My name is Amy Bond and this is my story: 

“I did not grow up in church even though my grandfather was a preacher. My childhood memories of God are tainted with explosive arguments around theology. No one talked about God, the gospel, or needing a relationship with Jesus. I had a few friends who went to church, but God never really was a topic of conversation. I grew up in a broken family with little to no contact with my birth father. My childhood can be summed up as living most days just trying to be good and not cause any trouble.

After my 16th birthday, I started working which gave me a little more freedom. This unfortunately, included making unwise choices. These choices continued into my first year of college where I connected with a crowd that enjoyed the “partying” scene way too much and subsequently that became my routine. 

During the middle of my sophomore year, I was on the verge of failing several classes because I was more concerned with my social life. I knew changes needed to be made but did not know how to make them. I had experienced several failed relationships including ruining long-term friendships with people who just wanted the best for me. I felt so empty and alone. No matter how many people I had around me nothing could fill the growing darkness inside me. I was very selfish and concerned about what I could get out of other people to try and fill that darkness. Before they could hurt me; I would just walk away as if they no longer brought value to my life. I sought impure comforts and tried to drown my guilt and shame with a “partying” lifestyle.

Then I met my future husband, although I did not know it at the time. I was still struggling with my classes and believing I needed to be in a romantic relationship to have value. But he was the most genuine person I had ever met. He never had a hidden agenda and truly offered an easy friendship. Then one day, he invited me to church.

It was that day God opened my eyes to my sinful condition and showed me I needed Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I silently prayed, confessing my sins, and placing my life in Jesus’ hands. I begged for God’s saving grace. I did not tell anyone of my decision and nothing much changed at first, but slowly I got serious about my studies, and then I met some girls who showed me what lifelong friendships could look like.

Then… I fell in love. The slow progression of getting to know each other and finding the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with was just so natural and easy. We were married in March of 2002, had our first child in 2004, and another in 2012. After our first child was born, my husband insisted we should be a part of a church home and so we did. At the same time, I followed in obedience and was baptized, proclaiming Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.

As I look back, I know that God brought us together for a purpose. I still struggle with selfishness, pride, and looking for worldly fixes. But God remains faithful to bring awareness of my sins and grows me every day into a reflection of Christ. I am not the same person, and day by day the emptiness is filled with God’s goodness and faithfulness. It is only because of Jesus that my life is filled with joy and light even on the darkest days. I do not deserve any forgiveness or favor from God, but I am grateful every day that I know my eternity is secured by the blood of Jesus.”

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace at all times and in every way [that peace and spiritual well-being that comes to those who walk with Him, regardless of life’s circumstances]. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (AMP)