From Heather Peterson
I was confirmed when I was 14. It was a faith step that I took very seriously, although, at the time, I did not have much understanding of what exactly committing my life to Christ meant. Until then, I hadn't taken much consideration in what ways my religion would affect my day-to-day-life. While my confirmation was a starting point for this "revelation," joining a Covenant Discipleship Group enhanced and solidified my decision to lead a Christian life.

The first time I attended a covenant group meeting, I was amazed at the power a small gathering of teenage Christians could have on each other. Instead of being preached to, they talked and listened amongst themselves. Their daily problems became the prayers of the group; their everyday joys were celebrated.

I learned that, while it was very important to keep up with Bible readings and devotions on a daily basis, if I missed a week of public worship, the group would send positive encouragement, rather than condemn me. This type of love and support encouraged my faith to grow.

The members of my group became some of my closest friends. Soon I found that I was able to return their kindness and open hearts with my own prayers. Joining a covenant group was easily one of the most significant beginning steps in my faith journey. Through the love of the members of my group, I began to understand the love of Christ.

Heather Peterson is majoring in Theatrical Arts at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.

From Laurie Grant
While in high school, covenant discipleship was one of the many activities I looked forward to at church each week. It was a social as well as spiritual place where I wasn't afraid to let my guard down. I believe that very few youth today are able to do so. That is why I feel blessed to have had such a safe haven of people who grew to be my best friends and also my spiritual support group. We shared laughter and tears. We also held each other accountable for daily Christian living. These individuals were a constant reminder of God's love and promises. They were the em-bodiment of (God's) strength on our journey. Now, continuing the journey in college, I know that the prayers of these Christians follow me. Their encouragement has helped me achieve personal goals I never thought possible, and I hope I have done the same for them.

Laurie Grant is an Education major at Edin-boro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, PA.

From Molly Krebs
Our covenant group changed my life. It made me into a person that I like, a person that I'm proud to be. I still read my devotions every day, at least the Bible. I want to read a devotional book, but I have to wait until I have time to pick one out at church again. Our covenant was and is essential to my life. I know that I would be a totally different person, and my relationship with God wouldn't be half so strong. Thanks, Mrs. Osborne, you gave us the chance to form our group. I know that sometimes it was difficult to put up with us, and we were almost never done in an hour, but...

Molly Krebs studied in Germany her senior year of high school and is now a freshman at Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.