In August 2023, Annie reached out to our team through the billboard phone number. She was a 22-year- 0ld wife, a new mother to a six-month-old baby. Her voice trembled with uncertainty as she shared her struggles. “I’m trying to seek after God, but I’m not getting there,” she confessed. Annie felt isolated and alone, burdened by a deep sense of shame and emptiness. “I’m not worth anything,” she reflected as she described the heavy weight on her heart.
Annie’s circumstances were difficult. Her husband, an atheist, was consumed by dope and video games, and he followed immoral women online. Annie had never been deeply connected to a church community, though she believed in God. Her family life was fragmented, with only a distant relationship with her mother. Though her father loved her in his own way, she grew up under the care of her aunt and uncle without the healthy coping skills she desperately needed. “There’s a huge block from any good relationships in my life,” Annie said.
Despite the darkness, Annie had a yearning deep within—a desire to know God, to focus on Him instead of herself. Our phone team member recommended a conservative Anabaptist woman as a mentor to walk alongside her in this spiritual journey.
Throughout the past 14 months, Annie kept in touch with our team member through an occasional text message. A few months ago, she shared a glimmer of hope, texting us the words from Romans 8:38-39, a passage that speaks of God’s unshakable love. But soon after, the storm clouds had returned. “Things are not well spiritually,” she wrote. When our team member invited her to call, Annie hesitated, saying, “I’m not sure where to begin.” But God was still at work in her life. Recently, Annie left a voicemail with a remarkable request. She asked for help for her brother, wanting for him the help she had received. And just the day before, she had sent a message that touched our hearts deeply. In her message, Annie shared the following testimony:
“I have found a relationship with God. I can’t think of existing in any other way. Meeting you has helped me a lot, and the [mentor] you connected me with has been such a blessing.”
That testimony was a powerful reminder of how God works through even the most difficult circumstances to bring people closer to Him. Our team member reached out to Annie’s mentor to let her know how much impact she has had on Annie’s life. Her encouragement and mentorship are gifts from God.
Annie’s story is not over but is a reminder of the importance of being there for those who are searching, offering them hope and showing a path to God’s peace.
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