Suzanna and Andrew’s stories

Susanna grew up in a Christian household, but her family’s public faith didn’t match the struggles they faced behind closed doors, especially with her mom’s mental health. This led her to become introverted and seek an escape through sports. While she initially found her purpose in raising her three daughters, she recently felt a calling from God for something more as her oldest daughter, Maddie, prepares for college. Her favourite Bible story is the healing of the paralysed man, which speaks to her need to let others in to receive healing. She and her husband, a chef, have recently started a catering business, which is a new test of their faith.

Andrew, who is 16, also shared his story of growing up with parents who had moved away from religion. They eventually found their way back to a church called Fathom, but Andrew felt pressure to be a ​“good kid” and put on a mask of faith while privately struggling. He felt a deep sense of loneliness, which eventually led him to cry out to God. Andrew found healing and was baptised at age 13. His favourite Bible story is the parable of the prodigal son, which he relates to his own experience of returning to God’s open arms. He is now active in missions and feels God is preparing him for the future as he looks toward college.