By Mary Andersen

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.

Hello my name is Mary Elizabeth Andersen. My parents are Lance Andersen and Nancy Reed. I have two siblings named Emily and Mitchell. My grandparents are Jack and Beverly Reed and Penelope and Richard Andersen. I was baptized April 11, 1999 at Emanuel Lutheran Church by Pastor Paul. My godparents are Mike and laurel Nelson. And I am here to day to get confirmed.

When I thought about getting confirmed, or even about my faith I would think why am I doing or have those thing. And the one word that popped into my head was forgiveness. What is forgiveness? It’s one of the most basic parts of the church. Like it says in Ephesians 1:7,"in him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace." God gave it to us not because we deserve it but because God loved us enough to give it to us. It came to us as a gift of God’s love through our faith in Jesus Christ, just like he gave us our spiritual gifts.

We all took a Quiz to find out our spiritual gifts, we meaning my conformation class and I, my main three are craftsmanship, faith, and mercy. My other close ones were Hospitality, helps, and giving. I was surprised by some of my gifts. Many saw them in me but I couldn’t, but like it say in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6” there are different kinds of gifts, but the same sprit distributes them. There are different kinds of services but the same lord. There are different kinds of works but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” It’s easier to see some of my gifts than other, but I use them to the best of my ability like I sing and perform at church. I draw and make things with my hand for church like I help my grandpa cook or help where ever I am needed. I help greet and make the new kids feel welcome, but I have to admit sometimes I can be a little to strait forward, but oh well. Many people question why I don’t see the faith inside me but often difficult times have challenged my faith and have made it hard for me to see some of those gifts, like faith.

I grew up in a Christian family in a caring and loving environment. So I knew where my faith and heart lied but most of the time I felt I was just floating along the river with everyone ealse. It wasn’t until I moved back to California that the real trials and tribulations of my faith started. From being judged by people who didn’t know a thing about me to losing important and dear people in my life. I feel though because of them I have grown in my faith. Like my conformation verse says in Matthew 6:33 "but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." That is why I stand before you and the church of God to get confirmed. Thank you.