Tia was first introduced to God when she started attending CityKidz in 2012. She didn’t grow up in a religious household and so, until then, Faith hadn’t been a conscious part of her life.
“The main thing I remember learning was that God loves me,” says Tia, reflecting on her introduction to faith through CityKidz’ programs.
Through prayers, worship songs and stories, CityKidz told Tia that God loved her, was for her, and that through God, all things were possible. As she got older, Tia began to actively explore her faith and seek a deeper understanding of God. She had started to recognize His love and presence in her life, but she also had questions.
How can I trust in something I can’t see? Why does God love me? Is God always there for me?
So Tia sought answers. And the first place she turned to was the one that had sparked these inquiries in the first place: CityKidz.
She talked to Susan, her route captain and mentor, who offered her own testimony, and directed Tia to Bible passages she thought would provide comfort, validation and insight.
“That built my trust,” says Tia. “It helped me learn where these answers are.”
Tia downloaded a Bible app and consulted it for wisdom to guide her through life’s challenges. Bit by bit, Tia opened herself to the church community and sought ways to deepen her relationship with God and His community of faith.
“By going to church I was allowing myself to be open to trusting that there is a God who loves and cares about me,” says Tia. “I wanted to get baptized because I felt like I was in a place where I was ready to completely follow, trust and lean on God for everything.”
Now, Tia sees God everywhere in her life.
“I’m healthy. I’m safe. I’m happy. I have endless opportunities,” says Tia, listing the ways she feels God’s presence. “I wake up and I’m not scared. That, to me, is love,” she continues.
“Even through things can feel hard, I can still go to God whenever I need to. Even if I’m struggling, I can still bring all my problems to Him if I need to – when I need to.”