Finding Peace and Purpose

Divorced at age 19, Natalie described the next two years of her life as riding a roller coaster of highs and lows. “I was young and immature, too young to get married, and did it for all the wrong reasons,” recalled Natalie.

Her marriage had lasted six months. “After my divorce, I felt lost and continued to make bad decisions,” she said. “I thought it was more fun to party with my friends. But I was going down the wrong path.”

Natalie knew it was time to get on a healthier path after another bad relationship ended poorly. Grasping for something stable, she reached out to God. “I fell down on my knees and asked God to cleanse me and change the direction of my life,” said Natalie. “I joined a small group and became more serious about my relationship with God.”

Natalie was baptized on a chilly day in December. “It was one of the greatest moments in my life,” she said. “I had no words, just tears. All my sins and failures were washed away. I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.”

With the encouragement of her mother and her small group leader, Natalie attended services regularly and looked for ways to connect with people and get involved. She also traveled internationally for the first time. “I flew to Berlin for a three-week adventure with a girlfriend,” said Natalie. “Since we stayed with another friend and his family, we were off the beaten path and took in the beauty of Germany. Since this was my first experience traveling internationally, I fell in love with Berlin.” When Natalie heard about The PEACE Plan at Saddleback Church after returning from her trip, she knew God was preparing her for a special mission.

“I heard that Berlin was going to be one of the key cities to plant a Saddleback campus in, and my heart leapt, knowing I may be able to go back!” she said.

Natalie attended meetings to gather information on the mission trip to Berlin. “I was praying to God for mentors and more Christian friends, so when I met the mission trip leader, I knew instantly she would play a major role in my life,” she said. Natalie sat down to discuss the upcoming trip and outline the financial obligations. Although not content with her current sales career, the mission trip would mean quitting her job and trusting God to provide. “I explained my excitement of going back to Berlin,” said Natalie, “but asked my leader for patience and prayer.” It was the second time Natalie would turn to prayer and trust God for help. “The trip meant giving up economic stability and comfort. I was asking God for a miracle.”

Within the week, Natalie received great news: half of her expenses would be covered by a donor, another woman who was going on the mission trip. “It was an answer to prayer — just like a flashing billboard!” Natalie said. “I quit my job and began working to raise the other half of the funds.” Natalie’s family and friends came through with donations. “In my heart, I knew God worked to make everything possible,” she said.

The mission trip opened Natalie’s eyes to new possibilities. “I traveled to Berlin with an open mind and an obedient heart,” she said. Natalie arrived just two short months after the Berlin campus opened.

“I helped with their Christmas market and special events held on campus,” Natalie said. “I went on prayer walks with the new church members and really enjoyed getting to know them.” Natalie’s experience was rewarding and insightful. “Through serving God and others, I found my passion. Before returning home, I volunteered to become a PEACE Ambassador with hopes of going back to Germany.”

Natalie started the training process to become an Ambassador as soon as she returned home, but she realized her timeline might not be in sync with Gods. “I was ready to go back right away. I had my own ideas and my own plan,” she said. But Natalie had some unfinished business at home. “My small group was studying the Transformation Series. As I dove deep into Scripture, I was challenged to learn obedience and face true forgiveness.” Growing up in a broken home, Natalie had never forgiven her father for his role in her parents’ divorce. “Through my small group, I learned how obedience can bring blessings,” explained Natalie. “God opened my mind and heart. He gave me the courage to forgive.” Five months later, Natalie returned to Germany with a renewed spirit and a clean slate.

Natalie served as a PEACE Ambassador in Berlin for almost six months. “During my time there, I met wonderful people who have huge hearts for God,” she said. “I grew in my faith and relied on his strength when I was pulled from my comfort zone. I learned to center my life around Christ.” After returning home, Natalie had the courage to pursue her dream career. “I applied for graduate school and started my master’s program the following summer. It was just one of many answered prayers.”

It’s been four years since Natalie returned from Germany, and she still volunteers through the PEACE Ministry as Saddleback. She credits the mission trips for bringing clarity and purpose to her life. Natalie finished graduate school and is now teaching Spanish at a local high school. “I love my job; I really enjoy my teaching career,” she said. “Of course, I still have difficult moments in life, but if I focus on him, everything else seems to fall into place.”

Learn more about Global PEACE atsaddleback.com/peace