Last Saturday, amidst the gentle waves of the Atlantic Ocean in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, I had the profound honor of witnessing a spectacle of faith—a testament to the transformative power of grace and redemption. Leading a team of ministers, I stood witness as 62 souls took the plunge into the waters of baptism, symbolizing their newfound commitment to follow Jesus Christ.

Baptism, in its essence, is more than a mere ritual; it is a profound declaration of one’s faith—a public proclamation of an inward transformation. As the apostle Paul eloquently articulated, it symbolizes a burial of the old self and a resurrection into a new life, illuminated by the grace of God.

Reflecting on this sacred event, I am reminded of Paul’s words to the believers in Rome, emphasizing the significance of this act: “That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means… Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we’re going in our new grace-sovereign country.”

For those who have experienced the radical grace of God, like myself, the journey from darkness to light is nothing short of miraculous. I recall the days when I languished in a jail cell in Broward County, a soul adrift in turmoil. Yet, in the depths of despair, God’s love found me, saving my soul and healing my brokenness.

In that transformative moment, I was reborn—a recipient of divine grace, a masterpiece crafted by the hand of the Creator. As Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “God saved you by his grace when you believed… For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

My journey from prison to pulpit is a testament to the unfathomable depths of God’s love and mercy. It is a narrative of redemption, a story of second chances, and a proclamation of hope. And just as I once eagerly shared my testimony with the world, these 62 individuals now embark on a similar journey—a journey of faith, purpose, and unwavering devotion to their newfound Savior.

Baptism, therefore, is not merely a solitary act but a communal celebration—a joyous occasion where the heavens rejoice over each soul that embraces the embrace of divine love. It is a declaration to the world that these individuals, once lost, are now found, once broken, are now whole in the loving embrace of Jesus Christ.

As we continue to walk this journey of faith, let us remember the profound significance of baptism—the divine set-up orchestrated by a loving God who beckons us to come as we are and be transformed by His grace. And may the echoes of these baptisms resound as a beacon of hope and inspiration to all who seek redemption, reminding us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love.