I grew up in a family in which the Word of God and the gospel were regularly discussed. My family attended a solid Bible teaching Southern Baptist Church. At the age of eight I responded to an alter call and was baptized. However, while I clearly understood the gospel, I did not recognize my own personal sinfulness and need for a savior. As a 7th grader I attended a youth retreat. During the of the evening devotionals, God's Spirit convicted me of my sinfulness and personal need for Christ as my savior. I spoke with my Youth Pastor, but he was reluctant to accept that I was not already saved. So, I sought out a quiet place on my own and cried out to Jesus to save me. As an eight year old I went through the ceremony of baptism. However, at the age of 29 I decided I should be baptized as a believer and had the privilege of being baptized in the Jordan River in Israel by one of my seminary professors.
Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.