New Believers Interview

Tanya is you young mother who started coming to church a little over a year ago and soon after gave her heart to the Lord.

1. Tell me about your journey to faith in Christ.

Answer: My journey to faith in Christ began when I was baptized as an infant. Then as a young child I attended Sunday School and Bible School. My family did belong to a church, however we did not go regularly. At the age of 13 I went through Catechetical Class. After that I really did not have much to do with the church or the Lord. After becoming a mother I often thought about sending my children to Sunday School, but did not want to drive a half hour to my church. From 2007-2008 I worked in a church nursery in which I was able to hear the sermon and take my children to Sunday School. I believe this was the beginning of reacquainting myself with the Lord. I happened upon Calvary Christian Center in August of 2009 at their Back to School Kick Off. While there I ran into an old friend from school and her husband who kept asking me about my son joining Royal Rangers. We finally came to Royal Rangers and Impact in December 2009 and also began attending Sunday School and church regularly. I now also teach the Rainbows and Daisies in the Impact Girls Club. I could not have made a better choice than reacquainting myself and my children with the Lord. I continue to grow in faith through teaching, reading, attending Sunday School and Bible study group and through the guidance of my pastors, church family and friends.

2. What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?

Answer: I really wanted to get involved with a church for my children. But the more I thought about it I needed my own refreshers and learning so that I could help my children learn and understand. We were warmly welcomed into the church family. Hearing testimonies and receiving guidance from those around me also helped me to make the commitment.

3. What has been the best part of becoming a Christ follower for you?

Answer: The best part in becoming a Christ follower for me is all the knowledge I have gained. There is so much that I was unaware of and did not remember from attending Sunday School as a child. And hearing all the testimonies makes me believe in the Lord that much more. Hopefully some day I will have my own testimony to share.

4. What has been the most challenging part of following Christ?

Answer: There are 2 major things I find challenging. One is being able to feel/hear the Lord. I hear people's testimonies and how they felt the Lord's presence or listened to what He told them and wonder why I don't feel Him or hear Him. Sometimes I think it's because I am too busy to take the time to notice and that I should slow down. The other thing I find challenging is tithing. I know that I should give 10%...but I find this hard to do. Considering my circumstances of being a single parent of 2 children and providing for my family is what makes it hard for me...because I don't want to fall short. I do know in both of these instances I need to slow down and have more faith. and I know that in due time I will get t here. But as everyone, I want that instant gratification...and that's not how it happens.

5. What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?

Answer: What I believe is helping me to grow the most in my faith is all that I am learning/relearning about the Lord and all He did. Also my friends and family in the church...they help me in so many ways. They really are a blessing to me.

6. What advice do you have for me in helping others like you to grow in their
faith?

Answer: My advice to you Cindy is to keep doing what you are doing! I have learned so much from you . You are a loving and caring person. You are also a wonderful inspiration and teacher as well as a great friend!


After our interview I shared the following with Tanya:

You have blessed me so much by sharing your personal thoughts. I have seen your love for God increase and that blesses His heart more than you may know. Hearing your answers, it is easy to tell how much you long to have a deeper relationship with Jesus. Honey, He is a friend that will stick closer to you than a brother. He will never leave you, never forsake you! He is your provider and as far as tithing I can only encourage you to TRY Him! He said, Try Me as see if I don't throw open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing, so much that you won't be able to contain it...He is not a liar! You can trust Him with your very life! And for your children.
Tanya, I want you to know I am here for you. Anytime you have questions or need to talk all you have to do is send me a message, give me a call, grab me at church...I am so proud of you!!!! As you teach the Rainbows you are going to learn so much more about the Lord. As for a your own Testimony ... you already have one! When you gave your heart to Jesus your soul came to life. You were brought from death to life, from darkness into the Light, You became a daughter of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords; your name was written in the Lambs Book of Live and God is preparing a place for you in Heaven!! Your testimonies will keep growing as you grow. As you continue to learn how to apply God's Word and listen for His voice you will hear Him speaking to you. I'm sure you already do and just don't realize it yet. I am sooo proud of You!!