For the past few weeks, I have been considered by many, angry.  I was constantly being questioned about my mood.  I was never really mad that whole time, just confused. For the past few Sundays that I went to church, I was feeling weird as if I was bored. This Sunday started off the same.  But, during the sermon, Mrs. Susan, the Pastor's wife, began talking about how it was one of her Christian duties to serve the Lord by helping all of the young kids. She told us that she loved us no matter what. Brother Rufus, the pastor, called for all people inside the church, the young adults in particular, to come and join him at the altar for prayer. At this Instant, I had this feeling of hesitation, I did not want to go, but I knew I had to.

When I reached the altar, I sat beside Heather and the church members began praying.  I felt the Spirit within and I began uncontrollably crying.  When prayer was over, Heather took me back to the car and asked me what was wrong. I told her I did!

Not know, but I felt like a totally different person. Heather's mom went back inside to retrieve Bro. Rufus.  He took me by the hand and walked me up to the altar. "I can't tell you the words to say. You have do it alone. This is between you and God. The most we can do is pray." At that moment I knew what I had to do. Still crying, I prayed to God and begged him to forgive me of my sins. I told him that I accepted him. Time and time went by and I felt this urge to lift my head up off of the altar. "If you were to die right now, would you go to Heaven?" Bro. Rufus asked. I told him 'Absolutely.'  He lifted my hand and helped me stand.  Amazing Grace started playing and the whole congregation approached me one at a time and opened their hearts to me. I felt as if my knees were going to buckle. I realized today that God is my Creator and the key to Salvaton is Jesus Christ.  I accepted that Jesus died on the cross for me, for all of us. After 15 years, I finally have peace in  my heart.

- Hunter Santiago