Theresa's Testimony

      My Christian walk began when I was 13 years old. Through my younger years I went to Sunday School and learned about God but I really didn't know what it meant to be a Christian. It was not until I was older that I started to understand. My older brother Brad had a strong influence in me to where he started to talk about his faith more and he got me listening to Christian music. One day when I was listening to a song by Amy Grant called "El Shaddai" I was really listening to the words of the song and just thinking about their meaning. These were some of the words that really spoke to me: "To the outcast on her knees, You were the God who really sees...and by Your might, You set Your children free. Your most awesome work was done, through the frailty of Your Son." As I was listening to these words, the Lord was really tugging at my heart and that was when I prayed and asked Him to be my Savior.

I had a slow start to my new life because I really didn't have too many Christian friends that I could fellowship with or confide in. I started to read the bible more but I just didn't get into it too much. It wasn't until I was in my early twenties that I really took my commitment to Christ seriously. That was when I decided it was time to get baptized. There was a Christian Growth class starting, so I joined it and was baptized 12 weeks later. Taking that class was a very good idea for me because it got me reading the Bible more and really wanting to learn more about God and what my Christian walk was all about. After that my involvement in the church began to increase and I started by helping to teach young children. I began as a Vacation Bible School teacher and then moved on to Girl's Club. I ended up in the Youth Group as a leader. I really didn't know why I pursued it but I really felt that God was wanting me to get more involved with people. I really enjoyed my time as a Youth Leader. I got to know many great people and my fellow leaders were awesome! They also helped me along in my walk with the Lord because I finally had some sound Christian fellowship that I could turn to.

Well all that ended in March, 2000 when I moved to Henderson, Nevada to be married to my husband Kelly. (Click here to read about our testimony) After meeting him I really started getting into the Word and studying more. God worked through Kelly to get me more interested in studying the Bible. Since then I have really grown in my walk and I have learned so much and I still am yearning to learn more. My husband has been a tremendous inspiration to me and a great 'coach' as well.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Philippians 1:6 "{For I am} confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." This verse gives me assurance that I will be with my Lord one day. I really enjoy studying God's Word and I learn so much every time I do. It is amazing what God can do in your life once you become willing to let Him take the lead instead of you trying to do it by yourself. The whole letter that Paul wrote to the Philippians is so amazing because it touches on so many things that I am going through. I was really encouraged by Philippians 4:6-8, "6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." I am experiencing God's peace and it is awesome!! I try to live my life everyday, dwelling on the good things and thanking God for everything, good and bad.

If you are struggling in your life and you don't know where you are going when you die. I encourage you to seek the Lord and read the Bible. If you don't have a bible there are many online bibles that you can choose from. (such as www.biblestudytools.net) I would also encourage you to see our Salvation section to read more about God's salvation plan for you!! May God bless you in your search.