For Barbie, faith has been a journey marked by searching, struggle, and ultimately, a return to where her heart always belonged.
She reflects on the words of Matthew 7:13–14, the contrast between the wide path and the narrow one, as a picture of her own story. Through every season, even when her path felt unclear, one truth remained: her heart has always belonged to Jesus.
She was born into the Catholic faith, raised in the rhythms of Sunday school and the sacraments. For much of her early life, church was consistent and familiar. But around the age of 13, that consistency began to fade, and attendance became more occasional.
Later in life, she experienced a renewed commitment to her faith, becoming a born-again Christian and being baptized again. Yet even after that, life brought deep pain and hardship that led her far from the church for a time. During those years, she explored other spiritual paths, searching for meaning and healing.
Still, she felt a pull she could not ignore.
That pull led her back toward Jesus, slowly at first. After meeting her husband, whose family is Lutheran, she began attending church services again, both locally and when visiting family. Over time, her connection to Christianity grew stronger, even as she continued seeking and learning in her own way.
Through everything she has faced, including significant health challenges and personal trauma, Barbie has held onto one constant. Jesus has been her refuge and her Savior.
Recently, a new chapter began.
About a month ago, she attended a Celebration of Life service at Christ Journey Church. That moment led her to discover a church family she describes as beautiful and welcoming. Since then, she has been attending online and recently experienced a Sunday service in person for the first time.
Now, she feels something she has been searching for.
A sense of home.
For Barbie, this moment is not just about finding a church. It is about recognizing that through every twist and turn, every season of wandering and returning, Jesus never left her.
And now, as Christ Journey Church celebrates 100 years, her story becomes part of that legacy. A story of grace, redemption, and a faith that endures.
Jesus has always been in her heart.
And now, this church family is too.
