Hi, my name is Andrew David Sandiford and I am 12 years old. I live in Mon Repos St.Lucia, the most beautiful island on earth.

I am from a family of four. I live with my amazing parents and my lovely little sister. Today I am going to share with you what it's like to be a teen believer in my school. I attend the St Lucia SDA Academy Secondary School for grades 1 to grade 7.

The first thing I am going to write about is the temptation that comes because I am a believer in Christ. I often get tempted to respond angrily in school, especially when people call me names which I don't like. I forget who I am in Christ because I'm so mad, so I fight back with my words. Sometimes this gets me into trouble with the schoolteachers because it’s against school rules to use foul language.  I’m learning from my mistakes with the help of my parents. I've come to learn that fighting back, especially with negative words, is not  the answer. Instead, my parents have encouraged me to pray against the students who are provoking me and rebuke that evil spirit within them that targets me.

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you

(Matthew 5:44)

When other students attack me it causes shame, anger, and bitterness. Since then, I have prayed more and I have begun to look carefully at what's happening before I even respond. As a child of God, I have to see things differently.

I am a prayer coordinator and a leader in the prayer group at my school . This includes two classmates.  I also plan activities for the class. It isn't an easy job as it requires me to take the work very seriously. I need to be responsible enough and show my maturity level.

At 12, I am always reminded by my parents that I am special and not like anyone else, even though I act differently. I am meant to be who God wants me to be and no one else, even though I might sometimes want what others have.  I need to understand that I am chosen by God and I pray that God will give me grace to represent Jesus wherever I go.