Michelle Brainerd

The Story of Jesus saving me:

I am thankful to have been raised in a Christian family where both my mom and dad demonstrated what it meant to walk with the Lord. I remember being four when I started asking questions about Jesus. My mom sat down in our living room and prayed with me to accept Jesus into my heart. A couple years later, I got baptized at my church. However, it was not until I was in my teens that I really began pursuing a personal relationship with Christ. 

Why I am being baptized now:

This year has been a challenging year of transition from college into full time teaching. Over the summer, I felt God placing it on my heart to be baptized again, as an adult. However, I did not act on it. When Todd mentioned baptism again I knew that I needed to act in obedience. I am choosing to be baptized now as a celebration of God’s faithfulness through the difficult times and a step in obedience, surrendering to His direction for my life.  I am thankful for this church that has become a second family to me over the past few years and want to share this declaration of my faith in Christ with everyone who has been instrumental in my walk.

What does it mean to follow Jesus in my sphere of influence?

Every day I encounter a hundred boys and girls who I have the privilege of teaching. Many have broken stories and come to school every day carrying more than a middle school student should. These students and my colleagues are my mission field. I know God has placed me there with purpose. Following Jesus in my sphere of influence looks like creating a safe place for my students to feel valued and loved. It looks like praying for my students and colleagues. I often come to work already exhausted, but I can choose to be positive and encouraging. I worship Christ in my workplace by depending on His strength continually in order to live above reproach and be a vessel through which His light can shine.