Ralph’s Grace Story
I didn’t grow up in a home that honored Jesus as Lord. I was often witnessed to by my aunts and uncles when we would hang out, but I did not really pay too much attention to them. I did believe that there was a God and a heaven, and just figured I was ‘good enough’ to get in.
One day, in an FGCU study room in 2012, the topic of Jesus came up. Someone whom I barely knew, but eventually became good friends with, patiently answered my questions (even though I was probably being a bit more argumentative than I care to admit). He challenged me to look at scripture with him and we started a guided study of Romans meeting weekly at Panera Bread or in group study rooms at the University library. He challenged me to look at the evidence and meditate on it. And he invited me to start attending Summit Church with him.
After accepting Christ, I now see that I was not ‘good enough’ to get in; not by a long shot. Looking back at my life before Jesus and now, I see the need for a Savior. In moments where I struggle, I look to the scriptures and thank God for my Savior. I lay my fears and anxieties on Him, and trust in Him, and remind myself He is sovereign and in control.
Lauren’s Grace Story
My life before accepting Jesus was full of worry. What would the next day bring? And how many things would I accomplish in my life? In many ways it was safe to say that I was lost. I had an aunt and uncle witnessing to me for years and I would listen, but never fully take it in. I was not raised knowing about Jesus, so for me it was a little confusing. I am so happy that they never gave up on witnessing to me.
One day my uncle and I started talking and he shared the verse John 3:16.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
He told me to go home and reflect on this, and that night I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior and asked Him for forgiveness. This moment that I will never forget was one of instant peace. Peace that I had never ever felt in my entire life. Nothing will ever compare.
Since accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior, my life has been different in so many ways. He has not stopped pursuing me, in fact He has opened so many ways for me and my family to know He is taking care of us. He provided me with a job so my husband does not have to work 2 jobs, and now we can attend community group weekly. This has been a blessing for my family. The church has been so welcoming of us and has made such an impact as well. I have peace knowing that even though we will still have hard times, we have Him to get us through the darkness.
Nathan’s Grace Story
I came to know Jesus through my family and coming to church. I know that Jesus died on the cross for us, for our sins, and it shows me just how much He loves us. Now that I’ve accepted Jesus, I know He is with me.
