My
Testimony ~ Sarah Guffey
I was so fortunate to have grown
up in a Godly home. I accepted Christ when I was in the fourth grade. I
remember asking my mom and dad so many questions about Christ and His love and
why He would die for me. My parents would always stop what they were doing and
find a particular scripture that would help explain my question. It was on a
Saturday that I decided I couldn’t go another day without asking Christ to come
into my heart. I was baptized shortly after that, at ISBC by Tom Suitor. My parents
were very instrumental in my spiritual growth and always encouraged me in my
walk. I always looked forward to Sunday, because that meant I got to go to
Sunday school. I am so blessed to have had wonderful godly teachers help me to
learn the importance of my relationship with Christ, as well as, having a daily
quiet time.
When I got to
middle school, I joined the youth group at ISBC. I am so thankful for the
strong leaders that God called to lead our youth group. Middle school and high
school brought challenges and frustrations; however, I knew that I had people I
could talk to, and pray with, in youth group. I was very active in our youth
group throughout middle and high school. I was a part of youth choir and the
puppet team. God allowed me to serve in these ministries and build lasting
relationships with others. While in the youth group, I was able to go on
several mission trips to different places such as Pennsylvania, New Orleans,
and Iowa. These trips allowed me to work with many different children, of all
ages. I always enjoyed leading back yard bible clubs because I got to tell the
kids bible stories and share scripture with them. I feel that this was a huge
part of God’s plan for my life, in becoming a teacher.
After I
graduated from high school, I went to King College. Even though I attended a
Christian college, I knew that there would be opportunities for me to share my
faith with others. I joined an organization on campus called Fellowship of
Christian Athletes and my junior and senior year, I was asked to be on the
leadership team. God allowed me to meet so many people through FCA and share my
faith with many different students on campus. He took me out of my comfort zone
and helped me to be a leader on campus, for Him. As a result, relationships
were built and people would ask me to pray with them or for them regarding
something they were struggling with, or needed guidance for. I also had the
privilege for working for the volleyball team at King. God taught me how to be
a humble servant through this experience and what it means to put Him first,
others second, and myself third. He allowed me to not just be a part of a team,
but of a family, that cared about one another and prayed for each other daily.
These girls helped me get through so many difficult times throughout college,
such as, my parents getting a divorce, breaking up with the man I thought I was
supposed to marry, and dealing with the stresses of assignments and exams. I
know that God placed me at King for a reason. I am so thankful that I listened
and obeyed Him when He told me to go there for college, because if I hadn’t, I
would have missed out on so many blessings.
Also at King, I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Brazil. God used this trip to reconfirm my passion
for children. I was able to go to an orphanage there and spend time with
children who would be seen as unfit and unlovable here in the states. These
children were anything but that. Even though they didn’t speak English and I
didn’t know any Portuguese, God allowed me to show them His love that day.
While there, I also got to see the slums of Rio. I remember anticipating what
it would be like there, on the bus ride over. When we got off the bus we were
greeted by children with tattered clothes and dirty feet. They were glowing
with excitement to see all of us. We got to perform a skit for them, during the
church service, and I have never felt the spirit of the Lord so strongly, as in
that moment. I was so overwhelmed I began to cry and just worship as the music
played for our skit. God showed me that day that even though these people had
nothing; they were so rich in His love and devotion to Him.
Since
graduating from college, I have been teaching Kindergarten for the past four
years. I love this age group and am honored God has entrusted me with providing
the foundation for these children. He provides opportunities daily, for me, to
show His love to my students. In these past four years of teaching, He has
taught me to completely rely on Him. He has provided me with patience like I
have never known.
God has helped me to grow so much
in my walk with Him, since I first asked Him to be the Lord of my life. There
have been many challenges and obstacles I have had to face; however, I haven’t
had to do it alone. He is my rock and has been my constant, when everything
else has seemed to change. He is continuing to mold and shape me in His image
and help me to be the Godly woman He wants me to be.
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the
desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
~ Submitted by Jessica Poff
ISBC Women's Ministry
Events Coordinator
