Stories of Faith:
Holding onto H.O.P.E- Kristin Leslie

In 2016, I moved from my hometown to Chattanooga. I prayed that I would get connected with a new church, because my faith and church families are so important to me. After a couple of months attending, I decided that I wanted to get more involved. I reached out to Kevin Gray about the College Ministry. My first night ended up being “Friendsgiving” night- what a perfect night to start, right? I didn’t know it then, but I would forever be grateful for that group.  
Late 2017, I began to experience some anxiety and depression. My anxiety and depression began to get worse throughout 2018. I struggled with severe panic attacks and suicidal thoughts, which began to interfere with my day to day life. During this season, I discovered that I was holding onto hope. I hoped that I would make it through this challenging time, because I had so much more to live for. I began to disconnect from bible study, but my loving group would always reach out and encourage me to be there even on my worst days. I was always blessed to know that I had them and so many others supported me during this time. I found an acronym one night after bible study. This acronym is H.O.P.E. - Hold On Pain Ends. I repeated this almost every day during 2018 and into early 2019. It provided me peace knowing that this season would end, and there would be so much joy to come. 
From January to July of 2019, I moved back (unexpectedly) to my hometown for a bit. This became a time of healing for me. I had connected with a new counselor and found resources that helped me out of that depression. By May of 2019, I rededicated my life to Christ. I found the healing that I so desperately needed and fought so hard to get. In July of 2019, I moved back to Chattanooga after accepting a part time paraprofessional position at Signal Centers. 
Fast forward to present day, I am now a full time Life Enrichment Specialist at Signal Centers. I am a senior at UTC and graduate in May. I also serve as a student leader at the Wesley Center and have been serving in multiple ways at HUMC. I say all this to say, Hold On Pain Ends (H.O.P.E.). No matter what you are going through, please keep holding on to the fact that pain ends and there is so much JOY to follow. You are loved. You matter. Your story isn’t over. Feel free to reach out to me. I love you all so much! 

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Three Things to Know This Week

1.COMMITMENT SUNDAY - October 31st (In services)
  • Annual Giving Commitment Sunday is next week on October 31st. Commitment Sunday is a day that we bring our hearts together in a grateful and generous posture, and commit to our annual giving as a church. We encourage you to bring the pledge cards that you received in the mail, and either submit your pledge in person or electronically on that day. We thank you for honoring God first with your finances, and Walking The Way of Jesus in 2022.

2.WALK THE WAY 5K - November 7th (4-5pm)
  • Join us to hear the testimony of the Bowling family who serve as missionaries in Asia. We will also pray for various topics as we walk and run. There will be inflatables for kids, and we will serve cider & donuts for everyone to enjoy! Not only that, but for every participant that registers for the 5k, we will donate $10 to the Chattanooga Community Kitchen. So please sign up either online or at the welcome kiosks which are located outside of the river and the sanctuary. SIGN UP: CLICK HERE

3.STROLLER FUNDRAISER
  • The Parents Day Out program is currently raising money to purchase a multi-seat stroller to safely transport the infants and toddlers to and from activities. The cost of this necessity is $2,500. If you would like to contribute you can simply write "PDO Stroller" on the memo line through our regular ways to give. (Online, by texting 423-406-6489, or in church services.) GIVE NOW: CLICK HERE
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