For Sunny, Christ Journey Church became more than a church. It became a lifeline.
Raised in church and deeply rooted in her faith, Sunny never imagined she could one day find herself trapped in an abusive relationship. With a background in social work and years spent advocating for vulnerable people, she believed those kinds of situations happened to someone else, not to her.
But life took a painful and unexpected turn.
What began as a relationship with someone who appeared kind and trustworthy slowly revealed itself to be something very different. Over time, manipulation, emotional abuse, isolation, and fear became part of her daily reality. Her faith was mocked. Her sense of security disappeared. She found herself cut off from support, financially drained, and battling both emotional and physical suffering.
Yet even in the darkest moments, Sunny held tightly to one thing: her faith in God.
She remembers telling herself again and again that the darkness surrounding her would not take away the goodness God had placed within her. Even while feeling trapped, she believed God would eventually lead her to freedom.
During that difficult season, there were moments when the weight of everything felt unbearable. But she was not completely alone.
Through the support of Pastor Bill, Pastor Ryan, trusted confidants, and the love and encouragement she experienced through Christ Journey Church, Sunny found hope when she desperately needed it most. She was reminded that nothing is impossible with God, even when circumstances seem impossible to overcome.
For Sunny, the church became a place of refuge, prayer, and healing. A place where she was seen, supported, and reminded that her life still mattered deeply to God.
Today, as Christ Journey celebrates 100 years, her story stands as a powerful reminder of the impact a church family can have. Sometimes ministry looks like worship services and celebrations. Other times, it looks like standing beside someone in their darkest hour and helping them find hope again.
Sunny believes with all her heart that the love and support she received through this church helped save her life.
And for that, gratitude will never fully feel like enough.
