Hello, for those who don't know me, my name is Janelle, and today, I'd like to share my
testimony. I was born into a Christian household and have been part of the SCCEFC community my entire life. When I was younger, I believed being a Christian meant memorizing every Bible story and praying before meals. For a long time, I viewed attending church as a chore that wasted time. I was uninterested in Sunday school and Agape Land and often focused on other activities instead. I frequently told people that I was a Christian who knew God well, but I regularly questioned whether that was true.
Over the years, I struggled with self-doubt and even tested God's love. I blamed Him for not protecting me or giving me what I wanted. This led me to become short-tempered, untruthful, and disobedient towards my parents, ultimately living a sinful life. As a result of my actions, everything slowly began to fall apart.
In 2020, my world darkened as I tried to navigate life during COVID-19. I struggled in school, which became overwhelming due to the upcoming PATs. I felt unmotivated and sad because of the situation. I needed God's guidance to overcome my difficulties during this challenging period. I began reflecting on my actions and acknowledged the distance I had created between myself and God. I started praying daily, seeking wisdom and guidance. Listening to the sermons helped me realize that my relationship with Christ is not just about knowing stories or following rules. Accepting Christ means embracing His love and grace, even during tough times.
On April 17, 2022, in Victoria, I accepted Jesus as my Savior after listening to one of Pastor Randy's sermons. While holding hands, I prayed with my dad and declared that I had accepted Christ. Since that day, my journey has been filled with meaning and purpose. God has given me multiple opportunities to strengthen our bond, including joining a short-term mission trip. My mission trip to Saskatchewan has changed my perspective on others and improved my relationship with God. I witnessed God's grace through the people in Saskatchewan, which deepened my understanding of His work.
Additionally, God granted me the opportunity to serve in Agapeland so that I can spread His love to others. Teaching in Agapeland has taught me crucial lessons I had forgotten long ago. Since then, I've strongly connected with God, who has given me wisdom and guidance through my faith journey.
My favourite bible verse is Romans 8:28. "All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose." This verse comforts me as it tells me that God will always be by your side and that you have a purpose in life. Even though you are going through a rough time, you are reminded that God has a more significant purpose for you at the end.
I want to thank my family for introducing me to God and their support during difficult times. I am also grateful to my grandparents, who inspired me to develop a strong relationship with Jesus. Additionally, I want to express my appreciation to my teachers at church, who helped me understand God's love through fun activities. Lastly, I would like to thank Pastor Calvin for teaching my baptism classes and helping me deepen my understanding of being a Christian.
Thank you.