Hi, my name is Christian Gong, a recent graduate of Kennedy High School. As a child I always went to church on Sundays. I knew stories in the Bible, recited memory verses, and ultimately got the candy or compliments I did it for. Before my belief in Christ, I had an almost purely worldly desire. I held things of the world such as playing sports, getting good grades and impressing my friends and peers as my top priority. I held these things at such value that I was completely oblivious to the things God was doing in my life. These worldly desires never fulfilled me, and there were always more teams to play for, positions to fill, grades to sustain, and people to impress. I was stuck in a never-ending loop of desperation and despair. Once in a while, there was satisfaction but it was temporary, only lasting a day or maybe a week. In the end, however, the little medals, trophies, and certificates would collect dust in a pile in the corner of my room. I sought validation from others and again and again, I received only a temporary feeling of happiness or contentment.

Up until middle school, I had learned the Gospel and the stories of the miracles Jesus performed. But it wasn’t until CBM camp the summer of my freshman year that I embraced the gospel and dove deeper into what it meant to be a Christian who wholeheartedly dedicates their life to God. I took to heart that we deserved hell and that the only way we can be free of this judgment is through Jesus Christ, the sacrificial lamb and son of God, who took our sins upon Him on the cross and rose three days later. During CBM after a worship session, I fell to my knees and asked God into my life, and truly at that moment, I put all my trust in Him and my life in His hands. I fully trusted that Jesus had taken my sins upon Him and that He is the only way to salvation. I realized that without the loving grace of God who sent His son down to earth to die a sinner’s death for me, I would never be enough. My relationship with Christ now guides everything I do. I left that camp as a new Christian, one that puts God first above everything and one that understood that the only validation needed is from God.

As a Christian, I approach life with a heart and mind for God. I no longer am motivated by the starting position, the new shoes, or the approval of others, but rather by my desire to live for our amazing God who stood by my side all my life and has blessed me with His mercy. Attending CYF and being surrounded by Christians living for God has really helped me elevate my spiritual life and relationship with God. My daily devotions, although I do miss a few days, have expanded my knowledge of the Lord. Finally, communication through prayer every day for anything at any time has helped me grow in the Lord and helped me through my daily tasks and struggles. As I grow closer in my relationship with God and go off to college, I hope to be someone that is able to spread the gospel and help others understand what it means to have a relationship with Him.

I would like to close with Matthew 22, verse 37: “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’” Thank you.