Meaningful

Keila Sebia’s faith began early in her life thanks to her grandparents, who raised her. Growing up in Peru, they taught her scripture and values that would guide her through life. One lesson she still remembers is, “Without God we are nothing.” Those early years planted a faith that would support her through many changes.

One of those changes came when she met her husband, Geno, during his business trip to Peru. After they married, they began a new life together in Pennsylvania, where they spent many years building their family. Eventually, they decided to start another chapter by moving to Myrtle Beach, hoping for a warmer climate and a peaceful place to raise their daughter, Angelina.

Starting over in a new place meant finding a new church. As Keila and her family settled into Myrtle Beach, they visited several congregations, hoping to find one that felt welcoming and was supportive of families with children. After a few visits, they were still searching until they found St. Philip.

From the start, something felt different. They were warmly welcomed and quickly sensed that this was a place where their family could belong. Keila was especially impressed by the church’s commitment to families and helping children grow in faith. Seeing Angelina embraced by the congregation left a lasting impression. A visit from Pastor Lee to their home soon after they began attending strengthened that sense of belonging. “They make us feel like we belong,” Keila said.

Those experiences made church feel meaningful for her whole family.

As their connection to St. Philip deepened, Keila noticed how the congregation lives out its faith. She was moved by the church’s outreach, serving meals to people experiencing homelessness, providing backpacks for children in need, and supporting the local food pantry.

Looking back, Keila sees how much has changed since those first months in Myrtle Beach. Before finding St. Philip, she felt an emptiness in her heart. Today she experiences a closer relationship with God and a deeper peace in her life. She sees her daughter learning about faith and growing in a supportive community, and she has found friendships and ways to serve alongside others.

“God is walking with me,” Keila says. “There is a difference in my family as well.”

At St. Philip, Keila has found more than a church. She has found a faith community where her family is growing and where the meaningful faith planted long ago by her grandparents continues to thrive in a new generation.