Rebecca Ridner. Na 01.
I first heard of New Attitude when my sisters asked me to attend in 2000. I was a senior in high school, didn’t know the Lord, and was definitely not going to Na. I saw how my sisters served God during their college years and I had a different plan for mine. When I decided college I went to South Florida. I figured 2 states away from Tennessee was a safe distance from my sisters and their God. But God in his great mercy had a different plan. He graciously saved me in November of my first semester. I knew of no other Christians at school and didn’t have a church. I was miserable. When asked to go to Na the following year I jumped at the opportunity. In January 2001 I loaded a bus filled with college students and headed to Philly. As the first session started, I knew this was what my soul was longing for: worship, the Gospel, and fellowship. I can still remember the session topics but was most impacted by Josh’s on the local church.
As I lay in bed the night before returning to Florida I kept hearing Josh say, “Do whatever it takes to be a part of a local Church”. I didn’t have a church or know of a good one except one in Tennessee. But I couldn’t just move, could I? Classes were to start in two days and I had a new job and an apartment lease. But I couldn’t shake Josh’s voice. I knew God was calling me to Tennessee.
Then in 2002 at New Attitude I gave my testimony during the last session and was able to describe the incredible impact the local church had on me over that year. My future husband, Chad, was in the audience and while I was speaking the Lord told him “That is your wife” (of course Chad didn’t tell me until we were engaged). He obviously heard right because we have been married for 6 years and have 3 wonderful children.
Thank you God for Na!
