We exist to glorify God, to display His heart and character, to love others on His behalf, and to let our light shine for Him. I love how we are all uniquely created and designed to do that.
I want to take a moment to thank Krystine Kercher for sharing her Faith Story with us today. Please give her a warm welcome as she tells us how she shines her light for Jesus.
Krystine's Bio
Krystine Kercher, artist, author and entrepreneur, creates from her heart for pleasure and the joy of sharing with others. A former MK (missionary kid) from West Papua, Indonesia, she grew up having lots of adventures with her friends in the expat and local communities.
Today she writes fantasy and science fiction from a Christian perspective while sharing her love of adventure with her readers. She is also a mother to two children who like to read her books. She loves her tuxedo cat, Shelah, who is both naughty and affectionate. She also loves gardening, sewing, and creating artwork using a variety of media.
Take a moment to visit Krystine's author website and artist website.
Krystine, when was the first time you heard the Gospel, and what was your initial reaction to that message?
My parents are now retired missionaries (Dad is an ordained minister), so I grew up hearing the stories about Jesus and his death on the cross for our sins. I first really understood the Gospel as applying to me at the age of four, and I wanted Jesus in my life, so I prayed that He would forgive my sins and come into my heart.
What did your life revolve around the most before you became a Christian?
Um...playing with my dolls and stuffed animals? Tea parties with Mom, and hanging out with the local kids in Indonesia, one of whom was my baby sitter for the first few years.
Where did you get your security or happiness from?
My parents, and their relationship to each other and to me in our home. Also my relationship with my younger brother, whom I was really close to and loved a lot.
What were you searching for before coming to know Christ? What were the reasons you felt the need to know Him?
I don't think I was searching for anything at that age. I understood that we were all sinners and that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and for that sacrifice to be good for me, I needed to accept it, and I needed to ask God to forgive my sins. I understood that I didn't feel good about it when I had been naughty and that I needed that forgiveness just as much as anyone else needs and wants forgiveness for the bad things they say and do.
What caused you to begin considering opening yourself up to God? What prompted you to want to know more about Jesus?
I had an older friend (she was seven) over for night, and she was really searching and asking Mom lots of questions. Mom's answers led to her asking to pray with Mom and invite Jesus into her heart and life. That sounded like a great idea to me, so I prayed, too. I remember that Mom seemed a little surprised (and more than a little thrilled) that I'd understood everything she explained to my friend.
After you received Christ, what changes took place in your life?
I remember being extremely happy and bubbly for a week afterward before life went back to more or less normal. But I started to listen more in church and the Bible stories Mom told me seemed more important somehow. I also started memorizing more Bible verses and Bible songs. I grew up in church and studying the Bible--
How has his forgiveness impacted you?
Even Christians who are saved young need God's forgiveness, often several times a day. It's good to know that God loves me, that He is my Savior and Friend, not just the Judge of all the earth, and that instead of sitting there judging me, He stands ready to lift me up when I stumble and fall, and help me when I call on Him. I've needed His strength so many times over the years when facing difficult situations that I've lost count--
How have your thoughts, attitudes and emotions changed?
Well, I'm not a child any more-- Growing in Christ means developing and exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit in your life. It also means learning to see the world through God's eyes, and developing an understanding of why God wants to see certain thought patterns, activities and growth in our lives as opposed to what the world sometimes expects or even demands of us. Growing in Christ has often put me in conflict with others' expectations and even my own sinful desires. It has most especially meant learning to say no to myself over certain temptations, and learning how to really mean it.
What kinds of ups and downs have you experienced along the way?
When you're saved as a child, later it's easy to wonder and doubt: Did I really understand? Was God's salvation that I experienced then good enough for now? And always the answer has been yes! I am so grateful for God's intervention in my life. When my road has been darkest and filled with pain and suffering, God's hand has also been most evident, leading, guiding, and comforting me. When others have looked down their noses at me and judged me, it has been such a relief that God has come alongside me and reminded me that I am His beloved and dear child, and that He knows my heart better than anyone else does, and He doesn't judge me.
Do you have a favorite verse or Bible passage which is important in explaining your Faith Story?
I have too many! I love Psalm 23, especially that verse about walking through the valley of the shadow of death, and not fearing evil because God is with me. But also I love Philippians 1:6, about "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it," and the passage about putting on the full armor of God, also the Psalm about how He strengthens our arms for battle... I don't always know chapter and verse for every passage I love, but I remember what they say, and that comforts me.
I want to take a moment to thank Krystine Kercher for sharing her Faith Story with us today. Please give her a warm welcome as she tells us how she shines her light for Jesus.
Krystine's Bio
Krystine Kercher, artist, author and entrepreneur, creates from her heart for pleasure and the joy of sharing with others. A former MK (missionary kid) from West Papua, Indonesia, she grew up having lots of adventures with her friends in the expat and local communities.
Today she writes fantasy and science fiction from a Christian perspective while sharing her love of adventure with her readers. She is also a mother to two children who like to read her books. She loves her tuxedo cat, Shelah, who is both naughty and affectionate. She also loves gardening, sewing, and creating artwork using a variety of media.
Take a moment to visit Krystine's author website and artist website.
Krystine, when was the first time you heard the Gospel, and what was your initial reaction to that message?
My parents are now retired missionaries (Dad is an ordained minister), so I grew up hearing the stories about Jesus and his death on the cross for our sins. I first really understood the Gospel as applying to me at the age of four, and I wanted Jesus in my life, so I prayed that He would forgive my sins and come into my heart.
What did your life revolve around the most before you became a Christian?
Um...playing with my dolls and stuffed animals? Tea parties with Mom, and hanging out with the local kids in Indonesia, one of whom was my baby sitter for the first few years.
Where did you get your security or happiness from?
My parents, and their relationship to each other and to me in our home. Also my relationship with my younger brother, whom I was really close to and loved a lot.
What were you searching for before coming to know Christ? What were the reasons you felt the need to know Him?
I don't think I was searching for anything at that age. I understood that we were all sinners and that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and for that sacrifice to be good for me, I needed to accept it, and I needed to ask God to forgive my sins. I understood that I didn't feel good about it when I had been naughty and that I needed that forgiveness just as much as anyone else needs and wants forgiveness for the bad things they say and do.
What caused you to begin considering opening yourself up to God? What prompted you to want to know more about Jesus?
I had an older friend (she was seven) over for night, and she was really searching and asking Mom lots of questions. Mom's answers led to her asking to pray with Mom and invite Jesus into her heart and life. That sounded like a great idea to me, so I prayed, too. I remember that Mom seemed a little surprised (and more than a little thrilled) that I'd understood everything she explained to my friend.
After you received Christ, what changes took place in your life?
I remember being extremely happy and bubbly for a week afterward before life went back to more or less normal. But I started to listen more in church and the Bible stories Mom told me seemed more important somehow. I also started memorizing more Bible verses and Bible songs. I grew up in church and studying the Bible--
How has his forgiveness impacted you?
Even Christians who are saved young need God's forgiveness, often several times a day. It's good to know that God loves me, that He is my Savior and Friend, not just the Judge of all the earth, and that instead of sitting there judging me, He stands ready to lift me up when I stumble and fall, and help me when I call on Him. I've needed His strength so many times over the years when facing difficult situations that I've lost count--
How have your thoughts, attitudes and emotions changed?
Well, I'm not a child any more-- Growing in Christ means developing and exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit in your life. It also means learning to see the world through God's eyes, and developing an understanding of why God wants to see certain thought patterns, activities and growth in our lives as opposed to what the world sometimes expects or even demands of us. Growing in Christ has often put me in conflict with others' expectations and even my own sinful desires. It has most especially meant learning to say no to myself over certain temptations, and learning how to really mean it.
What kinds of ups and downs have you experienced along the way?
When you're saved as a child, later it's easy to wonder and doubt: Did I really understand? Was God's salvation that I experienced then good enough for now? And always the answer has been yes! I am so grateful for God's intervention in my life. When my road has been darkest and filled with pain and suffering, God's hand has also been most evident, leading, guiding, and comforting me. When others have looked down their noses at me and judged me, it has been such a relief that God has come alongside me and reminded me that I am His beloved and dear child, and that He knows my heart better than anyone else does, and He doesn't judge me.
Do you have a favorite verse or Bible passage which is important in explaining your Faith Story?
I have too many! I love Psalm 23, especially that verse about walking through the valley of the shadow of death, and not fearing evil because God is with me. But also I love Philippians 1:6, about "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it," and the passage about putting on the full armor of God, also the Psalm about how He strengthens our arms for battle... I don't always know chapter and verse for every passage I love, but I remember what they say, and that comforts me.
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