Andrew4Africa Micah 6:8

I have been going to church since I was born. I grew up in church. I never went to church to learn about God though. I always went because I either had to, or because I wanted to see my friends. Even after I accepted God into my heart, I thought church was boring and stupid. The first time I ever went into Mission Jr.high,everybody had their hands up and were singing. I didn't understand. I went on a mission trip with the 7th and 8th graders to help with nearby communities by cleaning, serving food, etc. It was my mom that made me go. That didn't change anything. When I joined small groups, I began to learn new things from reading through the bible every week. I still felt far from God. Then 2011 Hume Lake summer camp came. There I felt much closer to God. I prayed everyday and started reading a devotional every morning. When 8th grade came, all of that disappeared. I was too busy doing homework and chores. When I did have time, I kept putting it off to play video games or hang out with friends. Before 8th grade I never cursed or made any inappropriate jokes. I got picked on for that at school. People would call me "prude", and other hurtful things. I wanted to fit in, so I started doing the things I swore to myself I would never do. That lasted until the first night of Forest Home 2012 summer camp. God spoke to me those nights. He told me that I could be myself. He told me He forgave me. He told me that He gave me life to serve Him and others. Although I still struggle, I also know that I am forgiven. I am a follower of Jesus Christ, and am willing to give my life to God and follow Him, wherever He leads me. He is leading me to Malawi, Africa!

Please consider helping me to get there this summer!