The following thoughts about Jessica Arneson's conversion to Christ are shared by Beth Pocta of the North Suburban Ministry Center.

On November 17, 2007 Jessica Arneson braved the cold and stormy waters of Lake Michigan to make Jesus the Lord of her life in baptism. To many who looked on this seemed a somewhat crazy and radical decision with snow in the not too distant future and all, yet that is nothing compared to the radical transformation and life Jessica has committed herself to living. Many teenagers growing up in Christian homes battle with feelings of needing to take very familiar family practices and making them their own deep convicitons. It is easy for a long list of "Christian activities" to be in palce, and yet be void of a true love for God. It is equally common to attend church and hear someone share about a radical transformation that happened in their life through overcoming a very obvious and outward sin, and be left feeling like, "is my sin really that bad?" In this case, Jessica was a true inspriration as she set out on her own personal journey to make her walk with God real and deep. She devoted herself to seeking out the answers to questions in her own faith that would make her secure and solid. She embraced where she was at with God and learned that changing your heart no matter how great or small is a radical accomplishment! What a priviledge it is to witness God working so powerfully in a young woman's life. With all that teenagers face in the world today, and what many of them choose to give their lives to, Jessica stands out as an example of faith, determination and courage.