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.
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