Two Best Friends From Saddleback Kids Baptize Each Other

Through all the seasons of this global pandemic, thousands of people have come to know Jesus and have been baptized at Saddleback. God has been working in wonderful ways to expand his family — a family with members of all ages.

Two of our Saddleback Kids Small Group (KSG) students have been friends since kindergarten. A couple years ago, one of the girls invited her best friend to join her in KSG. Together, they are involved in school, soccer, and Girl Scouts. One of the girls had a desire to be baptized ever since she started growing in her faith. When she voiced her interest, her friend also echoed the wish.

The two girls, both nine years old, made plans to be baptized in March 2020, but because of COVID-19, their baptism was postponed until November, when they were finally able to share their big day together.

“We were thinking that we know Jesus pretty well now and that we should get to know him better and get baptized — to have that experience together,” one of the girls said. “I got a little nervous about it being cold, but I was excited that we got to do this together.”

When the time came to publicly declare their faith, one of their mothers asked if it was alright to let the girls baptize one another. The request was approved, and the girls were thrilled. Not only were they able to share in this life-changing experience, they were able to baptize each other.

“It was great,” one of the moms said. “There were a lot of tears.” Those tears of joy were very fitting as the families shared in their excitement and joy for their daughters' baptisms.

“I hope a lot of people will be inspired and be comfortable to get baptized,” one of the girls said. “We were definitely proud of each other. Anyone can obey God, and best friends can go through [baptism] together.”

Even though KSG met remotely for several months after their baptism, the girls were able to continue growing in faith through virtual activities, where they were able to play games, have fun, and learn more about Jesus.