What was life like before you met Jesus?
I grew up in a Christian home and went to church every Sunday. I also grew up going to Christian summer camps. I accepted Jesus into my life at a young age after coming home from summer camp. But I wasn’t sure why I was doing it or what was going to change with my life. Afterward, I didn’t feel any different and I kept living my life the same way. Growing up I cared a lot about what people thought of me and I tried my best to fit in. I was living in my parent's religion, and it wasn’t my own.
How did you meet Jesus?
I had my first encounter with God as a junior in high school at a weekend Girls Conference. Throughout the weekend they were focusing on the book of Ephesians with the idea of how we are God’s masterpiece. The weekend really opened my eyes to who God is and why I want to follow Him. I reflected a lot on Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” This verse really stood out to me and made me realize how we are each uniquely His! This is when I started making my faith my own.
After being saved by Jesus, what is your life like now?
I struggled moving to college, away from my family and friends. I didn’t have any friends here at Kirkwood already, so I felt super lonely and overwhelmed the first couple of weeks. I had heard about Salt from some friends at the Iowa City location, and had heard about Kickoff and decided to give it a try even though I was going by myself. It was way out of my comfort zone showing up by myself, but I ended up meeting a lot of people. I was able to join a connection group and got involved quickly. Since, I have grown a lot in my relationship with God. I have learned a lot about my faith since coming to college and moving away from home. Now I don't have to struggle with loneliness anymore because Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 8) Even though life still has its ups and downs, I can be reminded of God's Grace for me and that my satisfaction can remain in Him.