JOY MCCARNAN
Joy was blessed to grow up under the godly ministry of Christian parents, pastors, and teachers. At different times, she attended a public school and a Christian school, and her family also homeschooled for a while.
Being a good kid made a lot of sense to Joy. She tried hard to be right with everyone and to do everything right. She did not want to be a disappointment to anyone. Joy had learned about God and wanted to be right with Him. She prayed a lot, tried to obey, and responded to invitations after Gospel sermons. She made a lot of decisions about Jesus, music, and friends. For a long time, Joy was able to convince herself and everyone else that she was a devoted Christian. But Someone was missing.
It was not until the summer of her senior year in high school that the simple Gospel message finally "clicked" in Joy's mind and heart. She was working on the summer staff of a Christian camp. She realized she could not pray for campers to respond to the preaching if she was unwilling to respond herself. So she decided that she would listen to God's Word and obey, no matter what He brought to her attention. Joy was surprised and upset when God showed her that she had been counting on her past memories, public testimony, and Bible knowledge to give her peace about being right with Him. Through His Word and by His grace, God made it clear to Joy that Christ is the One Who does the saving, and that she needed to count on Christ to save her.
Lots of religious people know deep things about God and do good deeds in His name, but few people have a sincere, personal relationship with God. Since that summer at camp, God has continued to change Joy and teach her that authentic Christianity is in Jesus Christ alone – not in our own goodness or good works. And since Joy called upon Jesus and began trusting Him, He has been making her right with God and giving her peace about eternal life.
About her involvement in the ministry of Kids 4 Truth, Joy writes, "I share K4T's burden to help children understand the Gospel without confusion. I hope to encourage them to love, obey, and count on Christ. I am thankful that God saved this 'good kid' and that He continues to teach me and grow me into a genuine Christian, by His grace."
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