A Wedding for Stefanie, a Girl Restored by Grace

Stefanie is an amazing young woman who has had a challenging past. At a very young age, she and her two younger siblings traveled alone on a ferry to come live with her father in the U.S while her older siblings stayed behind with her mother. Stefanie spent much of her childhood moving from place to place as her father sought work to make ends meet. At times regular housing wasn’t an option and she, along with her father and siblings, lived in their car. Her father brought her and her siblings to work with him, always fearing that they might be taken away from him and impressing upon them the belief that if they were not careful they could be taken away. Her childhood, though possessing many fond memories of togetherness was also one accompanied by the fear of further separation. The living situations that were available often came with the introduction of unsavory elements into her life. As she grew up, her perspective of normalcy quickly faded, with life meaning little more than simply survival. Her adult life offered no relief as she found herself in a relationship wherein her self-worth and self-esteem were continually degraded. Then her father became ill, requiring her to tend to his needs until he passed away. Stefanie and her siblings were now faced with more challenges as they could not afford to bury their father. When it rains, it pours, and it was pouring in her life. 

But then, by God’s grace, Stefanie’s life began to have a change for the better. After attending a local church Stefanie began to find hope in God and new meaning in life. A radical transformation began to occur as she began fighting her way out of the ties of her past and discovering healing for her broken spirit. Working in a field for the service of others, Stefanie began pursuing the dream of having a normal life. She worked hard and was able to purchase a small house. As she continued in this new journey, seeking after God and wanting newness of life, Stefanie met Christian.

Christian was a man unlike any she had met before. He saw her and loved her. He reminded her that in Christ she was a new creation and that he would only see her as such. Christian showed her a love that was unconditional and that would not use or abuse her like passed relationships had. Initially, Stefanie struggled with their relationship wondering how someone could love her as God had loved her. She had not witnessed a love that placed her needs first. She was able to realize that Christian’s love for her was real and not a dream. 

Stefanie has no father to walk her down the aisle nor a family that is able to contribute much financially to her wedding. She is working to fly her mother and two brothers in, while also planning a small wedding. I have known Stefanie throughout this toilsome journey, and she is an amazing woman who has worked hard to get where she is today. She knows nothing about this fundraiser. I have seen Stefanie’s concerns over the financial burden this wedding has placed on her as she continues to cut out pieces of her wedding away to make it a reality. Please give anything you feel lead to give. No gift is too small, for any gift is still a gift. 

If you are unable to give, I hope that Stefanie’s testimony may serve as an encouragement to you about God’s love and grace, as it has encouraged me. Thank you for reading this!