Heather Baker Utley, Communications Director

Spiritual Journey

Page Photo The turning points in my spiritual journey are as follows:

*Age 13: I'm sitting in a Friday night candlelight service at camp. The counselor is talking about Jesus, and for the first time in my life, I realize he's real and he loves me. Later, I find out this is called, "accepting Jesus into your heart." This helps me to overcome years of feeling alone.

*Age 17: I begin ministering to other teenagers through a program called Chrysalis. Although I'm still very much a teenager, I am humbled by what God teaches me about myself through service.

*Age 18: I begin studies at Taylor University, a Christian school in Upland, Indiana. For the first time in my life I experience true community. Faith becomes something that permeates every part of my life.

*Age 20 1/4: I'm crying and hugging a friend after a long week of missions in Honduras. After fighting months of depression, I realize that I've been trying to become someone I'm not. I hear the Lord say to me, "The only part about you that matters is who you are in me...who you are in whom I've created you to be..."

Age 20 3/4: I'm sitting in the laundry area of my dorm room in Kenya. It was four months into a five month study program, and I completely lost the will to stand up and face life--everything was too hard. For the first time ever, I can see what it looks like to be fully broken. I understand how dark and empty my life would be without God.

*Age 21: I enjoy the year known as "The Castle" where friends were always close by and my spiritual journey is renewing.

*Age 22: I visit the state of Washington on a 5-day trip to figure out what life will be after college. I explore Youth Dynamics and the Northwest. By the time it's clear enough to see Mt. Baker, I'm convinced that God has prepared a place for me here.

*Age 23: I arrive in Washington, after an 8-month journey of support raising. I was ready to begin a new life in which I'd be fully dependent on the Lord. During my first week on the job, I kayaked 50 miles of whitewater and prayed with a student who asked Christ into her life.

*Age 25: After months of searching for purpose and answers, God gives me the opportunity to serve Him with my giftings. I praise Him for the opportunity to write and perform my songs, to write for print publications, and to move into the role of Communications Director at YD.