Kiya Reynolds

I grew up in Rowlett, TX. I went to church with my mom frequently and liked learning about God, so by my own faulty definition I considered myself a Christian. I got baptized when I was younger mistakingly believing I was ready to carry my cross and follow after Jesus. Despite that public profession, I lacked assurance of my salvation. I never knew if I was doing enough for God, or if he was pleased with me. I pursued validation from friends at school, thinking if they liked me that I would like myself more. It was always a cycle of never being enough and never receiving enough from the things that I thought were important and would make me happy. 

By the time I got to college, I deeply valued the approval of others and was ready to do my own thing, completely forgetting about God. My cup was still empty toward the end of my first semester, even though I was taking in everything I thought would sustain me. 

I met Chay’vion Carter when he was doing bible study in my dorm and I almost walked past him. I impulsively left my friends to sit and listen and got connected with Chay who I found out was on staff with Campus Outreach. 

We met up and he would ask me questions about the gospel that I thought I had the answers to but found myself stumped. Slowly, I realized I didn’t know the Jesus I claimed to follow. Between going to parties and Bible studies I realized there are two paths, and I was on the one that would lead to eternal separation from God. 

Finally, coming to the end of myself and seeing my need for a savior, I repented,  turning away from my old life and habits, and stepped into an unconditionally loving relationship with God. 

I said yes to discipleship opportunities and later realized my burden for sharing the gospel with others. I became a member of the Village Church Denton and got baptized in 2023, professing my faith genuinely for the first time and growing in my love for Him from the moment he called me out of the grave!