From our May/June 2012 newsletter

Congratulations to our 2012 graduates!

In his book Just Walk Across the Room, Pastor Bill Hybels challenges readers to distill their testimony into a simple and sincere story of about 100 words. “You will be absolutely amazed by the power of your own story once you have been diligent to hone and shape and refine it,” he says. “When you communicate your personal faith story with sincerity, you will see supernatural sparks fly as God uses it for his glory and your listener’s good.”

We put the challenge to two of this year’s graduating seniors. Here are their stories.

Brent Willett

I didn’t grow up learning about God until I moved into a “Christian home” when I was 8 years old. I then began my journey to learn about Christ at Rockford Reformed Church. But as a young kid, I didn’t really “get it.” When I started youth group in 6th grade I began to see the bigger picture. During my high school career I started losing track of God, coming back, and then losing him again. Running my mouth and lying to teachers and parents was becoming a trend. Over the past year, youth group really hit “home” to me. I now “get it” and have accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior.

Kristin Bielema

I used to be “one of those kids.” Throughout high school, I started to look to alcohol and boys as my main activities throughout the week and my way to get through the pain. I grew up in a Christian home, yet I never really had a relationship with God. When I started attending youth group at Rockford Reformed Church, I saw life in a new light. It was different for me. The things that were discussed were applicable to even my own life. Shortly after my first attendance, I reaccepted Christ as my Savior and Lord. And now, I am happy. I am finally happy.

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