Henry Hartley

Hi, my name’s Henry, and as of now, I’m a sophomore. My whole family has always been very Christian, always going to church, knowing the gospel, reading the bible, etc, but I just couldn’t feel it like they did.

When I was in 7th grade, I decided to move schools. I was getting made fun of and thought people had my back, but came to realize I didn’t really have anyone there for me. I felt as if I told my brother or my parents, I would be called crazy (at such a young age). That was when I started to realize what depression truly was, and eventually turned to sin.

When I came to Pine Lake in 8th grade, I felt like I was talked about differently from my brother, because we were night and day. I became even more depressed, since I couldn’t talk to anyone at my new school. I turned to drugs and found myself in a very dark hole in my life.

Around midnight one night, I thought it was the end. As I continued to tell myself I was an atheist (and at the time I was), I filled my pockets with rocks and went to the nearest dock on my street, and I was going to jump. I was furious with God, cursing him out and telling him how much I needed help. Right when I told myself, “This is it, what I’m doing is permanent,” I felt someone hold me back by my shoulder. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get the nerve to jump anymore.

It turned out it was God. Fast forward, I went home at around 3 am, and was digging through my room and found a Bible I’d had since preschool. It was pretty beat up, but I just knew it would work. I got on my hands and knees and started bawling. I just said, “God, why are you doing this to me? I thought you hated me.” Right then, I heard him call out my name, and speak in my mind all these Bible verses I’ve never even heard of before, telling me how loved I am and how everything is going to be alright.

My heart and soul were protected by my father. I continued to pray more and more, even if I couldn’t feel it. I eventually got myself back in a better place and found someone who I could connect with. She told me about this one church, and ever since, it’s been my second home.

I’ve been on and off with Christ many times, but around some time in January earlier this year, I finally made the decision to give my life to Christ. I was baptized. As the pastor dunked me underwater, I heard God call out my name again. I was being congratulated.

Ever since then, I’ve been praying to God anytime I can. I used to think church was a waste of time, but I’ve realized that no matter what anyone’s going through, there’s always someone there. Even if you can’t feel it.

My name is Henry Hartley, and this is my testimony.