Growing up in the Caribbean, I was always taught that family is important. This became the motto of my life. However, as I got older and joined the military at age 18, I was separated from my family and our relationship became somewhat distant. There were many opportunities to connect with them, but I failed to make efforts and gave in to the demands of my job. Though I stayed in touch with them, as I went through different life experiences, I drifted away from what meant so much to me: my family.

A few years later, while at work, I met a member from the Church of God, who was also in the military. She was very welcoming and kind even though the environment we worked in could be considered hostile. She exemplified such humility and strength even in stressful situations, so I naturally gravitated toward her and we became friends. She invited me to church, where I studied the Bible and learned about many things that I had never known before, even though I read the Bible for many years. In the Church of God, we are taught that family is important and the Bible teaches us about our heavenly family through our earthly families.

Through this, I was reminded of the importance of family, love, unity and communication.

As I continued growing in faith and studying the Bible, I began to realize the profound love and will of God, which is to be the best family member that I can be. This became my goal, so I started putting into practice what I had been learning. Soon after, my family started becoming more and more united. This was truly a blessing! But what made me feel even more blessed was the fact that my family has also come to the Church of God and are learning the truth and growing in faith WITH me. This is truly the work of God that I’ve only experienced in this church.