Celina's Testimony

As a military child, I moved to different states and countries while growing up. This included hopping from church to church. I was involved in youth groups and volunteered in many church events. I knew at a young age that there was a God, but I never thought that I could have a relationship with Him. I thought I was a good person and that I lived according to the Bible. However, I knew that something was missing. I would act as the perfect angel on Sunday but continue to do whatever I wanted the rest of the week, even when it was against God. For my last two years of high school, I moved to Germany. I wanted to be accepted there. For me, that meant being around kids who drank alcohol and partied. I was living my life for others rather than for Jesus, and I didn’t know that I was in need of a savior.

I remember it like it was yesterday; I was going to my dorm room and I got stopped by a campus minister who was handing out a survey concerning faith. I was resistant at first when she asked me if I wanted to do a Bible study or visit church. I was more occupied with living the “college life” by partying and clubbing. Going to church was not on my radar. However, I eventually decided to do a Bible study. I learned about the love of Jesus and what it really meant to be a Christian and have a relationship with God. One night after a Bible study, I felt a heaviness on my heart. I began to cry, and I realized that I was holding on to what the world had to offer. I knew that this was keeping me from trusting God wholeheartedly. The Holy Spirit moved on my heart and gave me the faith to trust Jesus completely. That evening, I made Jesus my Lord and Savior.

Now, I can’t imagine my life any other way. I have found a church where I belong and have experienced real love and joy. I became a part of the Bible Study Leaders group with Cornerstone, which allowed me to help other young women understand God’s love and mercy. I learned the importance of fellowship and I got the opportunity to host events with students in my dorm. There has been so much joy and peace in my heart for loving and serving other people on the campus because I know Jesus has changed my life and I want Him to do the same with others.

-Celina