Aurora-Surrendered
Before coming into college I had this idea that there was no way people my age lived a life in obedience to Jesus. I was very lukewarm, living selfishly and in different types of sin. During the first week of my freshman year of college I had to pass by the Chi Alpha booth to get to my class and, knowing what it was, I really tried to avoid it. Then, someone’s voice called from a distance and asked if I wanted to be in a small group and for some reason I turned around and said yes. The woman who met me ended up being someone who I hold incredibly dear to my heart and who loved and fought for me when I was living a life full of emptiness and depression. I had never met anybody who loved me the way she did, she reflected and continues to reflect; the love of the Father so well.
During the fall semester I was still living a life full of compromise dealing with suicidal thoughts and different types of sin. When the spring semester came around, my small group leader talked to me about Rowdy Serve and I had no intention of going. Not expecting any type of response I prayed “Lord, I don’t really want to go, but if You want me to go, make a way”. My small group leader then asked me if I was going and I told her I wasn't sure. She then proceeded to offer to pay for me and she even drove an extra 6 hours to take me back home so I could be with my family afterwards.
Before the trip, I had no idea that people my age could actually have a heart that is on fire for the Lord. Then I spent a week with some of the most God-loving and God-fearing people I had ever met. Being around them was one of the most amazing experiences ever. Through the way they served and talked to others and each other I saw so much of who Jesus was and that people my age actually were able to live a life surrendered to Jesus. Not only that, but on that trip I was able to bond with my small group leader like I never had before. During that trip, we had a moment of worship and the Holy Spirit completely broke down all my walls. I told my small group leader I wanted to get baptized and she cried. I had never seen anybody cry over me like that, and in that moment I was able to see how much Jesus loved me and was rejoicing over the fact that I was finally surrendering my life to Him. The next day we went to a nearby beach and even though the water was about 30 degrees, my small group leader baptized me into a new life with Jesus. Not only did I get baptized, but I also realized I needed to move out from where I was living because of all the temptation that could hurt my walk with Jesus and into a place where people loved the Lord. On that trip I also happened to meet my current roommate who is one of the sweetest and funniest people I know.
When I got back, my old roommate immediately told me how she saw a peace in me that she had never seen before. God really does transform you when you allow Him to! The Lord used that trip to change my life! God showed me just how much He had been fighting for me through others and introduced me to a community of people who love the way Jesus loves us. He made himself real to me and revealed just how active He had always been in my life.