Abbey Gershman

I grew up in a broken home where religion wasn't really talked about because even though we were Jewish we stopped going to the temple when I was little.  So I grew up without really knowing who God was or what it meant to have a relationship with Him. As I got older, I struggled with anxiety, a lot of family problems, and questioned if maybe the world would be better without me. Everything started to change when Lilly shared her testimony at First Priority and invited me to youth group here at Coastal, where I heard the Gospel and learned who Jesus really is. At Winter Camp in January, I believed in Jesus for eternal life, accepted Him as my Lord and Savior, and put my faith and trust in Him. Jesus met me in the middle of my self-doubt and anxiety, gave me peace, and showed me that my life has value and purpose because it belongs to Him. Following Jesus hasn't always been easy, but those challenges have only strengthened my trust in Him and I will never stop following Him. Jesus saved me, changed my heart, and continues to guide me every day.