In His mercy and grace He heard my prayers and worked His miracle through my friend Danny. Danny and I have worked for the same organisation for more years than I can remember. I was introduced to him through a mutual friend. I sat at one end of the office and he at the other. Due to circumstances beyond our control Danny was moved to a desk only yards from me.

One Saturday whilst working overtime Danny walked passed my desk. I was taking my lunch break and he was on his way out. He stopped at my desk and asked what I was reading. I replied "feel the fear and do it anyway". I then pointed to "Word for today" and explained that I was going through a bit of a rough time and this book (Word for today) in particular was bringing me the peace that I so desired. He looked confused and asked "you're not a Christian, are you?" I replied "No but every page I read was speaking to me and telling me what to do.

In a nutshell the message was 'hang in there, trust God and have faith".

Danny encouraged me to attend the Oasis Church which happens to be 10 minutes from where I live. So I plucked up the courage and visited Oasis. On my first visit I was introduced to Gus, Jane Adrian and Sandra Danny's wife.

I was amazed at how a place of worship united so many people both young and old.

The band, the hymns were fantastic. Two weeks later, on the 12th of March 2006. I went back a second time. This day was a momentous occasion. A day that would change my life, a day when I surrendered my life to Jesus. I sat at the back and watched a video by C J Mahoney. about what Jesus was going through as he contemplated being crucified on the cross. I felt he was talking to me telling me that Jesus took a cup full of our sins, sickness, disease and pain. I couldn't believe that this is what Jesus had done for me.

Then C J Mahoney talked about when Jesus was in the garden in Gethsemane. Matt 26:36. He said to his disciples, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death". Stay here and keep watch with me. Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed:-

My Father, if it is possible, May this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.

He went away a second time and prayed:-

My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, May Your will be done.

Can you imagine the heavy burden, it must have been unbearable. Not only going through that but when he was nailed to the cross Matt 27:45 Jesus cried out in a loud voice: - My God, My God why have you forsaken me?

Even God could not be near him because of the sins he was carrying. I felt so emotional and I said, "Only you Lord understand my pain, my suffering and my loneliness.

I was so overwhelmed with emotion after watching the video; I do not know how I held myself together. I now understand His sacrifice, and His love for His people and his love for me, and this grabbed my attention. I said in my mind - Lord for the rest of my days, I will only follow you. I surrender my Life to you.

The 12th March 2006 was the beginning of my personal relationship with God of the Universe.

Sandra kindly took me to Adrian who said a prayer for me. Then Adrian passed me over to Gus. He asked me if I wanted to pray. I replied that I didn't know how to. So he prayed for me too, and then helped me pray my own prayer of commitment to Jesus.

My prayer was heartfelt, I said 4 things...........

Jesus, Thank you for dying for me, I want to follow you for the rest of my life.

Jesus forgive my sins

Help me to forgive

And lead me to you.

From that moment on, my life was transformed, I remember going home and thinking Balbir you're a Christian now, you're no longer a Sikh. I was so nervous, and excited. I knew my biggest hurdle would be my family and my two sons. How do I tell them that I have turned my back on the very religion I taught them to love and respect.

My son threatened to disown me if I became a Christian, but I knew for the first time that Jesus had died for me and I now have peace within me because of God's Holy Spirit. God had restored my hope in life. He gave me the gift of faith. I no longer depend on other people's acceptance. Gods love for me is unconditional and endures forever.

And His peace never leaves me. Since I made my decision I have still gone through trials and hardship but the difference this time is that I am never confused or lost because I know that all things work together for those who love the Lord and that He is in control.

His peace is a peace that I never had before. An inner quietness that is not shaken by life's troubles and pains. I also have an understanding now of why I exist and what my purpose is.

I feel a surge of activity and enthusiasm to live and honour the One who loves me and gave himself for my sins to set me free, so I can now know and enjoy God's pleasures and care.

My family particularly my sons have had a very hard time accepting my decision and although it hurts me to hurt them I know that the Lord will honour my obedience and that in prayer ALL things are possible.

When you realise that you are a lost sinner, that the Lord Jesus Christ is the saviour.

You need to open your heart and simply ask him to save you and forgive you. He will save you and forgive you , no matter what you have done. He will wipe your slate clean.....

Romans (10 : V13) " For who so ever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

So finally, why, am I getting baptised today?

1) The New Testament commands it. It is Obedience to God.

2) An opportunity for an encounter with God and the Holy Spirit.

3) My old Life is dead and I have new Life in Jesus. And 1`m just so excited to be a Christian. And I want to tell everyone....................