Thursday, 16 September 2010 14:07

Jane

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Jane Jane KGF

Before I received Christ in my life, I was a depressed, miserable person. From the age of 4-19 I was sexually abused and assaulted by 5 different men. I was also constantly plagued with demonic visitations and nightmares, to the point I was afraid to go to sleep and developed insomnia. Because my parent had brought me up going to church and Sunday school, I knew about Jesus. I also figured out every time I said Jesus when I had these visitations, the demon would leave. I also battled with thoughts of suicide and even tried a couple times.

I moved to Kelowna in 1981, where I met friends who went to church. I went with them and on one of the youth camp retreats and seeing how they seemed to have it all together and be happy, I went swimming in the pool alone. On Aug.1, 1981,while in the pool, having no idea on how to pray, I said "God, if you are as real as everyone says you are and came make me happy too, please come into my life. I can’t stand feeling like this anymore.”

I thought everything would instantly change, but they didn’t and I was still depressed and angry and sad. It was only when I went to a different church and met my best friend Evelyn and her husband Brent where I could go and talk to and they would pray with me and for me where I started changing slowly.

Over the years I have been able to work through the abuses and forgive those who had hurt me so deeply, causing a real hatred towards men.

God has brought me full circle to where I am now able to share my experiences, without shame and tell others how to get to this point. I am so excited to see where else He wants to take me and what He will do in my life, our lives as a couple.

My most favorite verse and one I used for my wedding 5 1/2 years ago is Jeremiah 29:11-13:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord.

“They are plans for good and not for disaster,

to give you a future and a hope.

In those days when you pray I will listen.

If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (NLT)

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Mike Penninga

Mike Penninga is first a foremost a son of God, a husband of Michelle, a father of 3, and a pretty good tennis player. A grad of Trinity Western University and ACTS seminary with a background in broadcast journalism, Mike has a passion for sharing the life changing news of Jesus Christ in understandable and captivating ways. He has been the lead pastor at KGF since March 2009.

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