Youth Leader Kenny McCracken

Hello!
My name is Kenny McCracken and I currently live in New Castle, Pa. however, I grew up in the great land of Chicago, IL with my 3 sisters and brother. My father has been a construction worker for over 48 years and my mother has been a stay-at-home mother/substitute teacher for most of my life. Without a doubt, both of my parents have been the biggest influences in my life. My father taught my to have strong work ethic while my mother gave me the tools to love and respect those around me. Most importantly, both my parents have taught me the most important thing in life: Jesus Christ is Lord.

When I was 9 years old, I made the most important decision in my life to accept Jesus and my Lord and Savior. This took place during a Bible Study a group of family friends hosted every Wednesday night. The lesson was on the consequences of sin in our lives and the suffering Jesus Christ endured to pay the penalty I deserved. That night, I prayed to God to forgive my sins and asked Him to accept me into his family.

Fast forwarding to freshman year in high school, I began my journey in football, baseball, and basketball. I was able to excel in sports throughout my whole high school career, but one night around a bonfire with my football team changed my life. Even though I had accepted Christ at the age of 9, I still was not fully aware of how to live for Christ. During this bonfire, our coach had prepared a message for the team regarding the importance of Christ in our lives. That night, I prayed to re-dedicate my life to Christ.

As my high school career ended, I then began my college journey at Grove City College where I played football and baseball. Sports have always been my passion which also helped keep me out of trouble for most of my life. However, I was not prepared for the temptations that living on my own could bring. I am not proud to say this, but my walk of Christ was put on the back burner throughout these four years. I fell into the temptations of a worldly life that did not put Christ first. Luckily, Christ did not end things there for me.

My senior year of college is I met the most amazing woman named Breanna Anderson (now known as Breanna McCracken). We both felt that something was missing within our lives that used to be so prevalent before. We began to work on our walk with Christ once again and soon realized the worldly pleasures we once sought had no meaning anymore. Jesus had finally gotten our attentions once again. Since January of 2019, Breanna and I have been attending Wayside Emmanuel. Our faith has grown, our walk with Christ has been set, and we continue to serve our King. Yes, the road is not easy to serve Christ perfectly, but with His guidance He will shine through our actions. We will continue to serve Jesus in whichever way He would like to use us. We will continue to grow in His Word and make it priority in our lives."