Tha Gate Keepa

Alberta · English

My childhood was filled with pain. I endured abuse from my father, was placed for adoption by my mother, and witnessed a traumatic suicide that stayed with me. By 1997, anger and turmoil had led me into foster care and group homes. What I needed was the love of my Heavenly Father. At 16, while living in Kelowna, my uncle pointed me toward Jesus, even when I was making destructive choices. High school brought bullying and hurt, but in the winter of 1999, a youth Bible study changed my life. I told my uncle I could no longer live the way I had been living. That evening, I opened my heart to Jesus. After graduating in 2002, God placed a Christian mentor in my life. In 2003, I served in Mexico building homes with Young Life. Through years of studying Scripture and praying, my reading improved from a Grade 3 to a Grade 9 level. My journey has not been perfect, but Christ continues to transform me. In weakness, He gives me strength; through suffering, He remains worthy of worship. Amen.