God With Us: Cameron Kastner

God has worked in my life in mysterious ways.

God has been a part of my life since I was born. There were times when I grew distant, but I was always brought back. He helped me through everything even when I didn’t seek him. He never stopped watching me and guiding me. When I was baptized, that was the start of my walk with God, and my family helped me keep on this path.

I was in and out of worship and Bible study groups all throughout high school, along with the Bible camps I’d go to. God was a constant presence in my life. When I got to college, I saw myself growing distant. I couldn’t find a good community and got busy with school. Getting caught up, I completely lost touch with the church, but still prayed when I needed it. I could feel myself spiraling, but something was calling out for me, and I didn’t realize at first what it was.

When at my lowest, God brought me to the Wesley. I thank God consistently for Phil, who brought me back both of the times when I needed it most. His help always keeps me coming back and keeping my faith in check with every decision I make. He helped me get connected with people and groups so that I can keep coming back. With this I found my place, where I belonged, what I was supposed to be doing- continuing my walk with God and listening to his good Word.

The community at the Wesley always makes me feel like a big part of the family despite my flaws. They look past them and bring me peace just like God has in my life. Every single one of us thanks God for the good he has done in our lives and sings praises when he guides us through the storm we may be trapped in. God always brings us back rejoicing through his doors no matter where the path may take us, and he welcomes us with open arms- just like everyone at the Wesley.

Joining the Wesley worship team has been one of the biggest and most unforgettable decisions I’ve made in my walk with God. Being able to play instruments and sing praises to God as he speaks through us to everyone who may be listening is different from when I played music in high school, because I feel the presence of God as I worship. The Holy Spirit guides me as I play along to the feeling of the music and the listeners. Despite setbacks, God keeps us on course without trouble as we worship because he is speaking through all of us.

God answers my prayers for myself and everyone I pray for. He helped my aunts as they keep coming out of a consistent dark place in their lives. He helped my neighbor the most and still does as she’s going through heart problems at her age. He consistently helps everyone I pray for and even the people I may not know to pray for. He always helps everyone who seeks his help.

Quite recently I was in an auto accident and started freaking out, not being able to think straight. Within seconds a lady pulls up to make sure I’m ok and asks to pray for me. God was with me the entire time and showed up instantly when I needed it the most. Even when you may not think it, God is with you always to help you when you need saving.

I thank him every day because he is my hero that saved me from the darkness. As I heard one of my favorite bands, Skillet, say, “We may have friends as heroes. We all have one common hero. God and Jesus are our heroes.” I thank everyone near me for their faith, as well. I thank Adam and Austin for their consistent checkups on me, I thank Phil for always being there for me, and I thank everyone for being the loving community I can call a family. Everyone here is one of my heroes, too.

I’m sad I’m not able to join the mission trip this summer because of school, but I’m going to make it my goal to spread the Word of God wherever I may go. Then when the time is right, I will be able to go on the mission with everyone else and spread his good word on a wider basis. Everyone can love and get to know God like he loves and knows us because we are his children. Nothing matches up to the relief and peace God brings to people who need it the most.

I thank God everyday for what he has done and will continue to do for the rest of my life.

Cameron is a blessing to our community. He is currently a fourth year student at Louisiana Tech majoring in mechanical engineering. Cam enjoys hanging out with friends, playing video games, and working out. We are grateful to walk alongside him as he continues to grow in his faith!