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A Journey from Darkness to Light
I grew up feeling lost. My mom was just sixteen when she had me, and my dad was in prison before I was even born. My grandparents took me in, and I thank God for that, but I still felt empty. Without a father figure, I struggled with self-worth and wondered why my life even mattered.
By high school, my depression had taken over. I tried to fit in by partying, drinking, and pretending to be happy. But the truth was, I felt like I was dying inside. I thought nobody cared, and I even considered ending my life. My heart was full of pain, and I couldn’t see a way out.
Then, everything changed. I had to move to California to live with my uncle, a pastor. I thought my life would only get worse, but God had a plan. When my uncle took me to True Jesus Church, I experienced something different. The members welcomed me with love, even those who didn’t speak English. For the first time, I felt peace. In a sermon one verse touched me was Hosea 6:1: “Come, and let us return to the Lord; for He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up.”
I had been broken, but God was ready to heal me. That summer, I attended the National Youth Theological Seminar (NYTS). At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but when I prayed, I felt something I had never felt before—God’s presence. I realized that I didn’t have to be stuck in my past. I could start fresh.
During one prayer, I poured out everything to God. I had been holding onto so much pain, but at that moment, I felt His love wash over me. Romans 5:5 became real in my life: “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
I kept seeking the Holy Spirit, believing that God could truly change me. One night at Student Spiritual Convocation (SSC), I felt dizzy and almost passed out. The sisters and brothers around me didn’t just ignore me; they gathered and prayed for me. That’s when I realized—I had found my spiritual family. At SSC, I learned about the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 really struck me: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Through God, I could become a different person.
A few months later, I was baptized. The water was freezing, but as I came up, I felt warmth—not from the sun, but from God’s embrace. He had washed away my past sins. I had been lost, angry, and broken, but now I was a new creation.
Looking back, I see how much God changed me. When I feel anger creeping in, I stop and ask, is this how a Christian should act? I rely on Him instead of my emotions. No matter how far we run, God is always calling us back. Isaiah 41:10 reminds me: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
God never let go of me, even when I was at my worst. And He won’t let go of you either. If you’re feeling lost, know this—there is hope. God is ready to welcome you to go to His home. We warmly invite you to our upcoming Spring 2025 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC) to discover how we can ensure a lasting spiritual legacy. Come, bring your family, and let’s grow together in faith!
You can also join us for the Spring 2025 ESSC via online streaming.
Thursday, April 17, 2025 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2025 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Please find our church location below:
True Jesus Church
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
Google Maps
In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.
Friday Evening Service: 7:50PM – 9:00PM
Saturday Morning Service: 10:50AM – 12:00Noon
Saturday Afternoon Service: 1:30PM – 2:40PM
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org