Christy's Journey

The oldest of three children, I was born and raised in Toledo Ohio.  After graduating from Olivet Nazarene University with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, I married a friend from my home youth group, and we welcomed a son into the world in 1997.   Though I was extremely fortunate to be reared in a Christian home, where I knew all the "Christian answers," I never fully comprehended Christianity to be  a relationship with Jesus.  Because of this, my journey continuously forked away from Jesus, as I desperately tried to fill the hole in my heart with many detrimental choices, which propelled me further away from Jesus because of the overwhelming guilt and shame I carried.  I did not feel worthy to be called a Christian or deserve Jesus' love.  Through the prayers of my family and God's continued faithfulness, He lovingly intersected my path with several evangelists from Crosstyle ministries in the summer of 2001.  During a training camp in Michigan, I realized for the first time, Christianity was not a set of rules, but a wonderful, loving relationship with the Creator of the Universe.  That unforgettable night, I grabbed hold of this life changing truth and ran into my Savior's arms, feeling His embrace like never before.  Immediately, I began teaching woman's Bible studies because I felt incredibly "pressed" to share this freeing news with many.  In the spring of 2005, my husband of 9 years made a decision to walk away from Jesus, therefore, abandoning our family.

As a single mom of three young boys, I faced some of the greatest challenges and "darkest" days of my entire journey.  Upon the death of my father during these same weeks, I was forced to depend on Jesus in many ways I previously never had.  Throughout this chapter, I lived out some of the truths stated in Job "Though my ears had heard of you, now my eyes have seen You."

Miraculously, God continued to pour out healing and wholeness throughout my life.  I graduated with a Master's degree in Counseling, and in 2009, I married Paul Austin, an amazing man who is an anointed worship leader and gifted musician.  God has restored many things in my life, and I continue to stand in awe of Him.  Currently, we reside in Hereford Texas where I continue to teach Bible studies, counsel women, and passionately proclaim the gospel through the teaching of God's Word at various ladies' conferences, retreats, and events.  I will forever be indebted to my Savior for His unending love for me.  In and out of every season and trial, He guides my feet and guards my steps.