What was life like before you met Jesus?
I grew up in a church, like most people, knowing about God. But while knowing about Him I failed to have an actual relationship with Him. Before I knew Christ I lacked direction, confidence, and belonging. And those things can not be found without God, and there is nothing on this earth that is more comforting than the salvation of Jesus Christ and knowing that we are saved, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" - John 3:16. This is probably the most well-known passage of scripture, but it hit home for me when I was thinking about my salvation story. This showed me that God wants a true relationship with each and every one of us and that you can never be too far gone for God to change your life. He is our heavenly father, and he loves us very much.
How did you meet Jesus?
I actually started pursuing Christ when I was in the last year or so of high school. I was in a rough patch because I was graduating and wasn't sure about anything. I started turning to all sorts of sins that would leave me empty and wanting more. Until I went to Summer Salt with my sister, Lauren Dufoe. There she introduced me to Jordan Howell, who has now become a mentor and more importantly a friend. We meet often to talk about the gospel and what Jesus did for us. Jesus died to make sure we were set free from our sins. Spreading the good news is something that has been taught, and will continue to be taught to me by Jordan so that one day I can be an effective gospel spreader. A verse that comes to mind about the gospel is Corinthians 15:2 "It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you..."
After being saved by Jesus, what is your life like now?
Christ has given me peace and clarity. Although I still struggle with sin, I know what he did for me and what direction I should be heading. I pray a lot more now as well, which just keeps building my relationship with him. I am also gaining more confidence with myself being around others in the sense that I don't need to people please. God has done so much for me in showing me that I am not going to be accepted by everyone, but the only one I need to be accepted by is Him, and Him alone. "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23