My mom and my aunt raised me because my parents divorced right after I was born. They tried to teach me to do the right things growing up, but the norm for my family was prostitution, alcoholism, and drug addiction. I always knew about Jesus, but I still felt that I was missing something in my life, and I tried everything that I could to fulfill that emptiness. Until one day that I found myself crying and praying to God for help.
In 2020 (before the pandemic), I was looking to join a sorority in my college because it sounded “cool.” I actually thought that Chi Alpha was one of them, so I went to one of the small groups on campus. There I found out that this was a Christian community, I said, “okay, God, you brought me here. Let’s see what will happen”. Then the pandemic came, and unfortunately I stopped going. In September, I reached back out to them, and it was the best decision!
During XA’s Fall Advance retreat I could feel how God was changing my life. Before I used to feel numb towards everything- no matter how happy or sad the situation was. In the worship session, I felt overwhelmed with emotion as I made the decision to truly let God work in me!
Finding the Truth helped open my eyes and see the purpose that God has for me. I’ve found friends who support and love me. I’ve found peace and I now understand that having God in my life is what I was always longing for. Now, seeking His Kingdom and His purpose in my life is all I want to do. I know that in my highs and lows, He is with me, teaching me in every process I go through. There are moments where I may feel exhausted and tired from all the noise in this world, but now I know that all the peace and strength that I need only comes from God, my Heavenly Father.
-Maria, junior
Praise Jesus for what He has done in Maria’s life! If you want to get plugged into a small group DM us!