"It is never too late to evaluate yourself and to make a change in this life."

Photography and text by Emma E. Petersen

"We meet things in life that counter us, which causes us to doubt ourselves and our surroundings, but when I trust in God, I do not fear what other people think is right or wrong." 

Helena is a young woman in her twenties. Most of her life she has been an atheist - a ‘cheeky’ atheist, as she describes it herself. The first time she really made up with God and Christianity, was at the age of 15 when she had to confirm her Christian faith. Her parents insisted that she should be confirmed due to the family traditions; therefore, she was confirmed, but against what she thought to be right. The following years, her atheistic way of thinking grew even more prominent since she felt no one should force her to believe in any particular religion. 

This year Helena joined an exchange programme in Albuquerque in New Mexico, a time which has been life-changing for her. During her exchange, she met a lot of new people. Especially two people in her Acapella group made a big impression on her with their favourable view on life. Helena got curious about what the key to her new friends' positive approach was all about. To her big surprise, she figured out that the positive energy was stored in their faith in Christ; therefore, she decided to hide away her sceptical approach to the church and the religion, for a while. Instead she chose to embrace it, at least for a while. She took part in one religious service with her friend, which changed her life. 

"At first glance drastic changes in one’s life can seem frightening, but over time you might end up being really happy about it."

 After returning home to Denmark, Helena began to attend an international church called ‘Hillsong’ because she felt a unique energy in there, that she had never discovered before. The community and the strength that she has explored in the church has given her a renewed view on life, happiness and love.

"During my time in Albuquerque, it became clear to me, that God had always been with me, but that I was blind and not ready to embrace Him. For me, the faith of Christ is the one true religion, but I acknowledge that it can be different for other people. My Christian faith has taught me that it is never my place to judge or compel my fellow human beings to believe in the same truth. It is essential that we all demonstrate love and respect towards one another. Christ gives me strength to forgive, love and hope for the future. “

For many years Helena was controlled by fear and uncertainty. She does not believe that the faith has removed those challenges in her mind, but that God makes it possible for her to handle the doubt healthily and grow from it.

 "The best I can do for someone is to plant a seed in them, by showing how God has used this experience to change my life... It is your faith. It is your choice. You can choose to refuse God, which is what I did for many years, but it is never too late to regain a relationship with your faith. It's never too late to evaluate yourself and to make a changes in this life. The choice might not be easy, but it is always yours to make – and it is so important that you make that choice."