My testimony.
Welcome to the story of God’s grace in my life.
He is good, and here’s why. :)
I was blessed to be born into a loving missionary family. My dad works full time now with Mormonism Research Ministry in Utah, and while I was growing up he taught Bible at a Christian school in Southern California as well. Needless to say, I’m a born-and-raised Christian, but even living in that kind of a home doesn’t necessarily make you a Christian. Attending a private school, I easily cruised through the walk of faith charade, learning all the right Christianese words and theological doctrine along the way. However, I honestly don’t believe I fully began to know or seek God until at least after graduation.
When I graduated high school, I chose to stay in San Diego one year longer while my family moved to Utah to do full-time ministry. I attended public school for the first time as I went to community college, and suddenly I realized that not everyone is as cookie cutter and “Godly” as they are in a private school. It seemed easier to be a Christian in a Christian school, but I quickly learned that it was more rewarding and fulfilling to have to seek God all by myself, instead of seeking Him for 50 minutes a day in Bible class and 30 seconds during prayer before each class. However, since I was definitely not in the habit of daily developing my relationship with Him and studying His character genuinely, I began to fall flat on my face.
Thankfully, God orchestrated something I never would have planned for my own life. He brought me to Shadow Mountain Community Church’s middle school ministry, which I grew up attending as a junior higher. He allowed me to volunteer my time there, meeting some of the most incredible leaders and students. I had never planned on working with any form of youth - but God had distinctly different plans. I led a small group of seventh grade girls every Wednesday night throughout the school year, and because I had to study in order to teach them, I finally began to get my heart in the right place with God.
This brings you almost up to speed with my life today. The summer after I finished up my associate’s degree (almost…) in college, I was blessed with the opportunity to serve with Worldview Academy, an academic leadership camp that focuses on teaching apologetics to high school students. I traveled to Oklahoma and Texas to serve them, and I believe that’s what truly kick-started my passion for God. Since then, it has been a daily process for me that involves seeking God, but balancing that with the realization that His grace is the only thing that saves me.
I now would consider myself part of the missions team in Utah with my family. I would never have pictured myself here, and I’m not sure this is where my flesh wants to be, but God has huge plans for me here. I am passionate about students and discipleship to them, but I still have a lot to figure out for myself. I wasted thirteen years in a Christian school pretending that I knew what I was doing, so I have a lot of catching up to do as I discover the richness of God’s grace. And it is a beautiful journey. :)
