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29th November 2010 by MORE

I live in St Mary's and I'm 16 years old.

I didn't grow up in a Christian family. But they still loved me and supported my decisions. To me, Jesus was just like the Easter Bunny or Santa Clause – a story adults tell little kids to make them behave.

I first learnt about Jesus through my friend Thelma when I was about seven-years-old. Thelma was the new kid and I was the lonely kid. We became friends. She invited me to church. I started going and learnt about SAGALA and all the other programs at church. I started going to Bible studies and started asking questions. 

I went to my first Salvo youth camp in 2003 – it was a Discovery Camp and I've been to a lot of camps like it since then. These have helped me grow.

Since 2009 I have been through a lot of hardships. My school certificate was a big thing. I had my yearly exams, my best friend moved far away and my grandfather passed away.

It was really hard for me to deal with this. I got stressed and would cry a lot. Afterwards, I would always feel empty. One day I was looking for a Bible verse to put on a painting that I was doing and I found one that really helped me to deal with the hard times. It's Isaiah 40:29-31. It says:

  He gives strength to the weary
  and increases the power of the weak.

  Even youths grow tired and weary,
  and young men stumble and fall;

  But those who hope in the LORD
  will renew their strength.
  They will soar on wings like eagles;
  They will run and not grow weary,
  They will walk and not be faint.

These have helped me learn that God has always there for me and when I am weak he will give me strength. I have learnt to be more confident about my faith now. I have also started reading my Bible more and I am trying to put it into action in my life.

This verse is kind of stuck in my soul now. I'll always remember it.

I have now started taking more action in youth group. I'm a Junior SAGALA leader, I help with Timbrels and I think I'll always help little kids get closer to God.

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