We always enjoy hearing your stories—God works in so many beautiful ways around the world! Here, Gretchen, a podrishioner from Ecuador, shares her story.
I grew up in a Christian home, so Jesus was prevalent in our lives. But at 18, I rebelled against the restrictions, the guilt and the endless questions that I couldn’t find satisfying answers for. So much of the Bible didn’t make sense to me, so I rejected it. But I always felt something “god-like” was in charge of the universe.
I was an agnostic into my 50s when my sister loaned me books by author Jan Karon. Somehow those stories broke that resistance and spoke to me. Shortly after, my nephew was able to reach through my armor and discuss Jesus with me. I was getting knee replacements at this time and that experience fixed in my mind that I had to trust a power greater than myself (the surgeon), though I didn’t fully understand the process. That humbling let me open up to God.
My sister also introduced me to Greg Boyd’s books, all of which I read, and I also heard about Greg through my niece who had him as her professor at Bethel. Then I started watching Woodland’s sermons each week. Since my early experiences of Christianity were so strict and dogmatic, the less formal atmosphere, and room for varying opinions on non-salvation matters of faith, really appealed to me. Woodland looks forward, not just backwards, which is refreshing.
The clarification of what hell is and is not, was particularly enlightening to me. Since the subject of suffering is a major stumbling block for so many (especially me), I appreciate Woodland’s honesty and openness on this important issue. Greg’s reminders about our biblical obligation to care for the earth and animal kingdom are so timely and of utmost importance, and I appreciate his courage in addressing this.
We retired overseas, so it is a real blessing to have access to Woodland Hills via the internet.
I’ve been in a Woodland Gathering Group for a few years now, and getting to know my fellow believers has been fulfilling for me, living so far away in a foreign country. I even got to meet my Zoom leader last week in person, when we were both visiting my home state of California. I feel like I have a church family, even when I’m 4,000 miles away.
I’m still plagued by endless questions, and love that Woodland embraces them, instead of avoiding difficult problems. That means the world!
Thank you Gretchen for embracing the questions, too! If you have a story you’d like to share we’d love to hear it. Email info@whchurch.org.
