Hello, my name is Matt. I am 13 years old. I was born in a Christian family, so I was used to Christianity and attending church. However, even though I grew up in a Christian home, I did not know the Lord personally. I just knew about him.

I have had a couple of moments in my life where I put my trust in Jesus, but there were two points that I really felt and experienced His presence. One time, about two years ago at Forest Home Winter Camp, during a service the director asked us to close our eyes and raise up our hands if we truly committed to Jesus as our Savior and Lord. That was the first time I felt God drawing me in to Himself, and I said yes to Jesus. Also, about that same period of time, I felt like my life did not have a purpose, especially in school. My parents understood what I was going through. I talked with my dad about this, and he shared events of his life and how God came in and made an impact. His story influences me because my relationship with my dad points me to a better relationship with my Heavenly Father.

Since knowing God, I realize he is the greatest gift I have. My relationship with the Lord enables me to have faith, and to reach out to Him in my struggles. For example, when I was stressed about my homework, I put my faith in God, and He helped me overcome this.

One of my favorite Bible verses I would like to share comes from Ephesians 2:8-10: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” This passage reminds me that God loves me and Jesus has laid down his life for me, and all I have to do is accept him. Now that I know I am created for a purpose, it encourages me to know that He is making me into a masterpiece to glorify Him.