Jessica: “I was a sophomore in college. I remember laying on the floor of my apartment, curled in a ball, crying, and completely broken. I had thoughts of ending my life, that I was worthless, and never enough. It was the lowest point in my life. I had filled my time with excessive drinking, partying, and impurity. This led to missing class and nearly failing out of college. I looked for approval from others and anything to fill me with short term happiness.  I asked myself everyday: What is my purpose and when will I be good enough?"

Nick: “I was never satisfied. Selfishness, greed, and pride ruled over me. In college, I looked for instant gratification in partying. Then I entered the working world selfishly seeking money, above all else. I believed that more wealth led to security, purpose, and happiness. I was stuck in the endless pursuit of MORE.”

Jeff: “I believed the lies that society fed me. That happiness and fulfillment come through approval of others, material possessions, and career success. All I became was prideful, self absorbed, and more frustrated at the result. It was a dead end street. Everywhere I looked, I came up empty. I became hopeless.”  

We wandered into the church, grabbed a cup of joe, and immediately felt welcomed as we took our seats. The music began and we were in awe. During the message delivered by the Pastor, truth poured out of stories from the Bible. The powerful message that Jesus died for each of us, has unconditional love for everyone, and that He was resurrected after death, shattered the lies we were living. We thought the Bible was old and outdated, but it spoke right to us.  The world tried to steal our identities, but Jesus claimed them back.

This is what we were searching for...

After the service, we boldly prayed to follow Jesus Christ for the rest of our lives...

Tears filled our eyes and we were overflowing with the power of the Holy Spirit. We were ready to follow Jesus. 

In fact, they were the most challenging, yet rewarding years of our lives. In the beginning, we felt overwhelmed, intimidated by the Bible, and unequipped to take next steps in our walk with Christ. We were afraid to be bold in our faith.  

We needed to get to know Jesus.

We decided to invest in a daily relationship with Him. We committed to starting each morning with Jesus over coffee - studying the Bible with a one year study guide, praying, connecting and serving in the community, and applying God’s truths to our lives. It was no longer a religion, but a relationship.

As we walked with Jesus, He fueled us to take BOLD next steps.

We found ourselves telling everyone about what God was doing in us. We wanted others to experience this same life changing transformation and indescribable joy from knowing Jesus. Something started stirring within us and we couldn't ignore what God was calling us to do.  

With a whole lotta prayer and trust, all 3 of us left our jobs and made many other life changes. All the change led to a roller coaster of emotions and challenges. We thought, “Nothing is impossible with God,” “Now what?,” and “Did we make the right decision?” We had to learn to trust in His plan and give up control.

Through the struggles and uncertainties, God was working...

It was the best day of our lives!  We publicly declared Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We had never been so exposed, yet so alive.  

Faith is a journey and not a destination - we are just 3 ordinary, imperfect people, in need of God’s grace and strength every day.  “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”  (Ephesians 2:8-9) 

As we continued to walk daily with Jesus, pieces of His plan became clear...

As we gathered with family at a cabin in northern Minnesota, we received unbelievable clarity- a breakthrough! It was a sunny Saturday morning. We slowly woke to bright sunshine, the sound of chirping birds, and the smells of crisp northern air & freshly brewed coffee.  

We filled our cups with coffee and joined together outside to talk deeply about the Bible and our purposes here on earth. We took in the beauty of the sunrise reflecting on the lake, eagles soaring overhead, and the pure joy of Christ, Coffee, and Community.

God poured out His power and Love - overflowing with boldness, we were ready to fill up others through Christ.