I taught my first confirmation class in 1975 at St. Olaf Lutheran, Ft. Dodge, IA. I hope I didn't do too much damage to the faith of those seventh-grade confirmands. After all these years, when I read the essays by the confirmands, I wish I could have done more for them, yet am filled with joy over how wonderful their faith is.
Jesus and My Faith
By: Ryan Schroeder
Confirmation Verse
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
The song “Jesus Loves Me” is probably the only church song that I know by heart. I remember learning it in Sunday school when I was 4 or 5 years old and it just stayed in my head. Even though it is an easy song for little kids, I feel like it is a reminder to me, even as a teenager, that Jesus is always here and looks after me. The song also reminds me that “when I’m weak, He is strong”. This means that when I’m feeling sad, frustrated or just don’t know what to do, that I can turn to Jesus for guidance and strength.
When I was baptized I became part of His family and through baptism and Holy Communion my sins are forgiven. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that someone can just ask for forgiveness and they will be, then I remember that Jesus was born as God’s only son and suffered so that we could be saved. It makes me feel pretty lucky.
I also feel lucky that I have both my family and the members of the church to teach me about Jesus, take me to church and make me come to confirmation. I realize how important it is for me to learn more about Jesus and the Bible so that I will always be grateful for the plan that God has for me. Even when His plan may not always be what I WANT, it probably is what I NEED.