be slow and peaceful, and other times it will be wild and dangerous. But Jesus will always be with you. He will never, ever leave you. And riding with Him will always bring you joy. 

Being baptized is a part of your journey of faith. Baptism is a living picture. It shows everyone what has happened in your heart. When you go down under the water, it is a picture that Jesus has buried your old life of sin. When you come up out of the water, it is a picture that Jesus has given you a new life of forgiveness and love. 

Following Jesus and being baptized makes you a member of the church. The church is not a building. It is God’s people. You are a part of God’s people. 

Being a follower of Jesus means that you can pray to God whenever you want. Prayer is just talking to God like you talk to a friend or to me or Mom. God can always hear you. 

You will want to read your Bible every day. I’m glad you already like to do this. I like reading the Bible with you when it is time for bed. 

Timothy, you are important to God. He loves you and cares for you with all His heart. And God has a BIG heart. 

God has great plans for your life. God says, “I know the plans that I have for you, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:11-13). 

Mom and I love you with all our hearts, too. We are so very proud of you. Live every day of your life for Jesus. He will never fail you. 

Love,
Dad