The turning point in my life was when I was in the 6th grade, when I met my best friend, Hannah Schaeffer. She and I hung-out a lot at school, but never really at each others homes. When she finally asked me to come to church with her, I thought it would be interesting, but I was skeptic. Before this, I had gone to some churches that I didn’t really like, so obviously I was unsure. I think I asked my mom about it and she said it was fine, so the next day I told Hannah that I would go with her that week.
So she finally got me to come to her church, and I kind of liked it, but I didn’t know anyone, so I was really shy. But then I started going to church every week with her. It became really fun, and I started meeting new people like Patrice Barnett, Mike and Ben Mabee, and many other friends. Patrice was in my homeroom in 6th grade, but I got to know her even more at church.
At first I didn’t really like Mike or Ben because I was still at the age when boys were dumb and stupid (some still are,) but I eventually got over that. It was kind of weird having them around, but I warmed up to them. Remember how I said that some boys are dumb and stupid? Well Ben and Mike have grown up a lot since 6th grade, but they still have their moments.
I realized that going to church made a real impact on my life. Before I went to church, it felt like something was missing, but once I started to go, it felt like that missing part of me became whole. What really impacted me the most is when we went to Dare 2 Share. Dare 2 Share is this huge teen conference that is held in Lincoln, Nebraska. It lasts two and a half days, and during that time there are so many exciting events that happen. On the opening night, they performed a skit. The skits they perform are emotional and controversial. The last day we go door-to-door around Lincoln in small groups (Our church goes to a location and then splits into smaller groups,) and we collect can foods for the food pantry. While we are doing this, we also witness to the people who answer their doors. It’s an amazing experience when someone accepts the Lord. The entire experience is just really amazing.
I am so thankful for Hannah inviting me and getting me to go to church with her. Without Hannah I don’t think I would have gotten into the whole idea of church as much as I did when I was in middle school. So because of her I think I am a better person then I would have been if she never had asked me.