Finding Hope and Community: A Pen Argyl Campus Life Story
Life Before Campus Life
Before I knew Jesus, I didn’t know who I was, and I did not think I was important to anyone at all. I only had a couple of friends because no one liked me for who I was. I was in a very dark place with horrible relationships, anxiety, and depression. I also wrestled with my diabetes since I was young. Almost every single day, I asked myself, “Why am I here?” because I didn’t care for myself at all.
Discovering the NEPA YFC Community in Pen Argyl
Last year in February, a friend told me about Campus Life and their Gertrude Hawk chocolate fundraiser. I thought, “I wanna sell chocolate!” That following Monday, I showed up to Campus Life in Pen Argyl completely clueless, but excited.
That was the night I met Tyler, Miranda, Mia, Diane and Zack—the wonderful leaders of Pen Argyl Campus Life. They were so welcoming, and I had a blast. I kept going back every single Monday, feeling a “spark of creation,” a new family, and finally, hope for myself.
A Life-Changing Decision
Right after my birthday, Zack and I went out for lunch. I met Maj, and we talked about Jesus and how He died on the cross for our sins. After we talked, Zack and Maj invited me to pray and accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior—and I did!
Summer with Heatwave in Wildwood, NJ
A few weeks later, Tyler mentioned Heatwave, calling it “the best week of summer.” I didn’t believe him at first, but boy, was I wrong. I was excited to go because the leaders described it as fun, energetic, and a place to learn about God.
After a long drive of blasting music and sleeping, we made it to Wildwood, New Jersey. Day after day at Heatwave, I grew closer to the people there. I started to think, “Is this real?” because I never had this many friends to talk to, especially about the Gospel.
Finding My New Family
We went to the convention center daily for worship. During two sessions, the speaker invited us to the altar. I went up each time to simply pray. In one of those moments, I felt a hand on my shoulder, then another, and then another. I knew it was my friends and my leaders. I started to cry because I knew right then: this is my new family. I truly understood how much I can do to spread the Gospel and invite people to church and Campus Life.
A New Perspective on Life and Faith
Now that I’m a follower of Jesus, I have confidence in who I am.
I know I can be helpful to myself and others.
I know I can find true community through Christ.
I know my depression and anxiety can be turned to peace because of Jesus.
I know my diabetes isn’t a weakness.
I finally realize I am important to this earth that God created.