I was born into a Christian family. We went to church, and I was raised with Christian principles. Even though I knew these things on the surface, it was not on my own. I didn’t feel the need to pursue a personal relationship with God. Ever since I can remember, knew something was missing in my life, so I tried to fill that hole myself.
I am originally from the country of Panama, but am here studying electrical engineering at the University of Louisville. My first experiences in Louisville were miserable. I missed my home, my family and friends, and the way of life I was accustomed to. I felt absolutely and completely alone. I spent a long time without going to church or seeking God’s guidance. Even if I did ask him, I didn’t think he would care.
The harder I worked to try to solve my problems on my own, the lonelier and more desperate I became.
One day, I received an invitation from a friend to come with her to a gathering at a college Christian group on campus. Seeing people my age seeking Christ and living for him moved me. I could feel the Spirit showing me how I was living my life up until that point. It was through seeing God work in the lives of the friends I made there, that the Holy Spirit began to tear down these strongholds.
During spring break of this year, I finally confided in my friends about how I felt empty and wanted to start having a close relationship with God. They prayed with me. They cried with me. Surrendering to the Lord, I could almost feel a physical weight being lifted off of me. I was ready for God to change my life and to set me free. That is when I gave my life to my savior, Jesus Christ.
Since then, I have been learning more about God through his Word and through fellow believers. Through reading the Bible, fellowshipping with other Christians, and taking my tribulations to God first instead of as a last resort, I have really been feeling his presence in my daily life. He has changed my life and I owe him all of the praise and glory for that. Just this year, he has gotten me out of my loneliness, given me strong Christian friendships, provided me with godly leadership, and a new church home. He has been with me through every difficulty that has arisen and continues to guide me today. I have trusted my life in him and left my ailments and tribulations in his hands. As his words say in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” I am ready to leave my burden in his hands and give my life to him. To God be the glory!