No More "Normal"
One word could describe Kristen’s life: routine. For her husband, Allen, it was basically the same.
“Everything was work and family,” Allen said. “Not very social or open at all.”
Kristen knew that- for herself and her family- life was better when they were connected to a church family. They just did not have one at the moment.
Then they began seeing signs for LifeSpring around Smithfield. And on Facebook. In fact, “Every time I turned around it seemed like I seen a sign or something on Facebook,” Allen said.
This went on for about a year. Looking back, Kristen says she feels like God was giving her a loving nudge to put her on the right path. Then they received a mailer from LifeSpring for “Unstuck” in August 2018, and decided it was time to check out LifeSpring.
Kristen and Allen began attending regularly from that point on. Then, at LifeSpring’s Easter experience in 2019, when Pastor Dillon invited people to stand up, come forward, and step into a relationship with Jesus, both Kristen and Allen did so.
Ever since then, Jesus has completely changed their lives.
Kristen says that now, after coming to faith in Christ, her life is peaceful.
“Not so much my surroundings, with all of life's fun adventures, but my spirit. It is such a wonderful feeling that God goes before me in every situation. He is greater than me and any problem the world brings.”
As for Allen, who admits he has never been a very social person, Jesus has begun to move him into friendships with other people.
“It has helped me open up as a person. I've never been a real social person and since joining LifeSpring I have made several friends and even joined a LifeGroup. I've also become more proud and open about my faith instead of keeping it to myself. I try to live my life to where other people can see how good God is and what he's done for me.”
They were baptized together in the months ahead, and they are happy to have a church family they can call “home.” On that note, to anyone not connected to church, Allen has this to say:
“Give LifeSpring a try. I've been to several churches and have never really felt welcomed. (The) First Sunday we attended LifeSpring we were greeted by at least 15 people before we ever sat down. I've made new friends and bonds I wouldn't trade for anything. I really feel at home every Sunday.”