I am what you call a “cultured” Christian. I grew up in a Christian home with Christian values. But like a lot of girls, growing up as a teen had lots of challenges. For me, they were mostly boy challenges.

When my father introduced me to Christ and I accepted, he didn't tell me that growing up as a believer would be so difficult. I was friends with the wrong crowd. Although I didn't get into drinking, smoking or drugs, I found myself really insecure of who I was. I searched for my identity in guys that I had no identity unless I had a boyfriend. Being Filipinos, my parents weren't too keen on dating at a very young age so I learned how to lie. That is when I realized how hard it is when your mother doesn’t trust you. For five years I battled with my relationship with my parents and my relationship with God.

Moving to Canada was probably one of the best decisions my whole family made. Here is where I read I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris. After reading this book, I learned a lot about relationships. I started wanting more of God and searching for my true identity. I grew a lot in my Christian faith when I started focusing my life on the One who made life. I know there's a penalty for our sins but I'm certain that there is a gift of eternal life and I have that; I don't deserve it but I have it. The Bible says, for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Therefore, I will learn how to give also and trust in Jesus Christ alone.