Good morning, my name is Samuel Roner.  I am 14 years old and I am about to finish up my eighth grade year at Heritage k-8 School.  I am learning to play the drums and I enjoy playing basketball. I was born in Escondido into a Christian family. My parents have always prayed for me and taught me about God. I had the honor of being baptized here at Community Lutheran Church by Pastor Vogelsang. 

While learning about God's mercy and grace I have come to understand that I need what Jesus has done on the cross to wash away my sins. I am a sinner who deserves the punishment of death that has plagued mankind. There is nothing good enough that I can do to change that fact on my own. As a Lutheran I have been taught that it is God's mercy and grace alone that has saved me. Because of His great mercy Christ died on the cross, defeated death, and then extends that victory to me, graciously, through faith.  As a Christian I do not fear death because Christ has promised eternal life through His salvation. 

I have learned that God’s grace is not limited to eternal life, but that it extends into all the world even now. Everything good has come from God and he gives me the ability to do good things and live a good life. God has blessed me with a wonderful family, friends, healthy body and mind. All of my basic needs have been met, and even some of my desires. In Romans 8:28  the Word tells us that God works for the good of those who love him. The biggest gift that God has given me is the faith to believe that the Word is true. 

One of the good gifts that God gives us through the power of the Holy Spirit, is discernment to tell right from wrong.  There is more to life than what I can see and it’s really awesome that the all knowing God has promised to guide me in the right direction. At times it can be a challenge to look beyond what I see and trust God.  There are events in my own life and in the world that tempt me to doubt that God cares. I am so thankful though, because every week here at Community Lutheran we have the opportunity to participate in Holy Communion. When I take the body and blood of Christ I know that I am being refreshed and empowered to live out His grace. The bible tells us that when we seek Him we will find Him and that is what happens at the communion table. He is here and He is real! And because He cares, He helps me to know right from wrong and enables me to not judge others but instead encourage them to do the right thing also. 

It is great to be able to participate through communion and it has also been a privilege to serve as an acolyte here at church. It is an honor to have a role in the service and it is a blessing to help others worship God. Serving at church gives me a better understanding of Christ and the powerful link between believers.

 I plan on going to church for the rest of my life and I desire to mature in my faith by meditating on God's word and by praying in my daily life. I want to use my highschool years to develop good work habits and cultivate a good character so that I will be prepared to get a good career and provide for a future family.

I consider it a privilege to have had the opportunity to attend confirmation classes here at church. Thank you teachers and Pastors for your time and knowledge. I also want to thank God for giving me good loving parents, loyal brothers, four amazing grandparents, an incredible great grandmother, as well as caring aunts, uncles, and cousins who all mean the world to me. Thank you all for your love and support.