That verse speaks so clearly to my journey. When I look back at where I was, I didn’t understand why I was going through what I was going through; but now I see how God was moving the whole time – even when I was at my lowest and it seemed like He wasn’t there. 

I first started coming to church during a really hard time in my life. I was going through a breakup, and I felt lost, hurt, and unsure of what to do next. It was one of those seasons where everything felt heavy and confusing. 

Walking into church gave me a sense of peace I hadn’t felt in a long time.As I kept showing up and growing my faith, I started to notice something changing in me. I used to be quick to anger and slow to forgive – but through His word, I became more joyful, more understanding, and more free. I started letting go of the weight I used to carry and began trusting that God had something better for me.  

There’s a verse that really describes this change: 

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 

That verse reminded me that I can’t grow or change on my own. It’s by staying connected to Jesus that I’ve been able to experience real transformation.One of the biggest turning points for me was church camp at Hume Lake. At first, I didn’t even want to go. I thought it would be a waste of time and money. But as soon as I got on that bus and started singing songs with people I’d never met – Jonathan, Garrett, Brayden, Shawn, Nathan – I felt like I belonged. 

I connected with the other guys instantly. Not just as friends, but as brothers. We let our guards down, opened up about our emotions, and grew together in our faith. That experience reminded me of brotherly love.That whole week, free of distractions and focused completely on God, changed my mindset. I learned the joy that comes from obedience and from giving God my full attention. 

And through it all, one verse kept reminding me of the hope God has for my life: 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 

Even when I couldn’t see it, God had a plan – and that plan was better than anything I could have imagined.Now, I’m not the same person I used to be. God used a season of heartbreak to bring me closer to Him and to a community that’s become like family.If you’re going through something hard, I want to encourage you: trust the process. Stay connected to God. He’s not done with your story. 

By: Marc Rodriguez
High School Ministry Senior, Class of 2025