Before attending Triumph, I identified myself as a
"Christian," but it was more of a religious affiliation than a
personal relationship with Christ.
Although I had grown up in church, as I got older I began to take the
Bible more as a suggestion of how to live rather than demands of God that
should be followed. When I first came to
Triumph, I attended Epic Youth New Year’s Eve service and fell in love but
never got a chance to attend a service.
When I came home for the summer my life was in a transitioning
phase, and I really had no idea where I'd be by August. That's when a friend invited me to join her
at a new ministry for young adults.
During the first Nation 29 service, I was amazed by meeting such
passionate, loving, and joyful individuals.
They were crazy happy, which was honestly almost scary. How many 18, 19,and 20 year olds do you meet
that are extremely happy for no apparent reason?! As they shared their testimonies of hope,
love and their rebirth in Christ, I was taken aback. Rarely had I seen people around the same age
as me fully and radically living for God, denying today's societal views, and
living a life worth more.
My first couple of times at Nation 29 I didn't share anything. I was closed off but yet still absorbing what
they were saying. They let me be where I
was initially, but then slowly they started easing me out of my comfort zone. The more I was around them the more I wanted
to experience this relationship that they had.
Changing my actions, thoughts, and even some environments was hard at
first, but replacing them with new people and places made the transition
easier. However, in no way am I perfect
but yet still a work in progress.
Pastor Brandon, Gerald, Krystal, Magan, Alyssa, Caleb, and MANY
MORE people welcomed me with open arms into their family. They accepted me flaws and all. Today even miles away, I know there are
people – FRIENDS I can call at any moment, and they are praying for me. I fell in love with Christ all over again through
the people at Triumph Church Beaumont.
Ashley Milhouse
Beaumont Campus
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