By Grace Haroldson

Our eighth grade students were confirmed at Community Lutheran Church campuses in Escondido and San Marcos on Sunday, May 19th.  In case you missed it, we are posting twelve of their testimonies here on our church blog.

Hi, my name is Grace Haroldson and I am 14 years old. I go to San Elijo middle school, and I’m in eighth grade. I have two brothers named Henry, who is 12, and Jake, who is 16. My parents, Jennifer and Doug Haroldson, are both 46. Also, my grandparents are Joan and Frank Haroldson. I was baptized on June 20, 1999 by Pastor Oakly. It was done at Zion Lutheran Church in Valley City, Ohio. My baptism is a very special gift that I feel has provided me guidance, support, and confidence in my spiritual life. It has given me guidance by how I treat others. It has given me support through knowing that my sins are forgiven. Also, that I can always turn to God in a time of need. I feel blessed as a Christian and being baptized that I have this support that makes me into a stronger person. Additionally, I feel that my baptism has given me confidence if things don’t always go right, and I know that everything will work out as long as I have God. In Matthew 28 verse 20 it states, “… obey everything I commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This shows me that God is always there.

When I was baptized, it made a promise that I would be raised by the teachings of Christ. This shaped me into the person I am today by giving me the spiritual gifts of hospitality, mercy, and craftsmanship. I found out these were my spiritual gifts by an exercise we did during confirmation class. I feel I demonstrate hospitality by being a friend to others when they are need. Also, by caring for others and being trustworthy. I show mercy by having compassion for those who are suffering, and for those who are facing hardships. I use craftsmanship by being creative and helpful when needed. All these gifts can be used to benefit others, and to show our contribution to the church.

In ten years, I see myself finishing college and doing one or more of these potential career choices. I plan to either work with animals, become a successful author, or as an elementary school teacher. Working with animals would help me use my spiritual gifts of hospitality and mercy. I could work as a veterinarian and help suffering animals. I’ve always loved all kinds of animals, and I think any job that involves them would be enjoyable. Also, I could learn more about them and expand my knowledge, to have a better understating of my career. Another career option could be an author. Language Arts has always been one of strongest subjects. This ability could be used to anything from children’s books to novels. I think this could be a very rewarding career. Also, I could use my spiritual gift of craftsmanship to be creative in my writings. My last choice is to be an elementary school teacher. I think it would be exciting to work with children, and help them to learn and grow. In Ephesians 2 verse 10 it says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” I believe that God has already made a plan for me, and will lead me down the right path to my future.

I feel that being baptized will have a positive effect on my future choices in life. I think that it will help me through hardships and lead me to choose the right direction. In Acts 2 verse 38 it declares, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” I think it shows what baptism is, and how it will benefit you through your faith. Also, how through your baptism, your sins are forgiven. I can use my faith to resolve future problems. I believe that through the Lord, I can always have a solution.