Hi my name is Hannah.

As some of you may know, I’ve grown up in the church listening to bible stories and believing in God.

When I was younger, I struggled with certain friendships at school. I was hurt and I held on to it not even being conscious of it. This impacted the way I thought, and I approached things with a negative mindset and a constant worry. Satan had a foothold in my life using lies to make me feel bad about myself and doubt who I was in God’s eyes.

This spread to other areas of my life and I was left confused and unsure of where I was in my journey, not only with God, but in general.

I had many late night talks with my dad, most of the time at night when I should’ve been sleeping but once he finished asking me why I wasn’t in bed, he would encourage me. He reminded me of God’s character, and His purpose for my life. Throughout hard times I held on to what I felt God was telling me; I was forgiven, loved, and He would never give up on me. It was still hard because some days He would feel very close to me and the next, very far, but in the end, I knew God would use these trials to shape me.

A couple years ago, during the March break, I went on my first mission trip to Nicaragua. I saw the way God used me to bless others, pushing me out of my comfort zone to do many things I never would’ve been able to do before. What really hit me though was when I saw the gratitude and faith the people had in Jesus despite all the struggles they faced. It challenged me to fully depend on God.

Coming back was a hard adjustment but whenever I feel hurt or angry I remind myself of His faithfulness. A big verse of encouragement has been Jeremiah 29:11. It says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jesus has been reminding me that He will never give up on me and He proved it when He died on the cross for me. I know I can’t do it on my own which is why I want to get baptized. I’m not perfect but I couldn’t have gotten this far without Jesus.

I want to thank the people in my life who have been so supportive and have continuously reminded me of the truth of who I am.

To my grandparents, thank you for always checking in with me and praying for me. Thank you to the aunts and uncles in my life for investing in me and loving me, the young adults and mentors at youth group who have been so supportive and caring. Thanks to Pastor Kevin for never giving up on your hilarious jokes and reminding us that the devil is nothing but a snake… he’s got no arms and no legs because he’s been disarmed and defeated. So just as Pastor Kevin had puns of perseverance, I want to declare that these lies have no place in my life because the truth is that I am loved and enough.

Thank you to my friends at church who I’ve grown up with like Sum and Yan, for all the laughs and memories, and to my best friend Tessa, who’s always ready to go along with my crazy jokes and go to the park with me where we’ve had so many great talks and experiences.

I really want to thank my family who have been so incredibly patient and supportive. Thank you to my parents, my mom for your constant love, helping me up when I felt too tired, and not only reminding me, but showing me what it means to love others even when it can be hard.

To my dad, thanks for always offering a comforting hug and a loving space whenever I need to talk. Your encouragement through Tim Hortons dates and reminders of God’s faithfulness has meant so much.

I’m so thankful for my sister who’s always been a constant in my life. Thanks for always making me smile and always making space to spend time with me whether it’s playing games or going out for bubble tea.

I could not be here without you guys and finally I just want to say that through all the ups and downs, God has been steadfast so today I’m excited to commit my life to Jesus, living my life in a way that honors Him. Thank you.