In celebration of life, I thought it'd be good to reflect on all God has done in my life. Here is my testimony in a nutshell :)
Growing up in a Christian home, I learned about the Lord at a very young age. When I was five years old, I asked my parents if I could become a Christian. Praying with them that summer day, I gave my life over to Christ. Though I don’t remember much about this life-changing event, I do remember that I knew I was a sinner, believed that He died on the cross for my sins, and that if I accepted His gift of forgiveness, I would go to heaven when I die.
In the years following, the Holy Spirit has confirmed this change in my heart by placing in me a desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. At the age of nine I was baptized as a declaration of my faith.
Several years later, my youth group went to a weekend event called Acquire the Fire. This was when I first discovered my interest in missions. Never before had I considered going on a mission trip, but at that moment I felt God’s call on my life. Right away, I started online applications and talked to my parents about trips, but nothing seemed to be working out. Eventually, I realized why. What makes me think I can go to the other side of the world to show God’s love, if I can’t bravely talk about Him in my daily life at school? I began praying about my attitude towards others and asking for opportunities to speak to people about God. I made my greatest effort to shine for God, leading in my school’s Christian club and taking any chance I could to talk about Him with others.
When I next came across a mission trip opportunity, I began to pray. Soon, everything began to fall into place. God provided the money and prayer support that I needed, as well as a sense of comfort and peace to my parents and myself in knowing that this was His will. God changed my life on that mission trip to Guatemala. I saw people from a new perspective and realized how hungry people are for satisfaction in life; satisfaction that only comes from knowing Him. This was the beginning of my desire to go into full time Christian ministry.
When I look back on the years since my salvation, I see how my relationship with God has evolved. Being saved as a child, I am so grateful that He has protected me from going through this time without Him. I have found that starting each day reading God’s word empowers, encourages, and challenges me. He has become a bigger part of my life, someone that I enjoy talking to daily in prayer. It is amazing how my understanding of Him has developed. I can’t wait to see what He has in store for my future and am excited to get my hands dirty in His work. <3
