Hello! My name is Jenna Peterson, and I’m a 22 year old living in British Columbia, Canada. I was born Jennifer Dail M. Galland, but I took on my mother’s maiden name when I turned 19. I’m a science nerd, a history nut, a horse freak, a dancer, a writer, a lover, a friend, a programmer, a cutter, and most importantly, a Christian.

I was abused by my father until age 15. It started out as largely emotional abuse and neglect with a foreshadowing of sexual abuse, and through the years evolved to include verbal abuse, physical abuse, and even rape. I have memories of hiding under my covers at night thinking that if maybe I were a boy, I would be safe. I panic when touched unexpectedly. My subconscious mind has been trained to desire physical pain, to some extent. I find it exceedingly difficult to trust men. There are places I can’t go, things I can’t do, and songs I can’t sing without unleashing a sickening flood of memories. He took many things away from me. He tried to keep me from finding my faith. He didn’t succeed.

When I was 6 years old, Jesus came to me. As my Mom wept downstairs where she thought I couldn’t hear, and my sister cried out with nightmares of Daddy in the next room, Jesus came. He sat with me on the side of my bed, opened my brightly illustrated copy of The Children’s Bible and read to me what I later discovered to be the verses Matthew 19:13-14 (NIV):

¹³ Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

¹⁴ Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

I have been called to reach out and spread our Lord’s love to the world, and I have a special place in my heart and a desire to help for those who come from a similar situation as I did. I am not one of those annoying, pushy evangelists who stand on the street corner with a bullhorn announcing that you are all condemned and going to hell. I am not one of those “holier than thou” evangelists who won’t go to the pub with you. I am not the type of narrow-minded Christians who believes firmly in the man-made rules of religion. I am not the type of narrow-minded Christian who sets out to tell you that your lifestyle is wrong.

I am the type of Christian who attends church because I want to learn, to worship, and to fellowship with other Christians. I am the type of Christian who has friends of all shapes, sizes, religions and sexual orientations, and I will not judge you for any of it. I am the type of Christian who tries to love, accept and cherish everyone. I am not here to condemn anyone, and I am not here to force a change of mind upon you. I will only discuss with you what you are willing to discuss.

I am here to tell you my story, and my journey, and let you take from it what you will.

Will you listen?