My Personal Story

Before I was baptized I didn't really follow God. I always believed in him but never was committed to him. I wasn't raised going to church but I did attend on occasion. I had a lot of stress, anxiety and depression about life. I always felt like something was missing as tho I could be doing more. In my teenage and young adult years I made a lot of bad choices in life. Even tho I knew they were wrong I still did them and felt the guilt. I covered that guilt with alcohol and smoking pot.

In May of 2016 my grandma died at the hospital. I remember being in her hospital room just her and myself. The thought crossed my mind "what will happen to me when I die? Where will I go?" I prayed for my grandma and my family to have the strength to support one another.

In July 2016 my best friend returned from her 1st Womens Encounter. I welcomed her home at Crestview. I stayed for the worship service. I saw Kimmie get baptized and that was the first I had ever witnessed. My heart told me I needed all this! I wanted all of this!

Since being baptized and attending Encounter I just have a different aspect on life. I know that God loves me and is ALWAYS there for me helping me. My anxiety and depression are much easier to deal with. My fears of what will happen when I die has disappeared and I know I will live eternally in heaven. I feel more at peace. I have learned to love myself and learned ways to deal with Satan when he wants to bring me down.

While at Encounter I was able to open my soul completely and accept God. I had a couple moments of confusion when I heard my name spoken in my right ear 3 times throughout the weekend. It wasn't until I returned home and spoke with my best friend about my experience. It was at that moment I realized that was God speaking my name letting me know he was there with me. Since then I feel this incredible love from him. And I want others to know.

The love I feel from God lets me know there is a place for me in heaven.