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12th April 2010 by Julia Hosking

Before Jesus

I was born into a non-Christian home. Generally, my dad was a good father, but he was an alcoholic and abusive when he was angry. My mother loved my brother and me a lot, but due to her insecurities, put men before us.

My parents split before I was born. When I was two, my mother married my step-dad. He sexually abused me at age three. After this, he and my mother split, and I was in foster care until my dad met the requirements to have us back.

Over the years, my parents would frequently go to court fighting for custody of us. This went on until my brother and I decided we wanted to be with our mother. Because of all the abuse I suffered as a kid, I became an angry and confused teen.

How Jesus came and the impact

By year eight, I had already been suspended three times and was on the verge of expulsion. As a last resort, the school sent me to a ‘take 5' program, which was run by The Salvation Army. Following that, I was invited to an ANYA camp, a Salvation Army camp for disadvantaged teenage girls. Some of the women leaders invited me to their youth group at the Salvos where I was introduced to Jesus. One worship night I decided to give my life to God and follow him -- that was when he started transforming my life.

At this point, I moved back in with my father by choice. My relationship with Jesus allowed me to forgive my dad, and we had a much better relationship. Life was still very difficult at home and school but thanks to the amazing people God placed in my life, I came through those challenging years.

At about 16, I went to an ANYA camp as a leader; it was an amazing experience. After growing in the youth group, I decided that I was ready and willing to take the next step. I prayed that God would give me the opportunity to take a step forward in my Christian walk. When I heard some Salvation Army officers were starting new ministry within my local community I really felt God's pull. I ended up on the leadership team.

Recently I have been in a discipleship group and helping to lead a bunch of young teen girls from our local community. The best part of this is seeing them grow and understand more who Jesus is and how he can impact their lives.

I'm excited to see what God has planned for me. I don't know where he is going to take me, but I know my expectations will be exceeded.

*This is a true story, but the author's name and some details have been changed to protect their privacy

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