This is my testimony.

 

My name is Calli Nickels & I am a 15 year old girl. I was saved by the grace of Christ at an early age.  I was 6 years old and I knew Jesus, he became the Lord of my life and my personal savior.  We moved to Georgia as a family in 2004, and we joined the First Baptist Church of Washington.  When I was 13 our interim pastor announced that he was taking a group of people to Romania on a mission trip to share Christ with the gypsies there.  I really felt that God wanted me to go.  So with the help of the community, our church, family and friends I raised the money needed and went with the group of adults for 11 days.  It was amazing and I was so blessed.  Fast forward 9 months; it is April and I was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in my right humerus.  Osteo is a very painful type of bone cancer and requires a hard battle.  At first I was angry with God, after all he had allowed it and I thought that I didn't deserve it, I loved him, I was a good girl, I tried to be.  I was also confused and wondered what had I done wrong, what was I being punished for? But, my mom explained to me that we just life in a fallen world and that if God has said no to our prayers that this just be an infection or something then he had a BIGGER YES to say to me through it.  Mom and Dad encouraged me to turn it over to the Lord and to turn to the Word of God to find the answers; she helped me find that my GOD does not act of vengeance and anger, that it wasn't punishment but perhaps a blessing. We also found together a few verses that have been my prayer, Hebrews 12: 1-3.  Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Those verses have carried me through the journey.  After months of chemo, 2 major surgeries, and what seemed endless days I am now in remission.  It is my hope that others have seen Christ in me that they will continue to be able to.  I am a young lady and will undoubtedly face more in life, but I am now thankful that I know that in the Giant trials of life, God is faithful.  He is always by my side, holding my hand, catching every tear shed, my constant companion and merciful. 

By Faith we live.

Calli Nickels