Hello, My name is Ethan Thiem. I’m 21 years old, and I go to UW for Electrical Engineering. I have been attending New Life for about 2 years now, and I have enjoyed all of it.

I did not grow up in the church, and the only times I would hear about it were through my friends throughout high school. I didn’t think about it much until I got to my first few years of college. I heard about New Life through my girlfriend and didn’t think too much of it. However, one random Sunday, I decided that I wanted to attend a sermon and see what this Christianity thing was all about. I had a friend who was also interested, so he tagged along as well. I don’t remember what the sermon was about, but I remember liking the message and how it really resonated with me.

From then on, I decided to continue going to church every Sunday to hear the good message. One day after the sermon, I was informed that there was a college community group that I could attend on Wednesdays in Seattle. I decided to visit. I remember it was awkward for me, but it was also a new learning experience. It was simply a small group where I was able to talk about my life and share my own experiences. We ate good food, talked about our faith, and ended with prayer. From then on, I decided to commit to this group, and I would try my best to visit every week throughout the year. Each session, I would slowly build my faith and this community along with it. From when I first started up until now, I can say that I have become closer to God, and I have definitely learned a lot. There is still room for improvement, but I can say that having a community alongside me has made me realize that I am on the right path and that God has paved the way for me.

As of now, I am a firm believer, and I trust that God will lead me in the right direction. I am so grateful to be a part of Christ and this church. This community, my friends, my family–I love them all, and it's all thanks to God. This confirmation is a way for me to show that my commitment to this is real and that I will continue to grow in my faith.

In my life, I have always been unsure about many things, but I am sure I know that this is something that I will consistently pursue. I admire how others appreciate that Jesus loves everyone, and I will continuously strive to live like that as well.

I ask that you all pray for me throughout this journey and uplift me as my relationship with God develops. Thank you all for listening to my testimony and this journey of faith. Amen.

-Ethan