In 2020, Collin Finney found himself in a dark place. The pandemic had upended life, and a move to a new part of San Diego left him feeling isolated and disconnected. Away from friends and unable to meet new people, he realized he was trying to fill a “God-shaped hole” in his heart with things that never satisfied. In the midst of this struggle, Collin’s wrestling teammates invited him to a long-running Bible study tied to Cru. Through their invitation, he met Jason, a leader who embodied what it meant to love God deeply. For the first time, Collin experienced faith as his own—not a family obligation, but a relationship he chose to pursue.
Cru became a place where Collin discovered a community of people walking the same path toward Christ. Through small groups and spiritual conversations, he came to understand a truth he had never grasped before: God’s love isn’t something to earn through achievement. As someone driven by success, this realization was transformational. Collin saw that God’s love is unconditional, rooted in grace, and freely given through Christ’s sacrifice. With this new understanding, his priorities shifted. Life was no longer about being “enough” in his own strength but about accepting the love and purpose God offered.
He realized he was trying to fill a “God-shaped hole” in his heart with things that never satisfied.
Eventually, Collin stepped into leadership within Cru, even though he doubted whether he was qualified. He learned that being a leader wasn’t about perfection but about stepping out in faith to guide others toward God. Those experiences gave him opportunities to have deep, meaningful conversations about faith and share the hope he’d found. Collin now lives with a new purpose: glorifying God in everything he does, from his athletic pursuits to everyday interactions. His story reminds us that God’s love transforms not just our hearts but the direction of our lives, giving us a reason to live that’s bigger than ourselves.
Next Step
Using this testimony worksheet, write out your own story and ask God how you can encourage friends to grow in their faith.
Testimony Worksheet
