 |
INfocus
by Rochelle Crying Head
Key-Way-Tin Bible Institute student
|
I grew up in two places in Alberta. It had to do with my
biological parents abusing alcohol before I was born, and spending my
first six months in the hospital. Then I was taken in by a family in the
Foremost area.
I stayed with them about five years before a court ordered
me back to my Reserve to learn my culture. My auntie and uncle got custody
of me.
The court allowed visits with my foster parents, though,
and I moved back when I was 17. They encouraged me in the Lord. I saw God
in their lives and knew that He was real. I made a decision for Christ
when I was 12.
But I didn't live like a Christian when I was on my
Reserve. It all depended where I was. I was rebellious and restless, and I
returned to live on my Reserve when I was 19. I got caught up in bad
habits. I knew it was wrong, but I thought none of it would hurt me.
Soon I was in Lethbridge, living on the streets. I met a
guy and moved in with him. About that time my cousin was dying from
alcohol abuse. I went to see her, and took my Bible. But I couldn't say
anything because I knew I was living wrong, and my heart wasn't right.
When she died I needed comfort, so I phoned my foster
family, and they invited me back home. The Lord was convicting me, but I
still didn't make a total surrender to Him. The following months I
wavered back and forth. Even though I knew it hurt my foster parents, I
went back to my old life in Lethbridge. I was doing what I wanted, but I
wasn't happy. Eventually I returned home, but I was scared that I would
disappoint them again.
I remember praying with my foster dad, and I remember a
message in church one Sunday. It was a turning point in giving my life to
the Lord. One morning I woke up with a new peace ... I didn't even miss
my old friends! I wanted to please God again, and wanted a deeper walk
with Him this time.
I also had new desires about what I could do with my life.
I thought how God might use me on my Reserve. I dreamt about all my
relatives sitting in church and I was up front telling them that there's
more to life than what they know -- that they, too, can be saved.
I knew about KBI before, and had attended a youth retreat.
Through my time here as a student I am getting to know God even better. I'm
learning many lessons that I wouldn't have learned if I hadn't come.
But there's more to learn about Him than I thought!
And, if I'm struggling, I know it's because I'm not trusting Him
the way I should. I'm learning that only God can truly satisfy -- not
human relationships. I'm learning to trust Him more.
Click here to meet other
Key-Way-Tin students
Back to Northern Lights magazine
index
|
