Growing up, I started attending church around the age of six or seven. At first, it was more of an after-school program because my parents were busy in the afternoons. My relatives, including uncles and aunts, also attended that church, so I joined the program. One memorable experience was participating in a drama about Jesus and His disciples. I was thrilled to be one of the disciples and encouraged my parents to come watch on Sunday. That experience brought my family closer to the church, and we attended for several years.
When I was about twelve, my family moved to Daytona Beach, and we found a new church there. I already had family in the area, so it was an easy decision. I got involved in the youth group and the worship team starting around fourteen or fifteen and continued that involvement until I was about nineteen. Though I was a Christian, I wasn’t living a Christian life. I rarely had a real relationship with Jesus in the five years I was there. At nineteen, I had a significant falling out with the pastor and became frustrated, which led me to distance myself from the church and drift away from my faith.
In December 2022, at the age of twenty-two, I moved in with my girlfriend, who is now my wife. My father’s only request for us moving out was to find a church nearby. We started attending Antioch Community Church in Orlando, since the cousins who had been part of the Daytona Beach church had moved to Orlando and attended Antioch. I quickly became close with the community, and it was amazing to have friends.
A turning point came when my then-girlfriend, now wife, felt convicted about living together in sin. This conviction led her to move out, which was a significant and challenging moment for both of us. It forced me to reflect deeply on my own life choices and the financial and emotional investment we had made. Ultimately, her decision and the resulting separation helped me realize the importance of aligning my life with my faith.
As I began to reconnect with my faith, I started attending Antioch Community Church more regularly. This was a turning point that rekindled my spiritual life. I embraced daily Bible reading, discipleship, and mission work, which transformed me deeply. Through this journey, I learned the value of community, the importance of aligning my life with God, and the peace that comes from faith.
Looking back, it’s amazing to reflect on how, during the years I struggled with anxiety and depression, faith became the true source of healing and strength. God’s transformation in my life is a testament to His grace and love.
I ❤️ Antioch Orlando 