Reconciliation Ministries

From College Student To Christ

I grew up in a somewhat moral but non-Christian home. After my parents divorced, my 5-year-old twin brother and I lived with my mother. We would visit with my dad whenever possible. My mother took us to church for several years, but we finally stopped going some time early in high school. I liked going to church, but was not terribly disappointed to stop going, since it was nice to have another day to sleep in on the weekend. During high school my mother and I experienced what I call the turbulent years of our relationship. It was a very difficult time for both of us. I searched for significance, acceptance and happiness in relationships with my friends and in academic success.

I knew there was something missing in my life, so later in high school I began attending church on my own. I felt a little better, but still lacked the peace I so desperately sought. Sometimes I even read the Bible with the assistance of a daily devotional. I agreed with all of the ideas I read, but they were just that-ideas, good thoughts. Nothing really penetrated my heart.

After graduation it was time for college. I'm not sure who was happier that I was going away to school, my mother or I. Our relationship took a turn for the better at this point. She dropped me off at Furman University to begin my freshman year and a new chapter in life. I had always heard that the college years are some of the most memorable and best years, so I looked forward to them with great anticipation.

Well, despite this new beginning, inside I was still thirsting for meaning and purpose. The first quarter of school was not as blissful as I thought it would be; in fact, it only added to my struggles for happiness and meaning. Over the course of a couple of months, I began sharing my struggles with my suitemates, Amy and Wendy, who were Christians. I enjoyed spending time with them and was intrigued by their lives. Also during this first term I began making friends with other Christians, though something was distinctly different about their lives and mine. My friends invited me to a Bible study led by a former professional soccer player from Ireland, Aidan McKenzie. I decided to give it a try, but inside I had some reservations.

What I discovered at these weekly Bible studies was the truth that my heart and soul had been longing for all my life. I had never heard the Bible taught with such power. God's words began penetrating my heart like never before. I found that I could hardly wait to attend the study each week. During this time I began to realize that the difference in my life and my friends, all of us calling ourselves Christians, was that they all had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I wrestled with what I was learning and did a lot of soul searching for the next couple of months. One
evening as Aidan was closing the study in prayer I sensed the Lord showing me that it was time to make a decision to follow Him. I was reminded of all I had learned from the Bible studies and from the lives of my friends, but that this knowledge alone was not good enough. I needed to surrender and entrust my life to God and ask forgiveness for living apart from Him.

The next day Aidan spent a couple of hours with me patiently answering my questions with Scripture. I knew in my heart it was time to make a decision. Either I could go on searching for meaning, purpose, happiness and acceptance on my own, or I could allow God to meet these deep needs for me. On February 17, 1988 I decided that God had a better plan for my life than I did and I surrendered my will and life to Him. Though I did not fully understand all there was to know about God, I knew enough to know that my Creator knows what is best for me and has a better plan for my life than I. The decision to follow God was the most important and best decision I ever made, however, it was not without cost. But, undoubtedly the rewards have far outweighed the costs.

I will never know all there is to know about God, but each day my faith grows as I trust Him, and cultivate my relationship with Him through his Word and prayer. Also, I am actively involved in a solid Bible teaching church, and I regularly have fellowship and accountability with like-minded believers who challenge me to grow in my relationship with God. Additionally, I now enjoy taking part in others' spiritual journeys. I am involved in discipling younger Christians, and I try to share my faith with others who are soul searching like I was. I have had the honor of introducing a few people to Christ.

As I look back, I see God's faithfulness and protection even before I gave my life to Him. I see how He orchestrated my path to bring me to the point of giving my life to Him. Since then, his hand in my life has been even more evident. My relationship with my family has improved tremendously because of the changes God has made in my life. I just celebrated my fourth anniversary with my godly husband, Matt, and we are expecting our first child in May. These are just a couple examples of God’s goodness to me. The list is endless, see for yourself.

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