Brandi Van De Riet, 22, hated being ignorant. Her upbringing in an affirming home and a good-works oriented church in Raymond, Minn., launched her as a self-confident college student who liked to be right.

While attending the local community college, Brandi roomed with Heidi, a childhood acquaintance.

"We were kindred spirits," Brandi said. "We got along in every area, and I could share anything with her."

For two-and-a-half years, they did everything together--partying and school alike.

But Heidi was a Christian who hadn't been following God. In the summer of 1997, Heidi repented of her sinful lifestyle.

"Heidi wanted to stop drinking and partying," Brandi said. "I was really confused because I had never heard that before."

Then Heidi gave Brandi worse news. She wanted a fresh start at a Bible college in Alaska.

Saddened but supportive, the best friends parted--Heidi to Alaska, and Brandi to St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, where she knew students.

Over the next nine months, they talked regularly, and in March, 1998, Brandi visited Heidi.

While in Alaska, Brandi heard the Gospel from Heidi's friend, Nathan.

"He showed me the story of Nicodemus," Brandi said. "I had never heard it before. I pretended that I knew everything because I had a problem with not knowing things."

Brandi told Nathan that she believed in God and have faith in Christ.

"I went back to my friend Heidi, and I just bawled," Brandi said. "I didn't know what to think because everything I had grown up believing was not true. Now I was really lost."
Seeking acceptance, Brandi returned to St. Cloud.

When she tried talking with her friend Jay, who had the same religious upbringing, she was further confused. Jay had changed churches since leaving home. After explaining that Christ had revolutionized his faith, Jay invited Brandi to his church.

Brandi accepted, wanting to belong.

At church that Sunday, Brandi filled out the guest card. When she read, "Do you want to be a member?" Brandi thought, of course, and matter-of-factly checked the box.

During the service, Pastor Campbell asked all those who had faith in Christ to raise their hands. The hands around Brandi shot up, including Jay's. Brandi slipped her hand into the air also.

"I had no idea really what he was talking about," Brandi said, "but I didn't want to look like I didn't know what this guy was talking about, especially with my friend right there."

The rest of the service passed without event, as did the first half of the week. But on Thursday, Pastor Campbell paid Brandi a house call.

Surprised to see the pastor visiting, Brandi cordially invited him in. Sitting in the living room, Pastor Campbell explained he was responding to her membership request. As part of the membership process, Pastor Campbell asked Brandi if they could go over the Gospel. Brandi consented and leaned forward to listen.

After he shared the Gospel, Pastor Campbell asked Brandi if she wanted to put her faith in Christ.

For the first time, Brandi understood the Gospel. Heidi's actions, Nathan's words, and Jay's faith finally made sense. Brandi knew she wanted to be a Christian.

Pastor Campbell prayed with Brandi as she repented of her sin and asked Jesus to be her Lord.

That summer, Pastor Campbell's daughter mentored Brandi. Over the last two-and-a-half years, Brandi has learned she can be wrong, and God still accepts her.

Today, Brandi is pursuing her graduate certificate at Multnomah Biblical Seminary.