Mario & Sara ~

We had a made a decision to divorce.  A co-worker invited me to church that same week we had made the decision.  We thought “well we have tried everything else, why not?”  October 31, 2004 was our first day at COH, after hearing the service, our hearts were ready for the Lord.  We got saved on that same day and it was the beginning of our beautiful journey with the Lord..  He saved our marriage.  One week after our salvation we went to our first encounter and the Lord took off the veil off our eyes.  I (Sara) remember telling my husband after the one session at the encounter “baby, I love you, I don’t ever want to be away from you.”  It had been a long time (about 2-3 years) since I had true feelings of love towards my husband.  I was able to say “I love you” and mean it!  Thank you Lord!!

 

Jake ~

I grew up in a broken home surrounded by domestic violence, drugs and alcohol.  Following that pattern, decided that was my lot in life.  So, I started smoking when I was 9, hitchhiked America and proceeded to sell a variety of drugs on the streets for cash, spending time in and out of jail. 

Seeking truth, I opened myself up to multiple philosophies and religions from witchcraft to Buddhism but was offended by the hypocrisy and religious legalistic image of Christianity.  It wasn’t until I was 23, I found myself without any education and minimal experience, with temporary satisfactions; I found myself strung out, shameful, broke and empty.  My wife had recently became a Christian and invited me to church. It was at Church of the Harvest that I met people who cared genuinely about me and truly seemed to have joy and purpose to their life.  After a few more visits, I decided to give Jesus a chance.  I invited him into my heart and went to an “encounter.”  After those two things, a miracle happened – I discovered that Christianity wasn’t about religion, it was about a relationship with Christ, and that a church is just a building full of people that need Jesus just as much as I do.  I now have purpose to my life.  I have an awesome job cooking for a Bible college.  My marriage is healed and thriving and my two little boys are proud to call me dad.  My past addictions I now use as a testimony of what Christ can do to a heart that is willing.

 

Kelly ~

After I got off drugs, I was searching for a relationship with God.  I would spend hours praying and seeking Him.  I prayed and asked for Him to show me where he wanted me to go to church.  I asked that if there was a place for me that He show me where.  My dad and stepmom came to COH and told me I should come, I would like it.  Stubborn as I was, it took lots more prayer and invitations.  When my dad died, I finally came – for his service.  Then around Easter I came again.  A couple of months later, I finally started coming regularly.  God has given me a family who doesn’t shut me out, won’t give up on me and loves me unconditionally—even when I have been unlovely.  I thank the LORD for his faithful direction.

 

Amanda

I used to smoke a lot of marijuana. I also drank much alcohol and did a lot of other drugs.  I had a new boyfriend every other month and had no real desire to commit to anything.  Whenever I was alone I was hopeless and depressed. 

My life was drastically changed when I decided I needed something more. I needed more than self-help books and positive thinking could do for me.  I needed a heart change – a miracle.  When I was nineteen, I met a woman named Joanne and this was the step that changed my life.  This woman loved me in a way that only the Lord through someone could love.  I was so ready to give my life to Jesus Christ, and He was so willing to receive me.  I started regularly attending the weekly discipleship meeting at her house, and became a consistent member of the church.  I have been through the encounter weekends, and attended classes that have built the character of Christ in my life.

God has changed my life and my daughter’s.  I don’t run to drugs, alcohol, guys or money – but to Jesus, the true lover of my soul.  I am finishing up a bachelor’s degree and have a great career and life ahead of me.
-Amanda

 

Paul

I was a single dad and life was hard, I was hopeless.  I didn’t know what I was doing or where I was going.  I really had no purpose in living.

I was working for a company with a friend who told me I looked lost.  He asked me to come to a Bible study and eventually church with him.  I did and restored my life and my relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.  I started regularly attending the small group meeting, and church, along with classes about growing in the Lord.

Now I’m a happy person with a purpose.  I love to guide kids to their purpose and help develop the character to not get defeated by this harsh world.  Through the 4 step discipleship program at this church, I have learned how to do this.
-Paul

 

Jessica

I have grown up with an angry heart.  I loved to argue with any person that wanted to tell others or myself how good God is.  Even though I considered myself a Christian, I wanted to kill myself.

My life was so broken that I finally listened to a man I worked with when he told me how good God had been to him, and invited me to his church.  When I came, I found a home.  I found other people who knew the goodness of the Lord, and I grew so close to other women through cell groups, encounters, and School of Leaders.  I never thought I would find the peace that met me in that place. 

My life has changed and I have a reason to smile!  I know what it feels like to love not only other people, but myself.  I want to work with people who are trying to find their identity and who isolate themselves because of their fear of rejection.  I want them to know I won’t give up on them even when they’ve given up on themselves, and that the Lord never gives up on anyone.  He never gave up on me.
-Jessica

 

Brian

I was tormented by addiction, lust, rebellion, and insecurity.  I was running from one high to another, feeding on adrenaline.

God brought me to this church and showed me his love.  A man chased me down and would not give up on me.  He mentored me, along with other men in this house.  I have learned through School of Leaders how to help others as well.

I believe that God has given me tenderness, compassion, and understanding to meet needs of all people.  The Lord has given me a desire to help the less fortunate, or anyone who has been hurt by their lifestyle.
-Brian

 

Mitch

I was an addict that was lost in drugs and alcohol.  I thought I was happy but honestly I was hiding in depression.

I met someone who invited me to church.  Then I went to a retreat and found the Lord through the guidance of others.  In a small Christian meeting called a cell group, I grew really close to other people who shared my background.  I have learned not just to say I’m a Christian, but to live what the Bible says and help others.  I learn how to help others also through a class called School of Leaders, this strengthens me to stay strong as well.

My life with Jesus is amazing.  It is true happiness and I would like to help others find happiness through Him.
-Mitch