Lauren’s Story

I joined Anna’s Circle because of my mom. She encouraged me to take the training as I have entered into a new season in my life. Now that I’m working and out of the house more, I have more interactions with people who are in various stages regarding their relationship with Jesus – some are very far from Him and others are new to the faith and trying to figure things out. In working through the Anna’s Circle Training, God spoke to me and gave me new tools for sharing the Gospel with a wide range of people. In my group, I found I was not alone in feeling uncomfortable sharing my faith and had others to talk to and learn from. Anna’s Circle showed me how to determine where people are in their spiritual walk and if they are ready to take next steps.

I was able to share my Gospel story with a woman who is very new in her faith. In fact, I started a Discovery Bible Study with her and another woman from my work and we are going through the book of Romans together. That Scripture is so powerful. These women are asking so many questions. I’ve never experienced people so ready and eager to learn from the Bible.

I met another person at work who is transgender and have had several great talks with her. She noticed something different about me and asked me questions about church. Anna’s Circle has given me a new approach to my relationships and has shown me how effective it can be to just love people where they are and be curious about their lives… what might have happened that pushed them far from God. I want them to know God loves them no matter what. I’m not here to correct or judge anyone. I just want to show God’s love for them just as they are.

Below is Lauren’s powerful Gospel Story that she wrote as part of her Anna’s Circle Training. Lauren is now sharing this and other stories from her life as she reaches out to others in her community to spread the Good News about Jesus!

I’ve known Jesus as my Savior since I was four, but there was a time in my life when I pulled away from Him. My sin separated me from God. I often relate my story to when Jesus invited Peter to walk with Him on the water. Jesus reached out to Peter and said, “Come,” which is what He said to me. And, that was when I began to walk with Him in faith.

Then a time came when I looked around and realized I believed I had made it in my own strength. I found myself removed from the place where I thought I was thriving; and much like Peter, I took my eyes off Jesus and started to drown. I felt broken and distant from my Savior because of my sin. The sin of pride led to my loss of identity, and eventually, the pain was so great I began harming myself and had thoughts of suicide.

Thankfully that wasn’t the end of my story (or Peter’s). Just like Peter cried out, “Lord, save me,” I whispered my Savior’s name, “Jesus,” and He met me right where I was. Jesus came to my rescue and lifted me out of the depths of my sin and into His arms. He gave me – and is still giving me – time to grow closer to Him. I know I will continue to stumble, like Peter, but my faith and identity is now firmly rooted in Jesus, and I’m confident that the Holy Spirit dwells within me. He has empowered me to be bold and actively share my faith with others. Now, in every move I make there is purpose. I am no longer numb or stagnant. My God deserves all glory and honor and praise!