What was life like before you met Jesus?
I grew up from a very young age knowing of Jesus, his works and sacrifice, but I didn’t know him. I was raised in the Catholic church with its rituals and formality. I went to a Catholic grade school, including mass every Friday and Sunday morning, followed by religious studies on Wednesday nights. I listened to the stories written in the Bible, but I never heard the gospel. I went to confession and told the priest that I had lied and cheated, but I was never told that I was already forgiven. No one really explained the good news. I’ve made the argument that it’s easier to believe in intelligent design than an evolution that starts with something out of nothingness. The fact is that when I say I'm a work in progress, I mean I am a work in progress. My journey has been slow and filled with obstacles. I have strayed for years at a time. I’ve come to God and asked for selfish things. Only in the past few years have I prayed for God to put people in my path that I can help, but even that was a selfish prayer.
How did you meet Jesus?
I've been impatient with his plan in many ways and on many occasions. However, I have seen him work in my life. He was there when a fire destroyed our home and took our dogs, and we escaped with minor injuries. He showed up in a big way when people drove hundreds of miles overnight to bring us socks and a toothbrush, and fill a garage with the everyday things that we all take for granted. He has been there when I have said “I am exhausted and told him I’ve done everything I know how to do so I’m leaving it in your hands.” He is directing my steps and has brought me to this moment. He brought us back to Cedar Rapids. He brought us to our new home. He brought us to know our neighbors, which subsequently led to a funeral, where I heard the gospel for the first time. That moment led me here, to Veritas, the very next Sunday.
After being saved by Jesus what is your life like now?
Unfortunately, I have missed out on what seems to be a lifetime with God. Fortunately, he has a lot more patience than I do. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6