My Story

I became a follower of Christ at the age of 17. Though as a child I had been raised in the church, during my middle and high school years, my parents had stopped attending church. During these years, I wondered away from The Faith.

As a teenager, I was consumed with sports, work, and many other things. Living one block from the beach in Southern California, I was living and loving a carefree life! Then my world turned upside down. My father’s job transferred him to another state, and I lost all that I identi ed with, as a teen. I fell into depression, quit sports, isolated myself, and sunk deep into a hole of despair. I just did not care about life anymore!

It was in this place of hopelessness, that God would get my attention, and a relationship with Christ slowly began. He used my circumstances, at that time, to awaken me to a greater purpose in life, than just living for myself. Since then, that same purpose has become a lifelong passion.

I began to experience God’s love and grace, like I had never before known. I truly sensed God’s presence and love in my life! A deep hunger to know God began growing in my heart, as I was learning how to love Him in return. I accepted Christ as my savior and God linked me with other Christ Followers who shared a similar love for Christ, and they became new friends.

They helped me get connected to a discussion group, like the one we call, Starting Point (here at CLC), which taught me how to live a life pleasing to God.

I was encouraged to start reading my Bible. I was also urged to pray that I would stay connected with other Christ Followers by attending church and making my decision public through water baptism. Each of these steps moved me along in my journey to knowing and loving Christ more.

If you are reading this, I trust that you have made a decision to give your life to Christ. I am thrilled to be on this path with you. This little book will help you understand and know exactly what Christ has done for you!

I encourage you to also join our Next Step discussion and New Life Essentials growth group as you begin your spiritual journey with Christ. It is exciting and life changing!

If, for some reason, this book is in your hands but you have never asked Christ into your life, let me encourage you to pray the same prayer I prayed when I accepted Christ into my life:

Dear God, I open my heart to You and invite You into my life. I confess that I am a sinner. I ask that You would forgive me of all that I’ve done wrong. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, who died for me and who gives me the opportunity to know You. I want to be Your follower. Thank You for accepting me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen