Starting Point Testimony (6) [3/3] — Lisa Ahn

Hi guys! My name is Lisa, and I'm graduating grade 12 this year. For my starting point testimony, I want to share my life before taking Starting Point, my decision to take the class, and my life afterward.

Before taking Starting Point, my life was filled with confusion and uncertainty. My faith felt very weak and distant, often making me feel lost. This uncertainty affected my future decisions, including my future university or whether to continue certain relationships in my life. I didn’t have a strong sense of purpose and I found it difficult to connect with my friends. I was desperate for an answer from God, but my weak faith made it hard to hear His voice, often confusing it with my thoughts and fears. Realizing I needed a closer relationship with God, I decided to take Starting point as a first step toward strengthening my faith and understanding His plans for me.

In the first few weeks, the class felt a bit awkward. I remember everyone was very quiet and unsure of what to expect. Thankfully, Pastor Anthony's board games helped lighten the mood. Through the board games, I discovered more about Minu and Elias, which helped me to get closer to them. Soon, I was looking forward to each session. Over the 9 weeks, I deepened my knowledge of God and reflected on His sacrifices and promises. Answering the reflection questions helped me understand what was stopping me from deepening my relationship with God. They made me confront aspects of my life that I had been avoiding. 

Taking one example, for me, this year was a chapter of my life that I’d love to go back and just press that restart button. But obviously, a restart button does not exist, so all I could do was self-doubt and be in constant self-consciousness. I regretted things a lot and could never forgive myself and others for making such decisions. Not only did it hurt me but it affected the people I care about negatively. I thought, if I can’t even forgive myself then how can God forgive me and the others who hurt me if he loves me? However, the fifth section of the book, titled “Jesus,”  changed my perspective. It mainly focuses on forgiveness. One of the sections read; “You don’t have to forgive yourself; yourself has already been forgiven.” Before it felt very embarrassing to go up to him and ask him for forgiveness, but I’ve realized that self-forgiveness cannot be achieved on its own it’s already granted by God's grace through his own son Jesus. Since God forgave me, then there’s no reason for me to not forgive myself and others. This understanding allowed me to release my burdens and open myself up more fully to God. I started to see my flaws not as overwhelming obstacles but as parts of myself that God already knew and loved.

After completing Starting Point, I noticed some changes in my life. Before, I was filled with regret and self-doubt, unable to forgive myself or others. This was one of the biggest barriers in my relationship with God and with the people around me. Now, I feel an overwhelming sense of God’s forgiveness and love. Understanding that I am created in His image has given me the strength to forgive myself and others, allowing me to move forward. Each session felt like God was speaking directly to me, offering answers and guidance through the lessons and the supportive community He placed around me. Starting Point has been a great stepping stone in deepening my faith and realizing how much I need God. I will continue to seek Him and respond to His plans, knowing He knows what's best for me.

So, this concludes my testimony, thank you everyone for listening! I fully encourage all the youth to take Starting Point because it's a great opportunity to begin your journey with God. Thank you, Minu and Elias, for being in my group, and Pastor Anthony for making it such a great experience for all of us! This concludes ALL our testimonies. Thank you!