My parents' divorce left me broken and unstable, having moved eight times before graduating high school. I struggled with low self-esteem, lack of direction, and an absence of personal connection. This led to my mother wanting me to learn about Jesus and to attend church, but my heart was bitter. I assumed my life would be boring and full of disappointment. I thought God had skipped out on me.

As a young adult, I drank to escape my problems and felt empty. The bars and women didn't fill the void I was seeking to fill. One Saturday night changed my life forever: I met a woman who was a light to this world. After a few months of staying in contact, she invited me to church. The pastor preached about unforgiveness, saying that it is poisonous for someone else, but you are the only one drinking it. I thought of my resentment towards others that I couldn't let go. The pastor also preached that if you want to be forgiven, you need to forgive. After listening to and attending church for three months, I allowed Jesus to change my mindset. From that day forward, I have surrendered my whole life to God and never looked back. I realize now that I am not strong in my own strength, but by God's strength, I am. I learned that true love and grace are given freely and can never be earned.

A year later, the same woman I met that Saturday night and I were water baptized together. To this day, I believe Jesus led me to her. I am honored to say God blessed us to grow a family. He has helped me focus on becoming the man that I always wanted to be. Jesus softened my heart, removed my pain and guilt, and gave me peace that surpasses all understanding. Jesus gave me the heart to be a giant killer like David and to be bold in sharing how great God is. If He can move in my life, I can guarantee He can do it for you too!

-Serafin G.