Hope Church - Annual Report 180103 2017 Annual Report (Web) | Page 7

ABIDE A STORY OF HOPE: WOODROW ORRIS I’ve been a God fearing person all my life. As a child, I was known to my family and friends as, “The Preacher.” Early on, I would often be the first one to volunteer to say Grace. And back then, I was always curious to know more about God. I was baptized when I was 10; however, as I grew older and became exposed to diverse opinions about different religions from my AP World History and Human Geography courses, I began to question if Jesus really was who He said He was. My soul was searching for answers far and wide, but I had yet to experience a radical, life- changing, personal relationship with the God of the universe. This past summer, I attended camp at UCYC, mainly because my Mom made me. At this time, and particularly during the first few days of Camp, I foolishly thought I did not want to have to change my life plans in pursuit of a relationship with Jesus. As revealed in Psalm 16:11 and through Camp interactions with other Christ followers, Jesus really began to reveal Himself to me and pull on my heartstrings. In conversation with Hope’s new Student Pastor, Trenton Dorner, he helped me understand that the longing in my heart was not for religion, but to have the fullness of joy that comes only from fellowship with Christ. Getting ready to board the bus back home, I asked Marko Marin, (Student Ministry Associate), “Where should I read from the Bible to learn more about a relationship with Jesus?” Once I began to read in the book of John, Christ began to break my heart for His plans and reveal Himself to me. I began to cry with my hoodie pulled around my face, feeling waves of love and peace flood over me as I witnessed Jesus. And, since my decision to give my life to Jesus on July 9, 2017, my life has been radically changed by God’s grace. I was baptized by Pastor Trenton shortly after camp. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me as I follow Him and passionately serve His Kingdom in every possible way that I can. www.hopechurchlv.com | 7