Gretchel's Mess

My story starts out just like any typical story - partied too much, depressed, angry, and feeling “empty”. But you’ll always remember that night where God met you where you were at…

One night in Vegas I asked a friend to hang out thinking we would go bar hopping on the Las Vegas strip. We met at the Venetian and he brought 2 other friends with him. At first we were just casually walking in stores and messing around. Eventually we walked out onto the busy strip.

If you’re not familiar with the Las Vegas strip: you have drunk people, people passing out X-rated cards, tourists, clubbers, homeless people, etc. You can easily grab a yardstick (a giant alcoholic frozen drink) and stroll down the strip. I was ready to have a “good” time.

However, we didn’t do any of that. The first thing my friends did was go up to a random stranger that had a cast on his arm and they asked him if we could pray for him. I was shocked and embarrassed. I had no idea that’s what we were going to do. These guys were evangelizing in this sinful city! I didn’t know what to do, but I continued to tag along.

Then they went up to a homeless person. He seemed stoned just staring into oblivion, but these guys put their arms on him and started praying boldly! I thought this person would punch them or cuss them out, but after they finished praying, he put his hand on theirs and gave them a verse. I can’t remember what that verse was, but that was the moment that God touched me. I knew that I wanted what these guys had! I wanted that fire, boldness, and joy to walk around and tell everyone about God.

I moved to Vegas instantly and engulfed myself in church and ministry. The peace and joy that comes with knowing God is indescribable. I no longer feel empty. I no longer feel “lost”. With God’s perfect love, He saved me from my mess.

And here I am, 13 years later, starting a ministry that God has put on my heart. God is real. He can meet you at your “mess” and give you His perfect love.

“By His wounds, we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5