"Being raised in a performance based home, I was taught to believe in my own power and abilities rather than a higher power. While I had heard the Gospel many times throughout my young life it was never a priority or even had a place in my home. I was taught to work hard to the best of my ability and to strive for worldly success such as money, influence and power. I followed this life prescription for a long time. Since I was the one in control, I was very selfish. I chose very wrong paths in high school experimenting with alcohol, drugs and pre-marital sex. But I was a hard worker and so I was not disciplined for these actions. I graduated from college and obtained a good job working in the corporate world. I had climbed the ladder next in line for management. I had been married for three years. I took trips 2-3 times per year to vacation destinations. I had a nice car and home in Folsom. I was respected in my workplace and worked hard to achieve monetary and influential goals. However, I was miserable. My marriage was in serious trouble because I was looking for my husband to fill my emptiness. I was 50 pounds overweight from using food to fill my emptiness. I was shopping and decorating to fill my emptiness. Nothing made me happy or filled the void in my heart. I felt even emptier once the temporary high of worldly success wore off.

In 1998, I met a Christian who came to work with me. She and I became close and I shared my past with her and my current miseries. She invited me to church, and even though I was very reluctant, I attended church with her. The Gospel was preached so clearly and I fully understood what God was teaching me. I really felt God speaking to my heart that following Jesus would fill the void in my heart. Since I had reached an emotional low, I had nothing to lose. I committed my life that Sunday in August 1998 to Christ. My conversion was not some kinds of revolutionary epiphany where a change was seen overnight. It has been a journey of spiritual growth through regular Bible Reading, Prayer and meeting with brothers and sisters in Christ. God has given me blessings beyond what I could ever have asked or imagined. First, he has FORGIVEN ME my past sins. I am no longer the old me, but the new person in Christ that He sees. The love that I feel from Him for this is overwhelming. As if this wasn’t enough, He provided me with a great church, New Song, to surround me with His love, mercy, compassion, and teaching. He has given me a purpose that never changes no matter what season of life I am going through. He has stifled desires for drugs, alcohol and excessive spending. He has given me wisdom from His Word and my brothers and sisters in Christ to help my marriage grow and strengthen. He has afforded my family the ability for me to stay home. He has blessed me with two beautiful girls to raise as warriors for Him. And Gods not finished with me yet! I can’t wait to see what he is going to do next! If He can do all that for me, what do you think He can do for you?" - Betsy Lavezzo