By: Merry Beth Low 

To reflect on what God has done in my life is a very humbling task. It's humbling because I am overwhelmed by my God's love and his constant provision in my life. I grew up in Pensacola and came to know Jesus when I was young. My parents and my church family taught me the gospel constantly and the importance of sharing the love of Jesus to everyone. I attended Samford University for college and continued to grow in my faith. I studied International Relations and French and was pursuing further studies in International law.

However, during my senior year, a representative from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary came to our campus and spoke with me about their missions program. In my mind, seminary was for men who wanted to become pastors, so as a woman, I felt strange about this possibility but also knew God was opening a door for me. Shortly before I graduated college, I made the decision to attend seminary.

While at Gordon Conwell, I focused my studies on other religions and ways to communicate the gospel with people who believe differently than I do. Although I was studying other cultures, God impressed on me the need for sharing the gospel in America. Around the beginning of my second year at seminary, God brought my now husband, Jim Low, into my life. As soon as we started dating, I could not see myself marrying anyone else. I cannot thank God enough for bring Jim into my life. Jim's love for the Lord, for me, and his compassion for others is humbling and encouraging.

While at seminary and as Jim finished his Masters of Divinity at seminary, I taught French at a local Christian school. When Jim's seminary came to a close, we had to pray about whether stay in Boston or to seek other directions for our lives. Jim encouraged me to apply for graduate programs in French because he saw how much I loved teaching the language. A few months later, I was accepted at Florida State University and we decided to move.

Our first year in Tallahassee has not been easy. Jim moved down here not knowing for sure what he would be doing for work. Moreover, my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer during the first week of my program. While I was happy to be closer to my family, I was saddened and confused wondering why God would let something like this happen. With Jim's transition and sickness in our families, we have definitely learned to rely on God during this year. We decided to go to City Church in February and joined a community group whose prayers and love have been invaluable during this time. God has given us peace about finances and thankfully, no cancer has been found in my sister's other organs. God has been so good to us and we are so grateful for the role that City Church has played and will continue to play in our lives.