Denzel Washington celebrated an important moment in his faith journey over the weekend. The 69-year-old actor, known for his role in Gladiator II, was baptized on Saturday, December 21, at Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ in Harlem, New York City.
The church shared the special moment on Facebook, showing Denzel being baptized and receiving his baptism certificate. During the service, Denzel was also given a minister's license, which means he could become a minister in the future.
When it was his turn to speak, Denzel talked about how he was finally embracing his faith at the age of 69, just a week before turning 70. He said, "It took a while, but I'm here."
He also shared a story from when he was 20 years old. He remembered meeting a woman named Ruth Green in his mom's beauty salon. She told him, "Boy, you are going to travel the world and preach to millions of people." Denzel’s mom wrote down the word "prophecy" from that conversation. Fifty years later, Denzel reflected, “Look at God. If He can do this for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you.”
Denzel also thanked his wife, Pauletta, who was there supporting him. He ended by saying, “To God be the glory. Hallelujah! Anything I can do, I will do for this church, the Almighty.”
In a November essay, Denzel talked about his faith journey. He remembered going to church as a kid but not really understanding what was happening. He shared that the biggest moment of his life came when he went to the West Angeles Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles. He said, “God is real. God is love. God is the only way.”
Denzel added that it was his job to lift up God and share His message with others, no matter what people think. He said, "I don’t care what anyone thinks."
Talking about his faith, Denzel said, “You can’t talk like that and win Oscars. You can’t talk like that and party. You can’t say that in this town.”
Watch the video here:
If this story inspired you, spread it with someone who needs to read it. Stay Inspired
(via Above Inspiration)