After their baptisms last week, Jack and Sharem sat down with Hoboken Grace’s Story Team to talk about why they decided to take the step of baptism, who they shared this moment with and the advice they’d give others who are considering baptism as well. Our conversation with them appears below.

JACK

STORY TEAM: How are you feeling right now?

JACK: Warm. Warm on the inside. I had my whole world around me when I took this exciting step. It was everything that I wanted. I was so nervous — so, so nervous! The second I walked into the water, the nerves went away. Chris is such a brother in Christ of mine that he has guided me through this. 

STORY TEAM: Who was up there with you?

JACK: Family. Friends. Dinner Group. Profession. Grace Kids partners in service. Step Parents. Parents of my best friends who treated me as a child growing up. I had so many good people around me. They are always there for me — I just love them!

STORY TEAM: What made you take the step of baptism?

JACK: I have been waiting for this for a while. We lived in Charleston in 2015 and I thought about it, but I wasn’t ready. My wife and I came out of a really tough time and we found such solace and healing in God , and how He creates community. Last Sunday I felt like it was time. I have my favorite Bible verse tattooed here (points to tattoo that reads: “I can do all things”) and I woke up one day and I knew it was time to do what is important to Him. 

STORY TEAM: For another Hoboken Grace community member who may be thinking about taking this step, what would you say to them?

JACK: Ask the questions you are afraid to ask. Ask the weird questions. Chris says, ‘put yourself in the story’ and that’s so right. On the surface it does not feel that way, but once you dig into the story it is right. You learn how God steers, guides, molds and teaches, and that is what ultimately led me here. Don’t ever stop trusting Him, because He loves you — don’t forget that.

SHAREM

STORY TEAM: How are you feeling right now?

SHAREM: I feel peaceful. I feel really good and happy.

STORY TEAM: What did that first moment out of the water feel like?

SHAREM: Really good. It felt like a renewal, like I am getting a second chance at life.

STORY TEAM: How was following God impacted you?

SHAREM: I am more committed to God and more separated from sin.

STORY TEAM: Who was up there with you? How have they impacted your life and your decision to take this step?

SHAREM: My mom, my dad and my boyfriend. They have kept me on the right track and they make sure that I continue to make the right choices.

STORY TEAM: What made you take the step of baptism?

SHAREM: So I can fully follow God. I’ve been thinking about going on a missions trip!

STORY TEAM: For another Hoboken Grace community member who may be thinking of following God, what would you say to them?

SHAREM: It is the best decision you can take in your life. I am very grateful that I was able to have this experience with my community.