A Testimony of Transformation

One question that we often get asked as Fellows is to speak about spiritual journey

or give our testimony. While I have always loved God and considered myself a

Christian, I have started to realize that my spiritual journey did not truly begin until I

became a Fellow.

Growing up my family didn’t go to church, and I rarely went unless I had a friend who

did. This started a chain of church hopping every time I moved to a new city, and even

then, I wasn’t a part of the community. By the time college came around I thought it would

be good for me to go to Grove City College, a private Christian school; though I did

feel closer to God through the chapel sessions, I never truly felt like I was a part of the

community.

When I joined the Fellows, I expected nothing more than the same as what happened at

school and previous churches. About a month into the program when all the Fellows started feeling more comfortable, we started to have more theological conversations in our

living room. At first, I was nervous because I had less biblical knowledge than the others. To my surprise, they did not balk at me, but rather, took the time to describe the history

and related verses for each topic. For the first time I felt free to express my opinions and

questions without fear of judgment.

Not only has this inspired me to be more inquisitive and excited about my faith, but it has

also given me more confidence. Since joining the Pittsburgh Fellows, I no longer shirk away from theological conversations with strangers. I believe that there is more depth to my belief,

and I am closer to God than I ever have been.

-Heather Zamudio, Class of 2025

Fellow at ConnectiveRx