I grew up in a strict Roman Catholic family the majority of my life. I questioned a vast amount of the beliefs being taught, and viewed myself as a robot that went through the emotions, and never understanding fully the Word of God. After high school I enlisted directly into the Navy, throughout my career I fell into much sin and become hardened towards God. After my second deployment I came home with an immense amount of anger and disconnection because of the impact from everything that I witnessed and endured while being out there. As a result I became lost in my ways and was at my deepest point.

One day I was driving around Pacific Beach and kept viewing signs for Barabbas Road Church, I felt compelled within to stop and go inside. Immediately as I walked through the doors I was welcomed by the congregation and Pastor Matt, who almost instantaneously knew I was troubled by something. I spoke one on one with Pastor Matt about the issues plaguing me, and the guidance he gave me opened my heart and mind to the Word of God. I was baptized a few weeks later in July 2010.

The work that God’s hands have had in my life since then have been awe inspiring. I now attend an amazing Christian College where I am growing in God’s word and fellowship with others everyday. I thank God so much for His salvation and for leading me to such a loving church community within Barabbas Road Church. God has driven me in directions that have shown me the vast amount of love He has for me. I no longer fear where life will take me for I know God will lead me into the right direction. The internal conflicts I had in the past no longer dwell within me for God has mended my heart and filled it with his loving grace. My name is Leanna and I am Barabbas.