Desera grew up in Dayton, Ohio and was raised in church. At the age of eight, Desera began getting involved with The Salvation Army’s community programs, and by 10, started attending the Army as her church. Desera remembers asking so many questions as a kid, but always received the same answer: Trust in Jesus. As a child, that trust came naturally. Faith felt simple. 

Desera’s childhood was sheltered in many ways. Her father wasn’t present and her mother was serving in the Navy, so her grandmother stepped in and raised her and her two brothers. Her selfless love and dedication are things to be admired to this day. However, around age 13, loneliness began to grow into depression, which Desera didn’t fully understand until the age of 16.

At 17, Desera lost her uncle, who had been like a father figure to her. That loss sent her spiraling. She became numb — detached from everything and everyone. She lost her job, her joy, and her desire to go to church. She withdrew from school and friendships; at home, she tried to “fake it ‘til she made it,” but was living in darkness with no healthy outlet. 

Then, at 21, things began to shift. Desera started hearing sermons that stirred something in her again. Church members spoke Scripture over her life. God reminded her, through them, that she wasn’t alone. One moment that changed everything was at Camp SWONEKY in 2023. During worship, Amy Wray (the Christian education and worship arts coordinator) led worship with the song “Good Good Father.” Desera started crying and didn’t even know why, until Amy came over and said, “Sometimes worship is how we experience the Holy Spirit.” In that moment, Desera knew God was there. 

Amy became a spiritual mentor for Desera, helping her understand Scripture, faith, and worship. Because of herself and others in the church, she has learned how to manage depression, how to stay grounded in faith, and how to walk through chaos with hope.

Desera encourages anyone struggling to find just one person in the church. Don’t do life alone. Prayer changes everything. Build your community and let gratitude guide your days.