A Testimony of Redemption and Belonging

As narrated during GFCF Sacramento's 30th Anniversary - April 26, 2026

by Cynthia Burmeister

Today I celebrate God’s faithfulness and the gift of belonging to a church family. Before I became a Christian. I was full of hatred, brokenness, and unforgiveness. I was a young mother of three, divorced, and overwhelmed by fear about how to raise my children on a small income. I worked twelve hours a day to make ends meet. I felt disconnected from God, lost my faith, and stopped going to church. I felt so alone, discouraged, and exhausted—physically and emotionally—like the world had stopped revolving.

While juggling work, school, and motherhood, I reached a breaking point. I asked God, “What will I do now?” God, in His goodness, answered in His perfect timing. After many years He sent Henning, who became my husband and reintroduced me to the Lord. Through him I learned that God is forgiving, loving, and faithful—God who is always with me and never leaves me nor forsakes me. When God found me He reminded me of His promise:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11

Receiving Christ as my Lord and Savior made me whole. I am no longer broken; I am a new, complete person with a stronger faith in our loving, forgiving God. My relationship with the Lord deepened, and He blessed me and my family abundantly. I learned that God loves me unconditionally.

Belonging to this church has been more than attending services—it has been the place where God’s love became tangible and practical in my life. Because of this belonging, I moved from isolation to community, from fear to trust, and from despair to purpose. The church became a refuge where God’s people became instruments of restoration in my life.

My story is not about me—it is about what God has done. Every step of healing and every blessing points back to His mercy and grace. My testimony magnifies God’s name because it shows that when a life is surrendered to Christ and supported by a church family, God’s plans for hope and a future are fulfilled. Matthew 11:28–29 became my refuge:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

These words taught me to bring my weariness to Jesus and to find rest in His gentle care. May the Lord continue to strengthen me and every member of this church. May our fellowship remain a place of refuge, encouragement, and spiritual growth. May our lives, like mine, be a living testimonies that bring honor and glory to God.