Thais Soa-Joao

I grew up in the Catholic church and was taught about Jesus from a young age. I knew who He was, but I didn’t yet understand what it meant to walk with Him personally. During the pandemic, in a time of uncertainty and searching, a close friend invited me to join an online women’s Bible study. As we studied Scripture together, I began to see my own sin more clearly and to understand my need for a Savior—not just someone to believe in from a distance, but someone to trust with my whole life.

It was during that season that I surrendered my heart to Jesus, confessed my faith in Him, and committed my life to follow Him. Since then, my relationship with Christ has changed me deeply. I face challenges with peace instead of fear. My relationships are becoming more compassionate and forgiving. I live each day with purpose, hope, and joy that comes from knowing I belong to Him.

A passage that has been especially meaningful in my journey is Psalm 23. It reminds me that the Lord is my Shepherd—my protector and provider. My earthly father abandoned me, and for many years I carried fear and insecurity. But through this Psalm, God has shown me that I am never alone. He walks with me, He leads me, and He restores my soul. His love is steady, and He has become the Father of my heart.

Today, I stand here to publicly declare that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. I belong to Him, and I desire to follow Him all the days of my life. Amen.