25 Stories | Gracie Gniffke

What ministry (or ministries) are you most involved with at Central?

Student Central

How did God show up in your life in the last 12 months?

This past year has been really hard and really good at the same time. I went through a lot with my health — I was hospitalized for kidney infections, had tons of testing, and saw a lot of doctors and specialists. Eventually, I had to have surgery for a kidney condition, and we thought that would finally help. But after surgery, things didn’t go how we hoped. I was in extreme pain, and the surgeon didn’t treat me very kindly. He didn’t believe I was hurting, and that made it even harder. But even in those moments, I felt like Jesus was right there with me. His peace never left me, even when it hurt really bad.

Right before that surgery, something else unexpected happened — I broke my shoulder while filming cheer tryout videos. It felt like everything was falling apart. Doctors said I wouldn’t be able to cheer or do the things I loved for at least a year. They also worried that having surgery with a broken shoulder could make my injury worse. I wasn’t allowed to swim, play on the playground, or jump on the trampoline with my siblings. That part was especially hard because I love being active and doing things with them. It made me feel left out and sad. But even though I couldn’t join in, being near them and watching them still brought me joy.

But here’s the amazing part — God wasn’t done writing my story. Just 4.5 months after breaking my shoulder, I was completely cleared to use it again. My new doctor at Mayo Clinic said he didn’t even understand how it was healing so fast. But I do — it’s Jesus! He’s been showing up in ways that only He can. My new doctor is kind and caring, and I finally feel seen and heard. I’m also getting to stop a medication I’ve been on for over a year, and we’re praying I won’t need another surgery.

One thing that helped me so much during all of this was spending time with God every day. I started writing down three things I’m thankful for and a Bible verse every morning. It helped me stay close to Him, even when I was hurting. Through everything — the good and the hard — I’ve learned that God is always with me, and He never stops working.

How do you live differently knowing God is alive & active in your life?

Knowing that God is alive and active in my life changes everything. I live with peace in my heart because I know I’m never alone. No matter what happens — the good days or the really hard ones — I know God is right there with me. I can talk to Him anytime, anywhere. Even if no one else understands how I’m feeling, I know God does. That gives me so much comfort and makes me feel safe.

Through everything I’ve been through, my faith has grown stronger. I’ve learned that just because something is hard doesn’t mean God isn’t close — actually, I think He shows up the most when life feels the hardest. I’ve kept up with my Bible Recap and Scripture Journal every day, even when I was in the hospital. Writing down Bible verses and things I’m thankful for has helped me stay connected to Him and reminded me that He always has a purpose, even when I don’t see it yet.

How did you share the love of Jesus this year with someone who doesn't know Christ?

This year, I’ve shared the love of Jesus by inviting friends to church, especially youth group with me on Wednesday nights — especially those who don’t usually go or don’t know much about God. I’ve had chances to pray with people and for them, and I’ve also had conversations with friends who were curious about who God is. I love getting to talk about Him and tell people what He’s done in my life. It makes me excited to share the hope and joy He’s given me.

Anything else you'd like to share about your story or testimony?

Even though this year was one of the hardest years I’ve had, I’m actually thankful for it. I’ve learned how real God is and how much He loves me. He never left me, and He kept surprising me with His goodness. I’ve seen firsthand how God can take something painful and turn it into something beautiful. I’m excited to keep sharing what He’s done — because I know He’ll keep doing amazing things.