"As soon as I walked through the doors, I felt loved..."
My name is Lydia and I'm 21.
Up until July, 2012, I faked my salvation. So much so that I even had myself convinced of it.
At the beginning of high school I started struggling with depression which eventually became harder and harder to deal with. I was depressed due to hearing lies of the world and from negative people that I had in my life. I've always been raised in church and went to church, yet it didn't help me. Eventually my depression led to anorexia. The anorexia continued for about three years and I lost about 20 pounds. It wasn't severe, but it was still there.
I almost never felt good enough for anyone. Not for others, myself, or even God. I wanted to end my life and thought about it, but never could. I am so very grateful that I was saved by the grace of God one evening in July of 2012!
Every church that I went to was good but I found myself not being satisfied - I simply wanted more. In 2013, my best friend invited me to The Mission Church. As soon as I walked through the doors I immediately felt loved and cherished. It was deeper than any other love that I had been shown other than by Father God.
Honestly, I still carried a lot of hurt when I came here. Before coming to this church I didn't genuinely have a good group of friends who loved Christ and others so deeply, and now I do. Since being here I've been shown how to truly live in Him and lean into Him. Although the Christian life isn't the easiest, this church body has made it so much easier. They love deeply and share each other's burdens like I've never seen before. It is utterly amazing to be a part of.
I especially love how Spirit led the church is as well as how in love with Jesus the people are. They have all helped me let go of things and give them to God. The joy of the Lord is their strength and it's also my strength now. I'm so grateful Father God led me here and that greater things have yet to come!