Jessica's Testimony
           
             Before I came to Harvest Time I felt very hurt and rejected.  I suffered from verbal abuse as a young child, as well as sexual abuse.  Around the ages of 10 and 11, I was introduced to a lifestyle of drugs, alcohol and sex.

I found it to be an escape from my problems and feelings, so after having dabbled into it, I went full force using anything I could get my hands on.  I was snorting as well as popping pills and would even shoot up just to get that instant escape I was looking for.  I was also into self-mutilation and would cut myself and burn myself, I felt like it was the only way that I could cope.

My Mom tried everything that she knew to do. She took me to a psychiatrist who tried various medications that made me like a zombie, but didn’t help.  She tried counselors and even rehabs, but nothing worked.  I didn’t want to change.  Things just continued to get worse.

My Mom found Harvest Time Ministries and didn’t tell me until the night before that I was going. We had an 18 hour drive from Wisconsin, I was so angry!  When I came in, I was very closed off to all the girls and staff.  I felt like they couldn’t possibly understand what I was going through.  But, they continued to love me where I was at and for who I was.  I had never felt more accepted.  I felt that I could trust them, so I started to open up.  The Word was constantly being poured into me through Bible classes and church services, and when I gave my heart over to Christ I was able to use that Word to overcome self-mutilation and drug addictions.  I know now that I can bring all my problems and concerns to God and He will take care of them.  No longer do I have to face my problems alone.  He will never leave me and I can rest in that fact.

I graduated in June of 2007 and am now an intern here at Harvest Time, I committed to one year of internship.  Then I am going to Bible College.  I am very excited about the future that God has for me.
            Jessica finished her internship at Harvest Time in 2008, and is currently enrolled in a Bible School.  She is continuing to further her education and pursue God's plan for her lfe.