My late teens were a very emotionally challenging time. By the time I moved away from home and into residence at university, an emotionally abusive relationship had left me very hurt, confused and vulnerable. By the grace of God, an old friend came back into my life and encouraged me to come to church and rediscover Jesus. I did, but I continued to battle against guilt and shame that tried to separate me from experiencing closeness with Jesus. 

     I remember clearly the first time I experienced a taste of the fullness of life and relationship with the Lord that I had desired, but feared was illusive all these years. I was in Perth, Australia and had just started my 6 month Discipleship Training School in January 2006. After a powerful teaching session where I learned more about the character of God and His desire for my life, I walked back home feeling so full of joy, anticipation, and excitement that my walk with God really could and would be exciting, fulfilling, and full of intimacy with Jesus! I recognize now that this is not a realization that the enemy wants anyone to have, so I know he’s tried over and over to make me doubt in my ability to hear from God and live out this purpose-infused Christian life. But God has been so faithful to teach me and build me up! Over the past few years, He has taught me to find my value and confidence in Him, and not to seek it from friends, jobs, or even my husband Cody. He has taught me to let Him infuse me with a sense of purpose instead of trying to find it in the importance of my work, actions or activities. He has taught me the importance of making an intentional, disciplined choice to make Him my first priority, and that as I do, everything else falls into its proper priority sequence and I am much happier and at peace. And as I have set my heart on pursuing Jesus with intention through the Bible, through prayer, and through accountability with my Church family, He has been incredibly faithful to meet me, speak to me, and teach me within that intimacy I have so desired. I have decided to become a member at KGF because I want to be involved, to learn, and to be encouraged and held accountable in my faith journey, and I hope to do the same for others where I can.

     In Jeremiah 29:13, God says, “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” I encourage any one of you who has been afraid to pursue Jesus wholeheartedly to step out in faith! Truly, He is faithful!