The Lord has been good to me.  I was born into a Christian home.  My parents raised us teaching us about God and made sure that we were involved in Sunday School, kKd's Club, Youth Group, and any other church event that we could be a part of.  As a child, I wanted to be just like my parents.  I also wanted to make them proud of me, so I worked hard to do the things they wanted me to.  I paid attention in church and learned the songs and occasionally I would go forward for prayer.  For the most part, I stayed out of trouble.  As a young teen, if someone asked me for my testimony,  I would tell them that I went to church and that I was a good son to my "saved" parents.  I lived as if my good works and their salvation was good enough.  I knew a lot about God without actually having a relationship with Him.

          As I entered high school, I began considering the possibility that my parents were wrong.  What if the God they served was not the God of the universe?  The fact that they told me so was no longer going to be good enough.  I needed more.  After I graduated high school and began college, church going became more my decision.  I had to find a church that would be right for me, one that would preach the Word and represent the Bible accurately.  Before I could make that decision, I had to know what I believed and why I believed it.  It was during this time in my life that I pressed in to God.  Suddenly, there was life in my Christian relationship.  All the stories that I had heard as a child began to come alive, as they were applied to my life.  Since that time, I have had many personal experiences that have allowed me to grow closer to a living, loving God.

          My personal testimony is largely why I work as a Youth Pastor.  Thankfully, God found me without me getting too far away.  My hope and prayer is that I can help teens form a personal relationship with God, which is based on their own personal convictions and not their parents and before they leave the safety of their home and church.

Sarah Matteson

          I was blessed from the very beginning.  Since as far back as I can remember, I have gone to church.  I have been involved in Sunday school, girl's club, youth group, and worship team; the list goes on.  My testimony is that I have been spared a great deal, as God has shown me much mercy.  About the time that most kids begin to stake their independence, I was forced to go to the Christian school (I was part of the first graduating class at FFCS).  Despite my tears and begging, my parents made me go.  It was the best decision they could have made and little did I know the powerful impact it would have on my life.

          I am sure to many that  I appeared to have it all: a nice house, loving parents, friends, talents, etc.  However, I felt alone!  I believed in the Lord but I didn't make Him my best friend.  Other things would always get in the way.  I would listen to sermons and teachings but never pursued Him on my own time.  I was about 14 years old when the call of leadership was spoken over my life.  From that moment on, I decided to deepen my walk with the Lord.  It was after I made the Lord first that I was given the greatest earthly blessing, a best friend, my husband.

          My husband and I had known each other since we were kids but after a short-term missions trip, we became friends.  Who would have thought that in 8th grade I would be with my husband?  After being together for 6 years, we finally got married.  It is amazing how the Lord has knit us together for a common purpose.  Since we were teenagers, we both have felt called to minister to the young people in this area as well.  We look forward to seeing where God is going to take us, as we continue to serve Him.

          Certainly, my testimony is not limited to these few words.  I could tell you about how He healed me and allowed me to have 3 beautiful children.  I could tell you how He has provided for us financially over and over again.  I could tell you about His joy, His peace in troubled times, and His faithfulness.  However, most of all, I could tell you about His love for You (and me).  God's love is unconditional, everlasting, and you can call on Him day or night.  He truly is amazing! 

          My favorite scripture is Psalms 139.  The Lord is a details God.  Nothing surprises Him, nothing is out of His control, and nothing is beyond His power.  You can trust Him.  I love that!  You can trust Him!!  I pray that you know Him like I do.  If not, He is waiting with open arms to reveal Himself to you too!