By Carissa McCulloch

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.

My name is Carissa Lynn McCulloch. I was born May 1, 1999, to Mark and Lisa McCulloch. I have an older brother named Christopher McCulloch. I was baptized on May 9, 1999, by Pastor Hennig at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. My life has changed so much because of my baptism.

My baptism has effected my life in many ways. I would not have had so many options in church ministry without my baptism. I'm part of the theater group and I love every minute of it. I'm also part of the Young Ladies Ensemble and the bell choir, which are both amazingly fun. I don't think I would have made some of the better choices in my life without my baptism.

My decisions have definitely been effected by my baptism. I have met so many amazing people because I've decided to do theater at church. My singing has come so far along because I'm part of the Young Ladies Ensemble. I am happy I made the decisions that have allowed my life to be as fantastic as it is now.

I recently learned about my spiritual gifts and I believe that they were influenced by my baptism as well. I've always loved art and church has inspired me to use my artistic gifts to lift others up. I'm also a very caring person, but I think my religious experiences have elevated my want to be kind to others.

I hope my baptism will influence my future as much as it has my past and present. In ten years I hope to have a degree in forensic science and possibly opening my own business. I'm going to keep acting and I hope to continue going to this church and this is one of the reasons I plan on staying in Southern California.

I'm so glad I was baptized and I want to continue in my religious path.