My Life In Christ

“FIRST YOUTH RETREAT”

I don’t really know where to begin when it comes to sharing my life as a Christian. Most that get to know me just assume I’ve always been in church and that’s not really the case. I’ve always been exposed to God growing up because my parents had their own encounters with Him and we’d always listen to Christian music here and there. My dad honestly has such a beautiful voice and I’d always hear him singing to a lot of the “old” Christian songs. I didn’t understand what he was singing I just knew that it was beautiful and had a powerful message.

When I was 13 I had the opportunity to go to a Woman’s Youth Retreat, mind you I didn’t really know God or have a relationship with God or know anything about church but I decided I’d give it a try to see what it was all about. Honestly I thought these women had lost their minds! We were up at dawn, walked to a huge cabin and everyone knelt down and prayed for hours, so not only was I tired but also starving because this was that old fashioned Pentecostal retreat where no one is eating from 6 am to 6 pm. I honestly thought they were kidding but these Holy Ghost and Fire women were on a mission and I was just trying to survive the weekend without calling my mom to pick me up.

To see so many youth especially of my age love God and just praise Him with all of their hearts was such a beautiful sight and I thought to myself “Who is this God that they are so grateful for? Who is this God that they’re willing to give up everything for?” I didn’t know Him but soon I would.

See growing up I always thought I didn’t fit in; I didn’t like the things my friends liked, I was always uncomfortable at parties, and I just never truly felt like I was a part of them. This weekend alone opened my eyes and made me realize that the reason I never felt like I belonged was because I was in an environment I wasn’t meant to like. For the first time I realized that being in God’s presence was everything I needed and more. I knew God had plans for me but it wouldn’t be till few years later that I finally surrender everything and begin to serve Him with my whole heart.

To be Continued…

Much Love,

Janny Mari