As a child, I feared many things, one of which was Halloween. On a particularly dark Halloween night, when I was about 5 years old, I made a profession of faith to my mother. The confession was prompted by my fear of the dark and Halloween. I wanted to feel safe.

But over the next few years, I grew volatile and loud. As I entered my pre-teen years, I constantly fought with my parents and instigated contention with my siblings. I disliked church and devotions. Only wearing the guise of a Christian, I felt no peace.

In June 2002, my family traveled to Tennessee for a family conference. One day, the counselors shared their personal testimonies with the junior high girls.

There was a girl named Christiana Reed who spoke to us one morning. I noticed that she was happy, and not just outwardly. There was a contented glow about her. Listening to her story, I knew I was lacking the relationship that gave her such joy: a personal walk with Jesus Christ. That night, at age 12, I confessed my sins and accepted Jesus into my heart. The peace and calm that only complete surrender grants made it one of the most perfect moments I have ever experienced.

At Covfamikoi (a Reformed Presbyterian family conference), I met like-minded friends. Through ECHO (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization), I learned how to work in the hot climate while singing psalms and maintaining a cheerful attitude. CYPU (Covenant Young People’s Union) events are also some of the highlights of my year.

Winter Conference, Sonrise, and Fall Ministry are times when all the high-schoolers from our presbytery gather for fellowship and spiritual growth stimulated by a guest speaker. The reunion with long-distance friends, in addition to the message taught, always refreshes and adds zeal to my walk with God.

Growing closer to God, I see myself changing. My personality is less volatile. I rarely explode at my family that way I formerly did. With the assurance that I will never be alone and that God holds my life in His hands, I am content.

—Cathy Mangan