I grew up in a home without religion. My parents wanted my brother and me to figure out what we believed on our own. I never heard about Christianity until I was 15 years old. In 11th grade, I began dating a young man named Paul, who was a Christian. Through him, I was introduced to a youth group at his church, the Bible, God and Jesus. His family made a strong effort to share the Gospel with me, but it never really made sense.

Despite attending church twice a week and participating in a Bible study, I felt lost. I faced constant ridicule from my friends and backlash from my Dad, who accused me of being brainwashed. That negativity quickly overshadowed any joy or enthusiasm I had for the new things I was learning. After nine months of what felt like a failed attempt at Christianity, I broke up with Paul. I declared myself agnostic and returned to my godless life.

Soon after, I started dating someone else. When my parents divorced at 18, my life began to unravel. I couldn’t afford college, my friends all moved away, and I lost my full-time job due to layoffs. I fell into a deep depression and began having suicidal thoughts. I placed impossibly high expectations on my boyfriend, believing he could save me from the darkness consuming my life. My insecurities led me to self-sabotage the relationship because I didn’t feel good enough for him. I constantly anticipated him leaving me, and my unhealthy self-image and lack of self-worth only worsened.

Eventually, I was prescribed antidepressants, which led me to attempt suicide. After that incident, I quit the medication but continued spiraling downward, leaving behind a destructive path of trauma.

Five years later, I ran into an old high school friend named Brad. He mentioned he was attending seminary to become a pastor and invited me to a college student ministry at his church called Lighthouse. I declined his invitations repeatedly, but he continued to share encouraging words and scripture whenever I opened up to him about my struggles.

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Even in my darkest moments, God never gave up on me. He was always waiting to rescue me.

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During this time, I noticed on social media that those who seemed truly joyful had one thing in common – they were Christians. Desperate for help, I reached out to Brad and admitted that I had tried to know God years ago, but it hadn’t worked out. I wanted to know God but didn’t know where to start. Brad met with me and shared why people believe in, love and follow Jesus Christ. Suddenly, everything from my past experiences with Paul and his family’s church clicked into place.

Brad encouraged me to read the Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Thankfully, I still had the Bible Paul’s family had given me for my 17th birthday. I began discovering who Jesus was and asking Brad countless questions. During this time, I also encountered a man who did something terrible to me, pushing me to my breaking point.

I realized I needed change and rescuing. Brad never gave up on me, continuing to invite me to church. After three months of declining, I finally attended a service with Brad. A week later, on Nov. 13, 2011, I gave my life to Christ. I admitted I was a sinner in need of a savior and prayed a prayer from the “Roman’s Road” guide. Christ became my firm foundation, and this time, nothing could shake my faith.

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I found the love I had been starving for – something no human could provide me.

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Jesus renewed my soul and gave me a second chance at life. I found the truth I had been seeking and the love I was starving for – something no human could provide. The following month, I attended the college ministry, Lighthouse, and joined a small group that profoundly grew my faith and introduced me to true friendships. My small group leader became my best friend, and we’ve remained close for 13 years.

I quickly shared the good news of my salvation with Paul’s family, and we attended a Christmas service together that year. In April 2012, I was baptized – it was the happiest day of my life.

I continued attending Lighthouse, and during a service project the following year, I met my husband. We will celebrate our 10-year anniversary next spring and have a beautiful daughter together.

Although I still battle with mental health challenges and healing from past traumas, God has been faithful through it all. I can’t imagine my life without Him. It’s my prayer that you discover who Jesus is and experience the transformation He can bring – just as I have.

Julie Gallegos and her family attend The Lighthouse Church in Cape May Court House.