I have always considered myself to be a Christian but within these last few years I have really came to understand what it meant to be a Christian. As many people know, I asked Jesus into my heart at a young age.

I have been attending Broadway church my whole life. I have gone on two missions trips to Mexico. On those trips I really realized how fortunate I was to have grown up in a first world country. For one thing we have flushing toilets -which is a good thing to have, especially after eating real Mexican food.

I wouldn’t say that I have had a real hard life, but I have had to go through some rough times none the less. In Middle School I had three friends pass away in three consecutive years. I had gone to school with all of them since kindergarten. One of those friends who passed away was one of my best friends. His name was Eddy. On the day of Eddy's funeral, my Youth Pastor took me out for lunch. He wanted to see how I was coping with the death of a good friend, and to let me know that I didn’t have to go through this alone.

Through the positive influence of my friends, family and youth leaders I have decided to continue my obedience to God by being baptized today.

(editor's note: Shortly after Ricky shared this in front of his church in the Spring of 2005, he was baptized)