Name:
Kathy
Location:
California

Testimony

God has blessed my life with his guidence and I am truely thankful. God Bless those that find God.

Name:
Webmaster
Location:
USA

Testimony

Thank God for blessing our website. He has done that and more.

Name:
GERALD MILLER
Location:
Rosiclare IL. US

Testimony

Thank GOD for all the people that uses te internet to spread GOD's word the woeld needs a lot more of this going on

Name:
Ruby
Location:
Cocoa,Fla.USA

Testimony

I thank God daily for keeping me well and able to care for myself, at this late stage of my life.

Name:
Ruby
Location:
Cocoa,Fla.USA

Testimony

I thank God daily for keeping me well and able to care for myself, at this late stage of my life.

Name:
Eva
Location:
N.Richland Hills, Texas

Testimony

I thank God for the christians I meet through this website.

Name:
Connie Glidewell
Location:
Mount Airy, N.C. USA

Testimony

I Thank God for my own and my family's health, for my two wonderful little boys,for bringing my wonderful loving husband into my life,for all my friends, especially the good ones I've made on here, and for all his wonderful blessings each day.

Name:
Carolyn
Location:
Anaheim Ca   USA

Testimony

I have always believed in the Lord, but when I lost my father I had so many questions. About a month ago I went forward in the church and asked God into my heart. With the support of my Daughter and Mother I know the Lord will help me to walk the right path. I thank him for taking my daughter into his arms and to let me see how wonderful he is.

Name:
linda
Location:
hanceville ala

Testimony

my lord has heal me from being sick my jesus is still healer ilove my jesus lve linda

Name:
Eva
Location:
Wilmington  De USA

Testimony

I know my redeemer lives. God has brought me through may trials and tribulations. He has blessed me with a new home and I thank him. All things are possible if you only believe. I know Weeping last for a little while and Joy Does come in the morning Thank you Lord!

Name:
Tina
Location:
USA

Testimony

God has blessed me with 2 wonderful cousins

Name:
Tina
Location:
USA

Testimony

God has blessed me with 2 wonderful cousins

Name:
Mrs. Cooper
Location:
NC, USA

Testimony

I thank the Lord for helping my mother through her long journey of sickness and for answering our prayers of helping her. Thank you Lord and God Bless You All!

Name:
Sharron
Location:
Clayton,Ga. USA

Testimony

I once thought that God had forsaken me, when he took my Mother to Heaven with him. I was so angry with him, for I had the most loving and caring Mother in the world. Then a year or so later I became a Hospice nurse and through the suffering of others I realized how lucky that I was, I did not have to watch my Mother suffer. MY Mother dies of a pulmonary embolis, she was gone in seconds. No pain, just peace. A few years later my Father went to be with her in his sleep. I have been well blessed that they did not have to suffer. I look around me at all the blessings he has sent to me. I have a good husband, 3 wonderful children, 4 sweet grandchildren, 2 caring brothers and 4 sisters for friends. How blessed can someone be. I Thank Him everyday for these blessings and wonder what he saw in me to send these blessings.

Name:
W L S
Location:
SWANSEA, MA.

Testimony

I THANK GOD FOR GIVING ME THE WIFE THAT I HAVE I AM LOST WITH OUT HER.THANK YOU LORD

Name:
ANTHONY FALCONE
Location:
PAHRUMP.NEVADA  USA

Testimony

I THANK THE LORD THAT HE BROUGHT ME FROM DEATH TO LIFE AND THAT MY SINS ARE COVERED BY HIS BLOOD, I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES. HE CAN SAVE YOU TOO NO MATTER WHAT YOUVE DONE, JUST ASK HIM INTO YOUR HEART AND READ ROMANS 10:9-10 "JESUS IS GOD"

Name:
VERONICA
Location:
ATLANTA, GA, USA

Testimony

I THANK GOD FOR JUST BEING GOD!!!

Name:
S.Lippens
Location:
USA

Testimony

I Thank the Lord for the gifts that he continues to give to me every day of my life

Name:
Linda Pettiford
Location:
East orange N.J.

Testimony

I was headed down a road of destruction, until the Lord, told me to repent of my sins and be born again. I am a single female,who tried to find happiness in a mate. But to my dismay, and after trying so many times to find a mate. The Lord called me into the ministry. Now I live a celibate life. I'm enjoying every moment of my ministry. I love walking with the Lord. I am just like the apostle Paul, when he said, that it is better to abide as I. I found out that my joy is not in a mate, but it is in My Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It is so good to live a clean and Holy Life.

Name:
HLM
Location:
Okla

Testimony

I thank the Lord for giving me my new husband to be and his wonderful son. What a joy they are to our lives. My children and I are blessed that they are in our lives.

Name:
Vicki
Location:
Mo

Testimony

I thank God that he carries us when we are unable to carry ourselves. The last two years haven't been easy and God has been faithful. He has sent many people my way to minister to my kids and me. What a wonderful God he is! I can never repay the kindness others have shown me throughout this critical time in our lives. May God bless you as he has me. After the rain, life can be renewed.

Name:
SANDY
Location:
COLORADO

Testimony

I THANK THE LORD FOR THE WONDEFUL FAMILY THAT HE HAS BLESSED ME WITH AND FOR ANSWERED PRAYERS. I AM AT A TURNING POINT IN MY LIFE AND WITH THE LORDS BLESSSINGS I KNOW WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL THAT HE WILL AGAIN ANSWER THESE PRAYERS. GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE. GOD IS AWESOME

Name:
Grandmother Beth
Location:
Houston, Texas USA

Testimony

I thank the Lord for the blessings of my life. Having a Christian mother & father who taught me the scriptures & the message of Jesus as a little child ... then leading me gently to a real faith that He died on the cross for me. I accepted Jesus as my Saviour when 6 yrs. old & now, as a great-grandmother of 64 yrs ... the path of my life, the moutains & the valleys, the tests, the battles, the defeats & the victories ... all have brought me back to my knees before His cross. Now, the wonder of the internet, where we can reach out & share our journey & message of Christ with others. Yes, now ... He has blessed me with the ability to use these wonderous computers - creating art & recording midis of my worship music on my web-site. http://www.neosoft.com/~grandma/scripture_art_gallery.htm. Yes, a grandmother can sit in her chair at her computer & serve her Lord by creating art with the precious scripture overlaid. I now play my music on the new digital piano through the computer; recording midis to send it out to others all over the world. I thank God so much for this opportunity to serve Him in my old-age. I thank Him for web-sites, such as this one, for our prayer requests & testimonies. Someday we will all be together in Heaven ... I wait for that day & thank Him for this blessed hope.

Name:
Kathy
Location:
Alabama

Testimony

I thank God for giving me the strength to live with an incurable disease. It is only through him that I make it through each day. Just when I think I can't take it anymore he sends me strength through some means.

Name:
Kathie
Location:
Beaumont,TX.

Testimony

Our God is a awesome God. He has done such wonderful things in my life. My husband had a bad drinking problem. I did all the things wrong while he was drinking but one day I decided I was going to turn him over to God and I was not going to take it back. I could not expect him to make changes unless I set a example. Then things started happening in my life. There was this Methodist Church that I kept passing when I would go to visit a friend. This church kept pulling me to it every time I passed. Then one day it happened, I decided I was going to go there, and that is when things really started changing in my life. I set a example for my husband and he could see how happy I was when I went back to the Lord. One night he came to me and said he wanted to go to church with me. I told him that I went to Sunday School also. He did not want to do this but said he would meet me there. Well, I have to tell you all the bad feelings came back. I started watching the doors to see if he was coming. Well, he did come and he turned his life back over to God the last five years of his life. He was so involved in his church, He was chairpersons of different committees and even president of his Sunday School Class. I have to tell you the last five years of our life together was great. It was great to have the real Joe back with me. I new the true Joe but I had to bring him back and with God's help working through me, I did. The church is Wesley United Methodist Church in Beaumont. Our motto is to know God and to make God known. I can truly say Wesley is a home for your heart. My heart has truly found a wonderful place to call home.

Name:
Sylvia Fulk
Location:
Timberville

Testimony

I thank the Lord for saving me and for what he means to me. I thank the lord for my blessings.

Name:
Katy Lawrence
Location:
Edmonds,Washington

Testimony

Well I been in church all my life. But then my family left the church when I was in 4th grade. In the time when I was going into 5th grade. I streated to trun my back on God. My life to mess up. I was fighting with friends and family. Then it came to 6th grade and in this time I want to died. I thought no one loved me or care about me. I felt really bad. I had also got myself into this BIG thing at school. But then in July of 1999 my older sister took my to church with her. I went every Sunday and Wednesday(For pray meeting). Then In about Decmber we were doing something at church and I gave my life to God again. It did really feel that he love me. But then I meet a GREAT preson named Jill. Jill helped me through a lot and she is still helping me through things. Right now at home my sister is falling away for God and hurting me. Its hard going through all this but people at church are helping me and God is on my side!!

Name:
June S.
Location:
Texas

Testimony

This testimony is to encourage people who are going through a divorce or separation from someone they love...I was left by my husband after 30 years of marriage..I was devastated and felt there was nothing to live for...I became physically ill and was placed in the hospital for 18 days...after the hospital stay I had to face the fact my marriage was over...I felt so lonely and rejected and unloved...in the late hours of the night, I pondered over taking my own life...I cried out to God for His help...I spoke the name Jesus in a cry of desperation...as if in a voice I could hear, I was literally commanded to get my bible and I obeyed without hesitation..as I picked up my bible, the page fell open to the book of Isaiah, Chapter 54, these were the words..."FOR YOUR MAKER IS YOUR HUSBAND, THE LORD OF HOSTS IS HIS NAME..AND THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL IS YOUR REDEEMER, THE GOD OF THE WHOLE EARTH HE IS CALLED..FOR THE LORD HAS CALLED YOU LIKE A A WIFE FORSAKEN AND GRIEVED IN SPIRIT, LIKE A WIFE OF YOUTH WHEN SHE IS CAST OFF, SAYS YOUR GOD..FOR A BRIEF MOMENT I HAVE FORSOOK YOU, BUT WITH GREAT COMPASSION I WILL GATHER YOU, IN OVERFLOWING WRATH FOR A MOMENT I HID MY FACE FROM YOU, BUT WITH EVERLASTING LOVE I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON YOU, SAYS THE LORD, YOUR REDEEMER.....(Isaiah 54: 5-8) These words from this chapter pierced my heart with the LOVE and MERCY of the Lord God...these words gave me strength to pick up the pieces of my broken heart and begin to have hope once again...I knew without one doubt that God loved me...He told me HE IS MY HUSBAND......so be encouraged anyone who reads my words of testimony...God loves YOU...and wants to help heal your broken heart....I know how rejection feels but never have any of us suffered such rejection as our Jesus suffered...May this painful experience and loss in my life lift up and bless someone who reads this and is going through a loss....God bless all who read my testimony. THANK YOU MY LORD GOD FOR LOVING ME AND SHOWING ME YOUR WORDS ARE JUST AS TRUE TODAY AS THEY WERE IN THE DAYS OF YOUR PROPHET ISAIAH....AND EVEN THOUGH THE PAIN WAS SO GREAT, IT IS WORTH IT TO HAVE A DEEP AND INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU...THANK YOU GOD.. I LOVE YOU...AMEN!

Name:
JudyM
Location:
Michigan

Testimony

I Thank You,God, for all that I do have.

Name:
David
Location:
H0ust0n Texas

Testimony

7 year's ag0 i was sh0t t0 the neck by gunsh0t which left me paralized fr0m the neck d0wn, and left f0r dead by a guy i was arguing with. During that m0ment i felt n0 pain and blacked 0ut, i w0ke in ICU intensive care unit, and m0m was there t0 tell me that i died f0r 5 min. and G0d br0ught me back t0 change my life style 0f living cause i had a very g00d reas0n t0 fight being paralized and t0 live. I have a seven year 0ld daughter which was 1yr 0ld at the time i was sh0t which G0d gave me an0tha chance t0 see her gr0w and l0ve me s0000 much, she even help's me with thing's i can n0 l0nger d0. She's like a Heaven sent Angel, i c0uldnt be m0re thankfull and blessed than i am n0w all due t0 my Redeemer Jesus Christ.

Name:
DEBBIE
Location:
MARYSVILLE CA. USA

Testimony

MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE BEEN SAVED 4 YRS. NOW- AND BEEN MARRIED FOR 25 YRS. 20 YRS. OF OUR MARRIAGE WERE ROUGH TO SAY THE LEAST- I WAS AN ALCHOLOLIC FOR 23 YRS.-SINCE I WAS 17! WE GOT MARRIED AND I THOUGHT ALL MY TROUBLES WERE OVER. WELL MY HUSBAND DIDN'T DRINK, SO MY DRINKING PUT A STRAIN ON OUR MARRIAGE FROM THE BEGGINING. WE WERE CAUGHT UP INTO ALL KINDS OF PERVERSION AND SEXUAL SIN, DIDN'T EVEN THINK WE WERE ON OUR WAY TO HELL!! WE ALMOST SPLIT UP THREE DIFFERENT TIMES-DUE TO ALCOHOL AND SEXUAL SIN!! BUT GOD HAD ANOTHER PLAN---A FRIEND OF OURS TALKED US INTO GOING TO CHURCH WITH HIM ONE DAY, AFTER BEGGING AND PLEADING FROM HIM AND OUR TWO DAUGHTERS WE FINALLY WENT! WELL, FROM THE FIRST VISIT WE WERE NO LONGER OUR OWN-- JESUS GOT A HOLD OF OUR SOULS!!!WHEN I GOT HOME I POURED ALL THE BEER I HAD IN THE FRIDGE (ABOUT 12) DOWN THE DRAIN!! NEVER MISSED IT AND HAVEN'T TOUCHED A DROP SINCE! WE RECIEVED JESUS 2 WEEKS LATER AND OUR LIVES HAVEN'T BEEN THE SAME SINCE ! WE BOTH SERVE IN OUR CHURCH AS LEADERS AND REMEMBER EACH DAY WHAT JESUS HAS DONE FOR US IN HIS MERCY! HE HEALED OUR MARRIAGE,MINDS AND BODIES,NOT TO SPEAK OF THE WONDERFUL PEACE HE HAS GIVEN US BOTH ! 5YRS. AGO IS SO FAR FROM US NOW IT'S LIKE WE WERE NEVER THERE.THANK-YOU JESUS !!!!

Name:
shisha5
Location:
texas

Testimony

I was adopted when I was 5 years old, along with my half brother. We were taken from the streets and God placed us in a strong Christian home. They had already adpoted one boy and girl several years before and the following year God brought another little girl to the family. I gave my life to Christ when I was 9. I had a very bad temper and demanded my own way. I ended up becoming very rebellious and caused a lot of problems. I never did drugs or anything like that but still I wasn't acting the way I should have. I tried killing myself, running away but something always kept me for following through with it. I now know it was God. I came to the point that I felt like everyone would be happier if I was dead. What a lie!! In 1998 I finally asked my youth minister's wife if God was real or just some kind of fairy-tail. From that point on my life has never been the same. I moved out last year and around Christmas things were pretty bad. I had been involved with a guy my parents didn't care for and got engaged but broke it off because I realized how much he pulled me down. In December I turned from God, my friends, and family. Life was terrible and kept getting worse. In February of this year I returned to God and allowed Him to heal me of all the anger, hatred, and bitterness that I had held in my heart for over 15 years. My relationship with God is more than Him being somebody that is far away. I can now call Him Daddy because I know that is what He really is to me. No my life isn't prefect. I still have a problem with my temper and uncontrolled tongue. I still do things wrong or so things against people out of spite. But I do know now that I can change and with His power I will become the woman He made me to be here on earth and in Heaven. God loves all that He made adn calls it good, even though there are bad things about us. Hebrews 13:5 says "He will never leave nor forsake us." Rest in that promise.

Name:
Linda
Location:
Maryville Tn.

Testimony

I thank the Lord for saving me, and saveing my grandson , he had 3 heart operations before he was 3 mo. old and the Lord was withe me and my new grandson and brouth him through all that he is well and happy today he is almost 7 mo. old and a blessing in everyone. Ipraise the Lord and thank him we love the Lord with all hearts. Praise His Holy Name.

Name:
Johnna M. Steinhorst
Location:
Sierra Vista, AZ  USA

Testimony

This past April 15 I lost my 7 year old nephew Patrick and brother in-law to a terrible train wreck. I have been overflowing with thoughts and questions. As I laided in bed the day of the funeral with my nephew Steven as he laided hugging me ever so tightly,I realized then why God had allowed me to travel so many miles to be there. My nephew Steven needed me and I felt safe that Patrick was in the best hands ever,THE LORDS. I still have questions and the tears do flow but my family members life's were not taken in vain and the Lord has better plans for them. Giving all my love to God, AMEN

Name:
Rena
Location:
Smithfield,Virginia

Testimony

I thank God, that I've invited Jesus into my heart. Some people think they can get to heaven by being good. I thank God for his word, letting me know I had to confess that I was born a sinner through Adam, and believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins, I also believe he was raised from the dead and is now in Heaven. Thank God for those who are preaching and telling others the true way to be saved.

Name:
clarice
Location:
detroit

Testimony

This is a testimony of the Power of God's Grace.

I was in the mall one week after Easter (Resurrection Sunday) and noticed the remnants of a stage set up with flowers, grass and giant plastic eggs. I made a comment to the friend that was with me that it was a shame that so many people focused on the Easter Bunny and not on Jesus.

A young man that was on the elevator overheard the conversation and made a comment basically degrading the word of God and Jesus, but before I could comment he jumped out of the elevator and stated, "I've got you there haven't you." and the doors closed.

All of a sudden a surge of anguish went through my spirit, normally I would have let it go but I couldn't. The look on this young man's face was like looking into Satan's, it was as if Satan was mocking God through this obviously lost young man.

My friend and I talked about it and let it go, but I commented to her that If I saw that young man again that I would pray with him. Well, as soon as the words left my mouth I saw the young man walking so I went right up to him and told him that I wanted to pray with him.

You can imagine the obvious look of shock on his face when I asked him this. At first he seemed embarrased, then the embarrasment turned into a humility. You see, that mocking spirit that was within him was challenged and when my friend and I came to him and ministered to him about Jesus he had to submit.

He began to tell us all of the things that he was going through and we were able to minister to his spirit. I explained to him that he needed to seek the Lord and I hope that he follows suit. He needed that that day and I am so glad that I could be a vessell to bring that message to him.

I knew then that even if this young man blew us off after we left him, that by us praying with him i know that a spiritual seed is planted and now, if he didn't know before that now he has somewhere to turn and that is in the hands of the Lord.

You see Saints, we as Christians get so caught up in our own problems we forget why God brought us to the light and that is to minister to his lost sheep. I think that this young man expected me to treat him like trash, because he acted like that towards me but I came to him in love instead of judgement and that is what it is all about.

Thank you for allowing me to share my testimony with you,

God Bless,

Clarice

Name:
zoh
Location:
Philippines

Testimony

I thank God that I recovered from a serious heart illness in 1995. And now, though I left my job, God has provided for my needs, more than I have asked and expected. He is faithful.

Name:
zoh
Location:
Philippines

Testimony

I thank God that I recovered from a serious heart illness in 1995. And now, though I left my job, God has provided for my needs, more than I have asked and expected. He is faithful.

Name:
Angela Hawkins
Location:
Cayman Islands

Testimony

This testimony is to encourage those who have been challenged by ill health. Do not give up, for God is indeed a good God!

After suffering with Endometriosis form age 11, I had my first surgery at age 17. Since then, I have had 12 other surgeries, most of them being for Endometriosis.

Along with this, I have also developed Fibromyalgia, and Arthritis. I also suffer with the severest of Migraines, Bi-Polar Disorder and Scoliosis.

I will not tell you that I never become depressed, or rail at God and ask Him "Why?...Why me?...Why not so-and-so over there?" I do. But through it all, I have always, in my heart of hearts, known that God was, and always will be, right beside me, holding my hand, caring for me, loving me.

I know that one day He will see fit to heal me. I yearn for that day. It maybe tomorrow, or it maybe 10yrs from now. But I know that healing will be mine!

Three years ago, the Lord sent a precious angel into my life...my niece, Alessandra Marie. Whenever I am ill, she lovingly cares for me, rubbing my head, or getting my cane for me. When I am depressed, she hugs me, telling me how very much she loves me, and that she hopes I will soon feel better. She truly is an angel, and the love of my life. I thank God every day for sharing her with me.

I know that my healing will come one day. And I know that if you have enough faith, helaing will one day be yours, too.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. May God richly bless you.

Because of Him, Angela

Name:
zoh
Location:
Quezon City, Philippines

Testimony

Few days ago, I have requested a prayer for my scholarship application on this web site. Yesterday, I received the confirmation that I was granted the scholarship. It is only God who could have made it possible for me to secure a scholarship. He really is faithful!

Name:
Lee
Location:
California

Testimony

A couple of years ago...my son was attacted at school because he of his ethnic background (white). In the LA area there are no tollerence rules, the school pressed charges on the other boy. The administration at the school could't understand my son. My son refused to press charges...instead he made friends w/the boy and told the school he lives by: WWJD......Awesome.....I was so proud of my son. What would Jesus do? A lesson we all need daily. You'll know a man by his fruits! I'm thankful that God has his hands on my two teenage boys. I'm a single mother and I give them to him daily....if I didn't I know it would be different.

Name:
Daniel
Location:
Utica, New York U.S.A.

Testimony

In 1986 by wife Rosalie went to Pittsburgh for a liver transplant. When she went their she was yellow, weak, and had lost 25 lbs. Well after 3 operations in 4 months she went home. To see her before and after the operation anyone would have to say that truly this was a miracle. There IS hope for people with liver desease and this is just proof of what faith and trust in God can do for anyone who calls upon his name. Put yourself in the hands of God, and you will be saved.

Name:
Winnie
Location:
Corpus Christi, Tx

Testimony

I praise the Lord for His mercy, He didn't have to forgive me but HE did. I praise Him for the work He is performing on my husbands spiritual heart, HE is faithful to do all He said He would...I thank God for the patience to wait upon Him to complete all He has promised...These are just a few of the things I praise Him for, There are healing miracles as well...To numerous to mention at one time...Thank You Jesus for salvation and all you have done for me...Amen

Name:
jay
Location:
B.lake,mn u.s.

Testimony

I have god in my heart and he has been doing a lot for me and I think it is very cool to be able to have in ny heart.I let the lord in my heart three years ago and I have been doing my best.I am real happy that my Foster mom & my best friend hepled me through those tough times. THanks MOM AND ALAN!!

Name:
Jacquie
Location:
Maine, USA

Testimony

The Lord Our God is truly an Awesome God. He has Blessed me with a loving husband and family. He has also lead me to a wonderful church that has become a new family for us. I thank God every day for the gifts that he has given me. Praise to you Lord.

Name:
Cynthia
Location:
New Jersey

Testimony

I liked to Thank the Lord for all that he's done for me and my family. I am so happy that things worked out for me and I just want to Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him. Thank You Lord, Thank You Lord.

Name:
Catherine
Location:
Hawaii

Testimony

There are many testimonies I am able to share with you, but there are two that stand out in my mind and those are the ones I share with you now.

On September 8th, 1990, not 6 full mnnths after I became a born again Christian I was taking a friend home after supper. My cigarette habit had been curtailed sharply because the heart attack I experienced (the day I accepted the LORD for my savior) weighed heavy on my mind. Nonetheless I was not capable of stopping and so made an attempt to slow down. I was now smoking about a pack of Marboro 25`s as apposed to my ususal 3 packs and had just bought a carton of cigarettes the day before on the 7th. I lit a cigarette and my friend and I head for the car. We chattered the 6 miles to her apartment, said goodbye and off I went back home. I had my left hand on the wheel while I searched with my right hand inside my bag to get a cigarette to smoke on the way home. I couldn`t seem to find them so I pulled the car over and dumped my bad out. A feeling of discomfort turned into panic as I realized I had to go the whole 6 minutes home without a cigarette! I entertained the idea of stopping at the store on the way home but I was on the higway before I had the chance to do so. All the way home all I could think of was those cigarettes and how they looked on the tile table with the lighter laying next to the pack. My mind was totally preoccupied with that thought and when I got home I was practically frantic to get inside and get one in my mouth. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh, at last home and walking in the door seeing them on the table brought a feeling of great relief to me. I took one out of the pack and put it into my mouth and clicked the lighter...but the first time it didn`t light so I started to click it again and I heard this BOOOOOOMING voice from behind me say: "Catherine you won`t ever have to smoke another cigarette!" I spun around quickly to see who was there, and there was no one!!!!!! I had to think about this for a few seconds and then I heard myself asking: "GOD....is that you??????" I heard nothing. I don`t remember how, but somehow I found myself on my knees crying and crying and thanking GOD because I KNEW that I was just handed a "Miracle." That was the last time I ever smoked a cigarette. I don` remember how my carton of cigarettes got into the trashcan, but I saw them there the next morning. I thought about this incident a lot in the weeks following and wondered sometimes whether this was really true and what if I wanted a cigarette, but time passed and it just never happened. In fact, to this day I cannot be around people who are smoking tho I never make an issue about it; I simply thank God and pray for them that if it is GOD`s will....they will also be delivered.

God Bless you all!

Name:
Catherine
Location:
Hawaii

Testimony

There are many testimonies I am able to share with you, but there are two that stand out in my mind and those are the ones I share with you now.

On September 8th, 1990, not 6 full mnnths after I became a born again Christian I was taking a friend home after supper. My cigarette habit had been curtailed sharply because the heart attack I experienced (the day I accepted the LORD for my savior) weighed heavy on my mind. Nonetheless I was not capable of stopping and so made an attempt to slow down. I was now smoking about a pack of Marboro 25`s as apposed to my ususal 3 packs and had just bought a carton of cigarettes the day before on the 7th. I lit a cigarette and my friend and I head for the car. We chattered the 6 miles to her apartment, said goodbye and off I went back home. I had my left hand on the wheel while I searched with my right hand inside my bag to get a cigarette to smoke on the way home. I couldn`t seem to find them so I pulled the car over and dumped my bad out. A feeling of discomfort turned into panic as I realized I had to go the whole 6 minutes home without a cigarette! I entertained the idea of stopping at the store on the way home but I was on the higway before I had the chance to do so. All the way home all I could think of was those cigarettes and how they looked on the tile table with the lighter laying next to the pack. My mind was totally preoccupied with that thought and when I got home I was practically frantic to get inside and get one in my mouth. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh, at last home and walking in the door seeing them on the table brought a feeling of great relief to me. I took one out of the pack and put it into my mouth and clicked the lighter...but the first time it didn`t light so I started to click it again and I heard this BOOOOOOMING voice from behind me say: "Catherine you won`t ever have to smoke another cigarette!" I spun around quickly to see who was there, and there was no one!!!!!! I had to think about this for a few seconds and then I heard myself asking: "GOD....is that you??????" I heard nothing. I don`t remember how, but somehow I found myself on my knees crying and crying and thanking GOD because I KNEW that I was just handed a "Miracle." That was the last time I ever smoked a cigarette. I don` remember how my carton of cigarettes got into the trashcan, but I saw them there the next morning. I thought about this incident a lot in the weeks following and wondered sometimes whether this was really true and what if I wanted a cigarette, but time passed and it just never happened. In fact, to this day I cannot be around people who are smoking tho I never make an issue about it; I simply thank God and pray for them that if it is GOD`s will....they will also be delivered.

God Bless you all!

Name:
Catherine
Location:
Hawaii

Testimony

This is the second miracle I would like to share with you. I was going to have this simple precedure for a hernia on my abdomen. In by 6am out by noon and I could drive myself home. What followed was like a nightmare! I woke up in ICU when I wasn`t even supposed to be in the hospital at all. It turned out that while my doctor was putting the plate in for my hernia, he discovered a black mass which turned out to be a gangrened gallbladder! That is why I woke up in ICU and later that week when I was allowed to be put in a regular room, I developed pneumonia. The as if that wasn`t enough I had something wrong with my bowel and was bleeding, By now I had been in the hospital two of the 3 weeks and 3 days I was going to end up being there. One day I started having a lot of pain and begged the nurse to give me my pain pills a little earlier. I did this several times in the next few days and then one day (m doctor was then off island) another doctor came in to check the places where the tubes had been put into my stomache. When he pushed down on it I shouted at him because it hurt me so bad. I told him not to do that, but he did it again and then I hollered at him.."DIDN`T YOU HEAR ME SAY DON`T DO THAT??? I shouted at him. He ignored me but started hollering at the nurses to do "something" STAT! I began to lose consciousness then and I could feel this warmth begin to crawl up from my fingertips up the arms and the stomach and then the chest and when it got to my neck I became frightened and then it got to my face and I don`t remember anything after that until I woke up 3 days later having been in a coma. My friend Sue had come to visit me while I was in that coma and put a sign on the wall at the foot of my bed. Before I tell you what the sign said...I want to tell you what happened to me while I was in this coma. I remember crying and saying it seemed..out loud...Oh Lord you said you would never forsake me...why have you left me Lord?? And I heard this gentle but firm voice answer: "Why have I left YOU??? I have not left YOU...I`ve been here all of the time. Why did you leave ME?" That is when I opened my eyes and saw the sign my friend had put up on the wall in front of me. It was a neon colored green and in BIG THICK letters it said: " C H O O S E L I F E '

God NEVER leaves us, but if we ever think GOD DOES leave us it is time to see where WE are!

God bless you all

Name:
Constance Davis
Location:
Napoleon Ohio U.S.

Testimony

I had become confused and disoriented with my faith in the Lord and My doctrine and Bible. As a tempoary Catechism Instrutor I had no patience for Eigth Graders. Let Alone My Abusive Marriage I was in for 11 yrs. On New Yrs Eve of 85 I took our Family Bible and opened it and I heard Avoice say get out My child U r forgiven I filed for a Divorce and Remarried a Man Much younger than me, He showed me a new way of Life and I began searching around for the thirst thatI needed for my Faith, I found the Lord again and started to attend another congregation not knowing how i would feel, I felt strange at first and had all kinds of health problems and financial problems. I went back and something was drawing me to this new world of faith I never knew. Someone or the Lord was talking thru people and letting them know of my problems. I had asthma real bad they laid hands on me that was two yrs ago i have not had the asthma problems since. but it was like a elctrical charge that i could feel fo thru me. I now am a born again christian and now know what bible study is and try to instill this in my little ones left at home. My older children do not understand me but that is ok because the Lord is answeing my Prayers everyday ,they used to argue amongst themselves now they are getting along and very happy. another miracle to me because they are now 34,29,28d 21 they have finally learned that they need each other. I thank My Lord everyday for the miracles he is performing before me and I praise him everyday to keep me going strong, and when I stumble I know he is there to pick me up and walk beside me all the way. I never knew that before.

Name:
Patricia Portigiano
Location:
Swansea,SC, USA

Testimony

I would like to Thank God. A year ago my husband Anthony had sinus problems which caused double vision. He had a fungus in his sinus cavity which could have been fatal. I Thank God we were led to a good doctor.

Name:
Margaret
Location:
GulfCoast Mississippi

Testimony

God has blessed me with a wonderful loving husband.We will celebrate 10 years of love, careing and sharing this November 25. I prayed for this and God answered my prayers. God is good!!!

Name:
WAVA SMALLEY
Location:
DESLOGE, MISSOURI== USA

Testimony

I THANK GOD FOR ALL THE FRIENDS I HAVE MADE ON THE INTERNET. AND MOST OF ALL== I THANK GOD FOR GUIDING THE HANDS OF THE SURGEONS WHO DID MY THREE SURGERIES A YEAR AGO== I KNOW GOD WAS THERE AND I AM EVER THANKFUL FOR ALL THAT HAS BEEN DONE FOR ME=== GOD DOES ANSWER PRAYERS AND TERE ARE ANGELS AMONG US ==========

Name:
michael marion
Location:
schenectady NY (US)

Testimony

Please pray for Michael Marino who is 9 years old who was born handicapped. Prayers are much needed for him and also his mother who has a hard time working and supporting the family and giving him his special needs which are required of a handicapped child. I thank you and god bless you.

Michael's Grandmother

Name:
Simon
Location:
Middle East

Testimony

Whatever we think and do may not be right at all time. Ask God to reveal the truth. We have only one chance in our life. So we should be serious about it. It all ends with our death or Christ's Second Coming whichever is earlier. Once upon a time I was criticizing salvation. I was strictly against baptism. Please read my testimony below. If you want to submit your life to Christ or facing any confusion for submission based upon this testimony, please contact me at livetestimony@yahoo.com ********************************************************************** My name is Simon. From childhood I had the desire to know God. But too many religions really confused me to which God should I believe. Each religion claim truth in them. Because I was born in a Christian family, so I heard about Jesus. What about others who did not born in Christian family nor did not here about Christ? For them no salvation? These were all the confusion in mind. Because I am born in a Christian family so I don't wanted to believe Christ. I wanted to taste Jesus personally.

I was an active member of the church. (That was only to get a good name, but had no personal relation with God) I had that emptiness in my soul. After my college education I moved to Mumbai in search of job. Later I developed my own business. God started blessing me. I became very proud. Not afraid of anybody. At last God catch me. In January 22nd, 1993 I was admitted to hospital for some heart problems. A thought of death came to my mind. I cried with a sincere heart, if there is a God existing heal me today. If I die today definitely I will be lost. God, give me a chance to know you, your existence and to know the truth.

With Gods grace I am miraculously healed. I got my life back. God's Holy Spirit is able to enter into each and every part of our blood cells.

As per my commitment I Started searching God, other religions, the word surrender, the death of Jesus for our remission of sin, resurrection, eternal life etc., When I was searching to know God, so many doubts came to mind. I struggled almost for 3 months with confusion in mind. But Holy Spirit clarified all my doubts. In between God arranged so many mediators to clarify my doubts. By hearing Jesus name or birth in Christian family is not the answer for salvation or eternal life. There is no difference between others and you being Christian by birth. In this stage you are worldly like others. But anyone in spite of his religion, if root a relation with Christ that is the beginning. I started reading all religious books in search of thirst for God. But my soul is not satisfied.

At last my search came to Bible. That was the real time when I sincerely started reading bible. There is a quote in proverbs. "Those who seek me, will find me". When I started reading the Gospel of St.john small tiny lights started twinkling in front of word of God. Definitely it was the work of Holy Spirit. That experiences are lasting till today. Always I find these type of tiny lights in the form of stars move around me. It is a wonderful experience. I found great relief while reading bible. I felt like God is personally talking to me.

Based upon the findings of the Bible,at last I decided to surrender my life to Jesus. I wanted to invite Christ into my heart. I cried like a child, who lost his loving mother."Jesus, come to my heart, forgive my sins, I believe you died for me". I brought all my sins in front of Jesus and asked to forgive me. That day Jesus did not come to my heart. I did not feel any change in me. The emptiness of heart was not filled. I felt very bad. Again for few days I cried before Him and asked Him why you are not coming to my heart?

At last Holy Spirit revealed to me the reason. Still dirt was there in my heart. I had enmity with 3 people and I had some documents kept secretly with me as a future security against one person in case he creates any problem to me. God's Holy Spirit revealed to me this is not right. I met all the 3 guys and reconciled with them. And I destroyed that secret document also.

That night was a wonderful night in my life. Again I went back to Christ for surrender. I started crying before Lord. Tears started flowing into my cheeks continuously. I bawled like a baby. I cried like I'd never cried before in my life. I cried like a man whose heart has been broken and of course, that's just what was happening. When I finish all I felt a sudden release of tension, and burden from my body. My body became light. I felt like sailing in the atmosphere. My life melted down and transformed into a new creation. Peace entered. With a great relief I went to sleep. Within a minute I became unconscious. I don't know what was happening to me. My lips started uttering a new language. I heard the sound of heavy wind blowing into my room. A light came towards me and touched my forehead. Immediately I got up from my vision. Yes, my surrender was complete. I experienced the Holy Spirit entering into my soul. Really it was astonishing. Later I took baptism. Baptism is not only essential but it is also an outward expression of an internal change. It is commandment of God.

Now I am not afraid of death. Because my foundation is strong and confirmed. I am trying my best to be holy. God has brought me here in Middle East to discipline my self. He taught me so many lessons with various incidents.

Dear friend, just think where you will be if you die today. Is it possible to die and see? Thank God, Jesus is not yet come, and you are still alive. Take a decision right now. Today is the day of salvation. We don't know what will happen tomorrow. Remember that our surrender should always be unconditional. Jesus will not enter into a heart if we keep something for us. Don't keep condition to Christ to come to your heart.

My everything is Jesus. He is king of my heart. Always I think about Jesus. You can share with me your burdens. Are you blessed with this testimony? If so spread this testimony to others.Be a partaker in spreading the good news of salvation.

If you have any suggestions / clarification contact me at livetestimony@yahoo.com

Yours in Christ

Simon

Name:
Dave
Location:
PA

Testimony

I thank God that He has led me in my life, and that He gives me the strength to trust Him in everything. Praise the LORD!

Name:
Marilyn V.  Harris
Location:
LaFollette, Tenn.

Testimony

I am in recovery from Surgery. I had to have almost my entire Tyroid removed leaving 1/3inch in hopes that it would function enough to keep me from taking Thyroid Medication, thus far it has not, and I am presently on Medication. I had Surgery October 3, 2000. I had 2 Masses and a Cyst that consumed the Entire Thyroid. Mind you, this knowledge and finding of this, was in just a matter of days prior to the Surgery itself! Everything was moving so quickly and so rapidly for me, that I felt as though I was frozen. The words that I was hearing, all the tests, reading all the reports for myself, looking at the X-Rays myself seeing these things that had invaded my body and hearing that it was leaning more to Cancer than from it, was un-explainable! My entire World was changed in a matter of minutes. I do believe the Doctor, the Radiologist and the Nuclear Radiologist was a bit surprised with my reaction or some how expected more from me, and I guess, I too was surprised at myself, as well in one sense, but I was overwhelmed with such a feeling of "Peace" that enen I can not explain. I was receiving assurance from the Holy Spirit, that "There was nothing that Jesus and Me could not face together!" The Assurance that I felt and Knew at the Moment that I was Not Alone is un-descibable! I have no Words that can even begin to explain it. The Doctor and Nurses would make comments to me when I would go back to the Office like; "You are Handling this so well!" But, you see, I learnt along time ago, the hard way to Never Walk in Front of my Lord! That He was and is still the same Jesus that spoke Peace to the Waves during the Storm and they ceased and became peaceful. That's what He's done for me! All the way up to when they took me into Surgery. I had this un-desribable Peace! As I looked at the Surgeon, who came and spoke to me before the surgey, I noticed his Hands and then his Face and I was unable to speak with my mouth, but I remember tears coming down from my eyes and realizing this was the first time I had cried since all of this. The Doctor and the Nurse who was with him, handed me a kleenex and I felt as though they were sord of relieved to see me finally react to this whole thing. But, little did they know, it wasn't that at all. It was because, from my Heart, words were being spoken to the Lord, to guide the surgeon's hands and the Lord, who gave this Surgeon the Gift of Knowledge, to be able to perform my surgery. I was Thanking Jesus for being with me and Thanking Him for the Peace that He has given me and the Knowing, with all certainty that with and through Him, we can face anything. I totally gave Him everything and little did I know that there was a Miricle in the Making for Me, Marilyn, TODAY! My Prayers had been Heard and Already Answered, even before the Surgeon got to me! There was NO CANCER! The Doctors Could not Believe It and still Cannot, and Say to me that: "All they can say is that it is A MIRICLE! I am praising My Lord, Jesus, who is worthy to be Praised and Giving All the Glory to God for All The Good Things He Has Done! Thanking Jesus, For those who took my Name and Need unto Jesus, through Prayer and for His Wonderful Answering of Prayer! Never underestimate the Power we have through Prayer! I saw this on a Card Yesterday: Thou who hast given to me so much, Give one thing more-A Grateful Heart! Just to be able to be here to be able to share the Goodness of my Lord, and be able to share this Thanksgiving with my Family is more Joy than my mere words can even begin to express! Sickness must be Present for Healing! He is Still Lord! Marilyn Harris

Name:
rose
Location:
new london, ct

Testimony

I thank God for his mercy and his grace, inspite of me he continues to stregthen and guide me. I thank him for all he has done I could not tell it all, all he has done for me. I thank him for picking me up when I fall and encouraging my heart that I can make it that I am his child no matter what the enemy tries to tell me. I thank him for his patience and his everlasting love. I thank for being there when no one else was and for his son Jesus Christ because he lives I can live. I thank him for my natural family as well as my church family at Miracle Temple Church. He is truly amazing and all he has done is more then anyone could do here on earth. I thank him for the victory and I thank him for the renewal of my mind, heart and spirit each new day!

Name:
fanette merrett
Location:
stow, oh

Testimony

The Lord has truly blessed me...three years ago my lifestyle lead me to a place that not only caused me shame and guilt but the effect it had on my family was something that I thought would never be recovered. That experience put me in a place where I had to either face it...or die...the Lord took me to a place that was truly the beginning of the best and worst of my life. At that point I could either stretch out and get ready for the exprience of my life that the Lord had preplanned for me or fold up and be lost forever. Now, I do not mean to imply that it was easy or is even easy now, but more than anything, when God showed me first his uncondtional forgiveness, the way to and the necessity to ask for forgivness, no matter how hard or how many times necessary, the true meaning of a father, which i never had and how this was just the crust on the top of what was to come, as far as being pruned for the christian walk. During that time tho I felt shame I never once stopped going to church, he did not allow me to run, but gave me strength climb that mountain. He gave me a spirit of wanting to know more about him and how to face my sister, and family whom I had hurt terrible...he helped me to face issues that had brougt me to the point of shame, scriptures that spoke to me in revelations, and still do...he has taught me that being a christian is a work in progress...and accountablity is mine alone. He has continued to bring people into my life, some that I have helped and some who have helped me...he helps me to keep pride in the right place...and to recognixe when it's getting in the wrong place...he continues to teach me , prune me, and catch me when I fall. But one thing about my life has never been the same, and will never be the same. I am now struggling with an issue which he has previously delivered me from, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak...he is bringing me messages that remind me of where he has delivered me from: David, Solomon, the prodical son, Joseph the man of the coat of many colors and as He would have it these messages, Thank you Holy Spirit, were brought the me the same time of year three years ago...my message of today is: All things work together for good to them that love God, and are called according to his purpose...Thank you for this opporunity to share this breif testimony...God Delivers and Satan attempts to Defeat...But, when the Student is ready...the Teacher will appear.

Name:
Treva
Location:
Virginia Beach, Va.

Testimony

I am grateful because I'm a recovery crack addict alive only by the Grace of God. With God and turning my will over to him anything can be accomplished. I always had money which we think of as wealth, I know different today. My wealth comes from God's love through others. I'm thankful for the road I have traveled whether it was rough or not because I am now closer to God than I ever have been. I have a testimony to share in hope to bring others to Him.

Name:
Donna
Location:
Georgia, USA

Testimony

My husband and I only had 30$ left to our names..no checking, no savings, nothing but FAITH..we knew we had to give the 30$ for tithes in church the next day..we discussed what we were going to do..we both decided there were no more discussing the matter..the 30$ would go to tithes instead of groceries or diapers for our 1 year old son and/or our 2 month old son..we knew God would meet our needs..that afternoon a lady from our church came to inquire about a sofa we had been trying to sell for about a month or two..she ended up buying it for 50$..the next day we gave the 30$ and still had 50$ left over from the couch..God hears, God answers..Donna

Name:
Loreal
Location:
NH, USA

Testimony

I "let go and let God" as they say in alanon. My husband and I walked out of divorce court with a second chance. He's been enrolled in an outpatient aa program. The judge came out and spoke to us, shared his experience w/aa and even asked about our children. I never thought I'd feel like giving this marriage another chance, but somehow God turned those resentments around. The problems haven't disappeared just because he is sober. We have a lot of work to do. I know God will see us through.

Loreal

Name:
Frank Serrano
Location:
Davie, Fla

Testimony

Im glad for God never giving up on me, for calling me out of darkness into his marvellous light, for loving me, my wonderful wife Leeisa, and my children Celis, Isabel,and Rachel. For giving me the victory over the things that I tried to quit but could'nt and giving me a new life. I half to give thanks to my Lord and Saviour every day of my life for freeing me of the bondage of sin. Ill follow you forword for the rest of my life,never backwards, Thankyou Jesus

Name:
Karen
Location:
Warminster, PA, USA

Testimony

GOD IS AWESOME! I see him directing my path everyday. He sends me messages through people I meet each day. He opens doors. I have to keep my eyes open and my ears open. Sometimes I don't realize why someone came in to my life until days and weeks later. When I think back all I can think is Wow! God is so AWESOME. Watch and see. He is with you always.

Name:
Hannah
Location:
Naples Fl America

Testimony

Every night I pray to god and the next day all of my wishes come.

Name:
Renee
Location:
Brooklyn, NY

Testimony

I always believed that there was a God, but I did not understand God and his plan. That is until circumstances led me to work with a lady who enlightened me to Gods' will. I had a lot of questions, and was confused about a lot of things, but day by day she enlightened me in the calmest way to the Big Picture of life, which is the ultimate choice between choosing life and death. She came into my life at the right time because I was a foot away from darkness, that darkness was ongoing promiscuity and an alternative lifestyle. Even though I finally understood Gods' plan. I struggled with myself to do the right thing, because it's hard to give up bad habits overnight. But here I am, a year and a half later and am so happy to have God in my life He is my lord and personal saviour and I get emotional when I think about how great he is. I have cut off alot of people I used to deal with, my co dependent behavior is gone and its no thing to do whats' right now. My eyes have been opened and I see so many lost souls. Mnay people go through their whole lives being lost. But I thank God for finding me at the young age of 21. I have chosen life, thank you Jesus.

I am working on a new e-mail address, but if anyone as any questions or comments, I will be so happy to help. Feel free to write me at: 3835 Richmond Avenue Staten Island, NY 10312

God Bless You...

Name:
Renee
Location:
Brooklyn, NY

Testimony

I always believed that there was a God, but I did not understand God and his plan. That is until circumstances led me to work with a lady who enlightened me to Gods' will. I had a lot of questions, and was confused about a lot of things, but day by day she enlightened me in the calmest way to the Big Picture of life, which is the ultimate choice between choosing life and death. She came into my life at the right time because I was a foot away from darkness, that darkness was ongoing promiscuity and an alternative lifestyle. Even though I finally understood Gods' plan. I struggled with myself to do the right thing, because it's hard to give up bad habits overnight. But here I am, a year and a half later and am so happy to have God in my life He is my lord and personal saviour and I get emotional when I think about how great he is. I have cut off alot of people I used to deal with, my co dependent behavior is gone and its no thing to do whats' right now. My eyes have been opened and I see so many lost souls. Mnay people go through their whole lives being lost. But I thank God for finding me at the young age of 21. I have chosen life, thank you Jesus.

I am working on a new e-mail address, but if anyone as any questions or comments, I will be so happy to help. Feel free to write me at: 3835 Richmond Avenue Staten Island, NY 10312

God Bless You...

Name:
Renee
Location:
Brooklyn, NY

Testimony

For the above mentioend address, the entire address is: 3835 Richmond Avenue Apt#203, Staten Island,NY 10312.

Name:
Jennifer
Location:
Vancouver

Testimony

I "have two children and" am a single mother. Their father is now with another woman who also has two children from him. My children are ages 5-year-old and 10 months old. The other woman has a, one and a half year old and the next is 4 months old.

How I got my strength to overcome pain and sorrow was to let go and let Jesus take care of things I couldn't handle on my own. I'm not married to him and neither she is. My 2nd child named Jeremiah, because God has a plan for me. Jeremiah 29:11

Praise the Lord! I no longer feel like a sex object and very happy to get out of sexual immorality.

Name:
Joyce C. Lock
Location:
USA

Testimony

$ Financial Freedom $

Having been raised/programmed with all the principals of a virtuous woman, Granny also lived in our home (a survivor of the Great Depression). Additionally, with four siblings, eight to nine people lived in our house at any given time. Parents being in mission work, we were also the 'home away from home' for uncounted numbers of people and missionaries.

Every which way I turned, there were lessons on being frugal - for which, funds always stretched just a little further. Also being first born, I was the closest to a big brother there was in our home. It seemed normal to carry over roles of caretaking/protector responsibilities into adult life. Neither did it help that the man I married came from a well-to-do family, for which we would not be accepted due to our financial standing.

Having already come through an abusive relationship, I concluded that if I just did all the right things, I'd never have to live like that again. Unknowingly, I placed myself in captivity to legalism.

Thus, from a variety of sources and pressures, I became a work-aholic. Religious training didn't afford the option of working outside the home. But, it did provide perhaps every feasible thing imaginable to save or make money while at home.

Among feats of putting in 16 hrs. per day for 16 yrs; I was a foster parent to 12 children, a piano teacher, a baby-sitter, a professional rebater, groceries were not bought without a double coupon (stores hated to see me coming and I hated going - $369 worth of groceries for $53 & then to come home and match rebates was more work than any laundry day I ever saw). I held yard sales, sold craft items, even collected people's left over rummage. Being an idea person, there was no end of ways on how to turn nickels into dimes. If my husband so much as bought a 10 cent candy bar, he was dead meat - as 'spending money' just wasn't there.

I could keep a column going on how to make a Kleenex last for two uses; how to reuse scrap paper; how to make your own Christmas post cards and name tags; how to use your talents to never have to buy presents again; and, what to do with most every piece of trash - besides trash it (to name a few).

In spite of the recession, in every way, we appeared to have 3 times our income. It was impossible to make a budget with funds that weren't there and no one was the wiser. Through the years, what seemed never ending was being slammed (financially and otherwise) to such a degree that - before we could get up from one crisis, another would hit. And, no matter what image we could portray, it was never enough to become worthy in my husband's family's eyes.

Then came the day a friend, from our church, offered to do some remodeling for us. He needed the money, and we could get projects done due to the cheep rate he offered. We'd also seen that he was capable of doing good work.

It was a long story that ended with the interior of our house looking like a construction demolition sight, leaving us; $30,000 in debt for mostly destroyed materials, with an estimate of $240,000 in repairs and replacements, attorneys who wanted our case but said 'you can't get blood our of a turnip', an insurance agent and an insurance adjuster who lied & bailed on us, and an unsafe house to live in. In addition, my husband's 15 yr. job was going down the tubes due to the administration's theft of funds. Income, hours, and benefits were being cut left and right. It wasn't even possible to file bankruptcy, as we couldn't afford the price of rent.

The hurt was much deeper than material things. It attacked my identity, took away my cover for a low self-esteem, and left me feeling broken and defiled that such a person we'd cared for, ministered to, and helped had done such a thing.

16 yrs. of labor was gone. I was 16 yrs. older than when we began. Being emotionally beyond spent, I just couldn't do it again. I would have been institutionalized before I'd have gotten up to try just one more time. Finally completely defeated (I guess it takes more to bring down the strong), there was nothing left to do but get on my knees and ask God to give me something to hang on to - as there was nothing left inside of me. I couldn't hang on any more.

God took me down memory lane, reminding me of past experiences ... how we got married anyway, not having found a place we could afford to rent and how God had provided a nice place (based upon our income) within two weeks thereafter ... how when we moved to another state and couldn't find a place to rent that would allow children, he made a way for us to purchase a house we wouldn't have thought we could afford (sellers even helped finance the closing) ... how when we moved into houses that still echoed once we moved in - God filled them. God promised there would be another house, bigger still yet, and that He would do that for us again.

Always knowing in my head that we couldn't even breathe without God, I had found it difficult to give God all the credit in my heart - being that I'd worked sooooo hard! I saw how God had been there when I hadn't recognized it as Him. And, I believed Him when He said He would do it again. (After all, God had a good track record.) So, this time, I did an about face and decided to let Him do it. All along, I'd been carrying a weight that wasn't mine to carry and I was finally giving it back to God. No more ideas, at all. I didn't want that load anymore!!!

With that promised and settled in my heart, suddenly anger overwhelmed me. Once before, already being active in church, the question had come to mind, "What does Satan think we would do if he just left us alone? What is he so afraid of that he just keeps picking on us?" I didn't know the answer but determined I was going to find out and get even. I would take care of God's business and let Him take care of mine. Whatever God had showed me to do, that I'd put off to a better day - I would do. Whatever, God showed me to do now - I would do. Whatever God showed me to do next, I would do. I would do, and do, and do, and do until I found what Satan was so afraid of. And, when I found it, I would do it. Then, Satan would be sorry he ever messed with me!

Suddenly I realized that nothing I'd ever learned in any church, great or small, had taught me how to overcome these battles. When attempting to seek council from those thought to be spiritual, I would be shunned. In time, I came to understand that they didn't know the answers. Thus, I'd learned to suffer such attacks from Satan silently. Verses preached hadn't worked either. They must not mean what people think they mean. Evidently, only God knows how to defeat Satan. I determined that if I sought God's will and instruction on every given matter, it would be impossible to fail - as Satan can't defeat God. Therefore, I decided to erase my training and start over (as a little child, ye must be born again to enter the Kingdom of God) and bring my every question to God.

(I know that's not the way man teaches it - but follow on.)

The law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did, by which we draw nigh unto God.

When verses spoke to me, THEN that was God speaking. And since man's interpretation didn't work, I would research God's word for definition of those words ... soon learning that God is His own best commentator.

Having begun seeing the Bible in a new way, I'd search like a detective, looking for How-To's (calling them "Master's Tools"). There's a promise of God's Word not returning void. So, whenever we'd be advertising a program or church event, I'd look for a supporting verse to use in the advertisement.

Then, without proper tools to find a verse I needed, I spent two weeks, 14 hrs. per day, searching. I couldn't give up, as that would mean Satan had won. God promises if we seek Him with our whole heart, He'll reveal Himself to us. Suddenly the Bible came to life! I could both hear and feel the words! For the first time, I understood the Bible! It spoke to me in my language!!!

For the next several months, I wouldn't put God's word down. There where so many promises, Master's tools, and lessons to be learned - all over the place!

It was so neat!!! God's instruction works! Whatever big or little that I sought God's will on, He blessed! I learned the real meaning of "except the Lord build the house, those who build are laboring in vain - to not take the name of the Lord in vain." I also learned to let Him build mine. God provided and continued to provide tools for me to find deeper things in the Bible, as I was ready to receive them.

In the process of learning forgiveness at a level few have ever known, I came to realize that I was responsible for what happened to my house, that I hadn't sought God's will on it first. God also taught me to know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em in terms of being manipulated by people who take advantage. Seeking God in all things became my choice - as only God knows where Satan will be lurking next. Step by step, letting go of things I had been doing to keep financially afloat, I began taking God with me to the grocery store & wherever else I went.

The MOST wonderful thing, in addition to all the things I continued to learn, is this. I grew in a personal relationship, a moment by moment walk with God, engulfed in His love ... and finally came to terms in that I was already accepted by God the moment I received Him into my heart. I am royalty, an heir to the throne, a child of the KING!

In regard to finances, I later realized that Satan had been steeling from us all through the years - even in areas I hadn't recognized. Having once given myself too much credit as perhaps one of the most prepared for being frugal in the world, there were areas I hadn't even seen. Only God can defeat Satan every time!

It took 3 mos. just to clean up the construction mess enough for our house to be safe, though it never got repaired. God gave my husband a new job (at 3 times our income) (at the very same company who'd promised him employment 15 yrs. earlier) and made provisions for finances to get straightened out - one step at a time. However, we ran into obstacles every time we attempted to thereafter hire help & not wanting to start another project without God's blessings, restored finances just got saved instead.

Additionally, just before God replaced lost inheritance and other things that had been stolen from us, He gave me this verse. "And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. Joel 2:25" I had no idea what any part of that verse meant at that time. But, I knew God had just promised to replace ALL that Satan had stolen from us throughout the years. Tears flowed with Joy at the awesome love of God! It was more than I'd hoped for and more of God than I had ever dared dream.

It has been 7 years since this part of my spiritual journey began. We've been free of financial bondage for a very long time now. And if not really that long, perhaps the memory has faded. God answered me in the joy of my heart. He set me free! I haven't seen anything since that was enough temptation to ever go in debt again. And, the growth with God has been wonderful! As painful as the transition was, it was well worth getting to know Him in a more personal way.

The house God promised, that day on my knees, we recently paid cash for (paid in full). Not only did we get three times our income, but again we live in a house that is three times greater than our income would afford & is more than we ever expected to have in our lifetime, only by the grace of God! Over 3,300 sq. ft., I have no doubt but what God will fill it again. God was more interested in cleaning the inside of the cup first - making it healthy and whole. And when that's done, He owns it all!!!

Having learned appreciation for the verse "he learned obedience by the things he suffered" ... when our thoughts aren't lined up with who God is and His perfect will, we're not in our right mind. Everything God asks of us will prove to be for our benefit, every hard lesson learned will turn to glory. The battles are in the mind. To take Satan by force and get our mind back, we have to start all over and come as a little child. The greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven are the children. In all things, God is our strength and OUR GOD REIGNS!

May you find the Peace that only He can give.

In His name,

© by Joyce C. Lock

He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. Matthew 10:39

Name:
Joyce C. Lock
Location:
USA

Testimony

A Promise Fulfilled

As young people often tend to feel invincible, my daughter would be employed two and three places at a time. Being born flat-footed, her feet didn't always cooperate.

In time, x-rays proved her bones had actually moved to where they were laying side by side (instead of on top of each other). Additionally, there were bone spurs.

Joints throughout her body would swell, and doctors had failed in diagnosing it. Shoes often created too much pain to wear. Medical tests required funds that were otherwise needed.

Becoming a common thing for her to run to the basement to put clothes into the dryer, only to find her sitting at the bottom of the basement steps crying (not being able to climb back up the stairs), we began to supply a wheel chair for outings.

Having no insurance and two young boys to provide for (not being able to take 6 mos. off work), God would provide her with feet just long enough to finish a shift.

Though having been a person with a heart for the needs of others, she was never able to manage her own spiritual walk.

Finally realizing God had allowed this to physically happen, so we'd realize her spiritual condition was an infirmity, I began to research scripture.

If two shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. Mt.18:19

The verse God gave us was this ...

"Make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed." He.12:13

Receiving that verse as God's instruction to teach the straight gate, she then began to walk both spiritually & physically.

Setting out to fulfill the required condition, we focused on listening for God and receiving His every next step of instruction - to not follow the laws in ink, but seeking to know God's heart.

Already knowing she had the gift of prophecy, her abilities became more refined. As long as her focus was on God, she'd continue improving. Seeking God with your whole heart, He reveals himself to you. Je.29:13 A few months into this journey, and she began experiencing God in newfound ways.

The following months were so exciting, she could hardly put God's Word down! She'd say, "Oh, this is so neat! I have to tell you what I found! I finally understand this!" ... as the phone would ring all hours of the night (being about to burst just to tell the wonderful truths of God).

From the day God began revealing Himself, she's had no desire to turn back ... and has had to separate from whomever would hold her to the Biblical laws (as both physical and spiritual conditions otherwise begin deteriorating).

There's no medical explanation as to how it's possible for her to walk, as surgeries were never done - or bones healed. Today, she is a walking testimony (both spiritually and literally) that you 'can' walk, if you keep your eyes on God. He isn't dead. He'll tell you when and which laws apply to accomplish His purpose.

God kept His word ...

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Ch. 7:14

As the ability to stay home with her children was thereafter provided for, God even fulfilled a promise that wasn't sought.

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Ep.3:20

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. Ja.1:6 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. I Jn. 3:22

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. I Jn.5:15

© by Joyce C. Lock

Name:
Joyce C. Lock
Location:
USA

Testimony

Awe, Perfect!

Every so often, I enjoy browsing through Christian Book Stores just to read their wall hangings. It draws me to worship. Yet, no matter how beautiful, either the color or wood tone doesn't coordinate with my home furnishings. Thus, coming home empty handed is the norm.

Through the course of conversation, a friend gave me the idea to frame my poetry. What a Godsend! There is a way to decorate my house as a testimony for God after all!

For the next few months, every piece of paper caught my attention - from cards with framed messages (making beautiful borders) to designed stationery (for backgrounds) to picture posters (creating otherwise more expensive large wall hangings). Each and every creation is one of a kind. There's even a grouping of family photos, with one frame out in front that says, "Our God Reigns". My house is growing to be a visible expression of my heart. Isn't God wonderful!?!

However, there was just one snag (an object lesson, if you will).

In purchasing a picture of a temple garden with doves; no verse, poem, or saying had been included. It needed something more to mark its' religious significance. Not having before realized; doves are no longer easy to find in the stores. My husband helped search until we found enough pieces to complete a wall, shelf, and table grouping.

A poem was to set in the midst, to tie this grouping together. More than a half dozen changes in the framed poem occurred before I was satisfied with its' wording. Then, the materials used in the frame changed more times than I can count. It was a chore ever coming to the place that poem, fonts, paper, ink, color, background, and frame all worked together like it should. Eventually, the right combination came together that left that feeling of 'awe, perfect'. Concluding that this framed creation was never going to get any better than that, I vowed to never touch it again. Finally!!! I was glad that was over!

Then one day, while on vacation, I came across a gorgeous handcrafted Canadian resin dove frame. It was twice what I wanted to pay. How could I be sure if it were a perfect match, being several states away? After having labored over the decision, I concluded that I might not get another chance for a frame like this again.

Once home, I set the frame with the grouping to see how it might look. Still uncertain, after hesitation, I took apart my framed work, transferred it to the new frame, then set it in place of the original. Awe! PERFECT! It was BEAUTIFUL!!! How could that be!?! I always thought the feeling of 'awe, perfect' was God's way of saying something is just right/complete/as it was meant to be.

"How could that be, God?"

He answered, "See. My 'PERFECT' is even better than yours." And, yes, I did 'see' the difference.

I think God gave me that object lesson as a way of sharing with people something I'd already learned, Except the Lord build the house, those who build are laboring in vain (Ps.127:1). His 'PERFECT' is better than the very best we can do. All our righteousness is as filthy rags until God begins to live through us; trading in our knowledge, thoughts, beliefs, talents, abilities, creativity for His. 'Awe' to know Him! His ways are always 'PERFECT'!!! And, if we'd just let God build our house and His, they'd both be 'PERFECT', too.

© by Joyce C. Lock

Name:
Joyce C. Lock
Location:
USA

Testimony

"Baby Steps"

From early childhood, my mother would agree that I was one of the most timid people you'd ever meet.

I was terrified to speak. Outside of family (my comfort zone), I often never spoke.

Hiding behind my husband's coat tail for a number of years, he was good at socializing. I just tagged along. Were it not for him, I'd have never gone in the first place. I would have been too frozen to speak. Having him around took a lot of pressure off me. If I thought of a few lines, fine. But, otherwise, I could enjoy following as he mingled among the people, with maybe an occasional smile or two.

When the opportunity came to not have to play the church piano or organ, but to finally get to sing in a church choir, I was so grateful. Though I couldn't speak the words, I could share my love for the Lord in song. It wasn't that I never wanted to play again, because I did. It was just that I'd discovered a greater ability to worship, making my heart the instrument.

As years came and went, growing in the Lord, God began showing me prophetic things. Sometimes, those things were so wonderful I'd feel like I was about to burst just to tell someone. When I'd attempt to share, people would immediately quote scripture so fast I couldn't take it all in to even know if I agreed or disagreed with their point. It was so intimidating, I'd close my mouth and just slither away.

When messages came with urgency, I'd have to share 'do or die'. It's God's Word to share such things or the blood will be upon your hands. Yet, because of their unbelief, God gave me a stammering tongue so others wouldn't understand what I was trying to express. It truly became a long term thorn in the flesh. I'd spend hours, days, and weeks (and sometimes even months) just laboring to make one important point in a way that others could finally get it.

Often feeling like I think the Apostle Paul must have felt, excellent in knowledge but rude in speech, my words would often create unintended offences. Being misunderstood became a hurtful way of life. Walking on eggs was a royal pain, mostly on my part - never being aloud to be real. Retreating, I'd often find comfort in expression through pen.

Having had the opportunity of first hand observance of some of the most wonderfully gifted encouragers in the world, and the effect they had to lift up people ... one day, God said, "Now, it's your turn." I couldn't speak! I'd already promised God I'd go where He'd send me, "But, you know I can't speak!!!"

It isn't that I refused to go. I truly wanted to keep my word to God. But, if I walked up to someone - my brain would go dead. Words seemed to vanish. "God, you know that!"

God responded, "Well ... could you say that you like their tie?" I paused, then responded, "It might kill me, but I 'can' say that."

After working up some courage, I walked up to the person God directed me to and said energetically, "I really like that tie!" The guy seemed both startled and surprised, as if no one had ever given him a compliment. He gave a big smile, but his 'thank you', seemed to be the only thing he could figure out to say (as if he'd never had opportunity to say it before).

Shew! I was glad that was over.

God showed me a lady, wearing a red dress. Passing in a church crowd, I made mention of how nice that color looked on her. Her face lit up and her mouth flew open. But, no words followed. It was as if no one had ever noticed before. She was both pleased and speechless. But, moving on through the crowd, it didn't leave time for her to feel pressured to respond. Though just for a brief moment, it felt good to have made a difference.

Then God said, "See that lady over there? Go say something nice to her." 'Something nice' means I'd have to figure out what the compliment is. I looked and saw she was wearing a pretty broach. I had the first line, but she filled in all the rest. It's just amazing how people's faces would light up when someone acknowledged their presence. All I had to do was speak first, then we'd find amazing things to discuss.

Oh, man. This was so cool! Just say something to the person in need that God shows you and stand back and see what He does with it. (Faithful is He who called you, who also will do it.) Hey! God's Word works!!!! And sometimes, all they need is someone to care that they came.

I was getting pretty good at this. Man this was a breeze. Just about that time ... God upped the ante.

"Now, I want you to go say something spiritual." Oh, no! Of all things, this would be harder. "Bubububut, God, you didn't tell me what to say!" "Observe," He said. "Find something nice to say about their ministry."

Every time I'd get comfortable, God would say, "Let's learn something else."

(Once, years ago, I was in a crowd and someone came from behind and touched my shoulder to get my attention. Feeling something spiritual happen from head to toe, I immediately had to turn and see who it was that touched me. It was so awesome, I never forgot it. The only explanation I know of is that his spirit transferred to mine.)

Again, God sent me with a message to another lady, before church was to start. This one wasn't even a really big deal. It was just something she needed to be informed of. But, she had a crowd gathered as she stood gabbing about the weather. I waited patiently for at least 10 min. and it was almost time for church to start, still not having gotten her attention.

I asked God what I was suppose to do. He said, "Remember the touch? Now it's your turn. Reach up and ever so gently place your hand upon her shoulder, then wait for her response."

The lady finished her sentence, turned around and spoke to me in such a spirit, I think my knees almost melted. She ministered to me in such a miraculous way, I was in awe. Her speech instantly moved from insignificant to spiritual. It was so wonderful that I turned to see if anyone else had seen it. I almost said out loud, "Did you see what God just did!?!" But, they didn't see. The crowd had vanished. They'd missed a blessed opportunity to witness the Power of a Touch.

In big ways and little ways, I began practicing the things I'd learn. Whenever I couldn't remember someone's name, which was most of the time, if I so much as tapped their shoulder, they'd greet with an instant smile. I'd say, "Hi", to people on the street - something they hadn't heard since years gone by (unless they'd visited the South). I'd look to notice little things, in letting others know their ministries were appreciated.

There's a verse that says the giver receives the greater blessing. I found it to be very true, as these people would begin ministering to me! And, as someone would begin to care about them, they were in turn multiplying seed by caring about others.

My youngest daughter once said, "Mom, that is so weird, walking up and talking to and helping people you don't even know." Could it be that this very thing of encouraging others could even be contagious on the streets? I don't know, but people are a lot kinder in our local stores than they were just a few years ago.

I never was able to be an encourager in the same way that others were. But, God didn't call me to be someone else. And with each new step, I learned something wonderful about God.

Next, He sent me to a visitation training program. Then I knew God had lost His mind! But, I'd already promised I'd go wherever He called and I'd already gone farther than ever imagined. (I didn't say I didn't dread it though.)

But, much to my amazement and appreciation, God didn't make me learn all the perfect quotes and memorizations. I didn't have to practice how to intimidate other people with scripture.

I failed the course, was accused of not submitting to authority, and was asked to leave the class. God never promised there would be no pain. But even amidst a hurt greater than I had ever known inside a church, not even good enough to serve God, He gave me a very special promise. The words He'd written upon my heart, He would bring to remembrance whenever I needed them.

God had something different in mind for me to learn ... how to minister, looking to the needs of their heart. In my weakness, God became my strength. And, I finally learned to speak by taking Baby Steps.

God doesn't call the equipped. He equips the called. I Co. 1:27-31

© by Joyce C. Lock

Name:
Candice L. Hawkins
Location:
USA

Testimony

John 3:16 ~ a verse I memorized as a child ~

Recently, this verse had real meaning to me. For God so loved me, He sent his son, Jesus, to die for my sins ... so that I may have eternal life. Jesus' death has allowed me to have life. A life free from myself, my sinful ways that would only lead me straight to a fiery hell.

God's love allowed me to be saved. 'Saved' in all sense of the meaning. It's an over powering realization that God loves me that much.

I challenge anyone who doesn't already have this understanding to realize that God loves you that much, too. Once you can come to the realization of just how much God really does love you, your heart is filled with so much love, joy, and peace. It is so wonderful! No matter what ones past is, God accepts us all. He loves you so much that he allowed His son to die, so that you may live.

Thank you Lord for the gift of your love.

© by Candice L. Hawkins

Name:
V. Oranell Cupp
Location:
USA

Testimony

The Accident That Was No Accident

It was October 9, 1964 (a chilly autumn night). We were traveling from our Gas City, Indiana home. Destination; Corbin, Kentucky, where my mother lived ... going home for the weekend.

(Three weeks prior, Lawrence, my husband, had purchased a brand spanking new Chevy. Wouldn’t you know ... our first new car. It was powder blue, Lawrence’s favorite color. So right was the color, that in eleven years of marriage, anytime he would buy me or one of my four daughters a new dress, it would be some shade of blue. But then, we each had a fair complexion and blue eyes. Blue certainly did us justice.

Lawrence and I had planned to make this trip two weeks earlier. Then, of all things to happen, I broke my lower dentures. Chomping on ice, as was a hang-up of mine, my lower teeth just cracked right in the middle. I just didn’t want to be seen all weekend without my teeth, much less try to eat without them. Thus, we put off the trip.

Then a strange feeling came over me, a thought I cared not to think about. Sharing this with Lawrence, "Honey," I said, "You know, the Lord may have just spared our lives this weekend."

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"Well I don’t know, with us not being able to go and this funny feeling I have," I replied.

As you might expect, we dropped the subject. But, as the days passed, it kept weighing upon my mind. At that time, I really didn’t understand the fear that possessed me.)

Looking back though, it seemed to begin about seven months before. Lawrence and I were members of the First Southern Baptist Church, Marion, IN. We were just ordinary members. Lawrence was the Sunday School Secretary and I had complete charge of the Nursery, which had been my privilege for three years.

Since I love babies, it seemed quite fitting. But, teach? Not me! In reading my Bible, it might as well have been Greek or Hebrew. I’d have understood about as much. Reaching the conclusion that God gave some the ability to teach and some He didn’t, I decided I was one of the majority ... the ones He didn’t. Having been taught, as long as I could remember, that God had given everyone a talent and that it was up to each one of us to find that talent ... I had a problem. Look as I might, I couldn’t find mine. Then one Sunday afternoon, in March 1964, (the church having scheduled an associational missions conference) a minister from Ohio spoke to us. Emphasizing the importance of people seeing the need for missions in Indiana ... he referred to many communities which didn’t have a Southern Baptist witness.

(Remembering visitation in the Gas City area, I knew there was no Southern Baptist Church there. In the homes that we’d visited, we found people just wouldn’t travel very far to attend church. As I’ve been told ... people wouldn’t cross a river, railroad, or a major highway to go to church. They proved that to be mostly true.)

The minister continued on, hoping God would speak to some hearts to begin mission work in our neighboring communities. As he spoke, I felt a tug in my heart; desiring to start a mission somewhere. I t never even once entered my mind that I knew nothing about mission work.

As the invitation was given, he asked for any to come forward who had a decision to make: salvation, rededication, the Lord leading them in mission work, or any other decision. I stood there wanting to go forward so badly, yet thoughts kept entering my mind, "You are married. You can’t start a mission by yourself. Lawrence must have a desire also." So, I decided to wait and talk with him.

A little bit hesitant but finally approaching him, I asked, "Honey, have you ever thought you might like to start a church?"

He looked at me as though he was thinking that very same thing, also answering, "Yes, a little, I guess. It would be nice."

Then the flood gates burst. I shared with him how I had wanted to go forward during the invitation and how I thought I’d like to start a church. We talked for awhile. However, our opinions differed about where to start one. Lawrence thought we ought to go to Swayzee and my heart pulled toward Gas City. Well, as time proved out, we went to Gas City. (I won that one.) We talked about this more as the days went by and two weeks later, Lawrence and I went forward during an invitation to surrender for mission work.

As it happened, our pastor and his wife left the church to become our area missionary; leaving the First Southern Baptist Church, Marion, IN, without a pastor for several months. Fill-in preachers, within the state, spoke as was available.

As one visiting minister began his sermon in Genesis, my mind began to wander (as it usually did). Very seldom did any speaker hold my attention for very long. I would try to pay close attention. But in spite of myself, eventually my mind would trail off. Then suddenly, I heard something. The preacher read, "Now the works of the flesh are made manifest, which are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanliness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God," (Ga. 5:19-21). Sitting there thinking about what he’d just said, it bugged me. I thought that it might be so in most cases ... but Christians aren’t perfect.

Recalling how I had been saved and baptized when I was twelve years old, I’d never held any doubt to that fact. I had sinned. I wasn’t perfect. But, to not be saved, well ... this was one case that scripture did not apply. I let these thoughts drop, not allowing myself to think anymore about it.

The next few weeks went on as usual, with a different preacher each Sunday.

Then, as my mind began wandering again, I heard something which made me sit straight up in my seat.

The minister read, "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, not effeminate, nor drunkards, nor revelers, nor extortioners shall inherit the Kingdom of God," (I Co. 6:9).

Man, I felt like that preacher could see right inside me. He seemed to be picking me out of the entire audience and giving me the whole load of the sermon.

I said, "But Lord, I am saved!"

I went home, not being as comfortable as the weeks before. Then I convinced myself that Satan was trying to get me to doubt my salvation. After all, hadn’t I surrendered to mission work? This was just one of his tricks.

(In the meantime, we had put our house up for sale. Lawrence and I felt we needed to live in Gas City in order to be effective there. We would get the daily newspaper and look over the ad section day after day. Making several trips to Gas City, we’d just drive around trying to find a house, but to no avail. There seemed to be nothing available that was adequate for a family of six, with room to start church services. Our house didn’t sell. Lawrence, having a business head on him, decided we couldn’t buy a house without selling the one we had. Convinced that we could, I suggested the idea of renting our house to meet mortgage payments until we found a buyer.

In months that followed, there were many heated discussions on this subject. Still not finding a house, once more, we decided to try driving through Gas City. Arriving home about ready to throw in the towel, Lawrence picked up the newspaper. Rumbling through it, as big as life ... there it was!

The ad read, "For Sale, two story frame house in Gas City, 8 large rooms, bath and a half, hardwood floors, new furnace, drapes, walk-in closets, and plenty of storage space, with 1/2 basement. Priced to sell at $11,800." Wow! We knew this was the house just from the ad ... plenty of room and at a price we could afford!

Lawrence immediately called the Realtor. Leaving right then and there to see it, just as we’d suspected, it was the one for us. It just seemed to say, "I’m what you need." We closed the deal on Friday afternoon and moved in the same weekend.)

As months passed, our church was still without a pastor ... having a different preacher every Sunday. Then lo and behold (wouldn’t you know), another minister quoted that same scripture at me! I began to feel a little like I think old Peter must have, you know ... the third time.

I was so thoroughly confused that I didn’t know whether I was saved or not. I knew I needed someone to talk to, but who? We had no pastor and I don’t know if it would have done any good if we had. Having never been accustomed to sharing my problems with a minister, I stewed over it for awhile and finally came to the place that I had to have some peace of mind.

Getting down on my knees beside my bed, I prayed, "Lord, I don’t know if I’m saved or not. But, I repent of my sins and ask you to save me if I’m not." Then, I waited. Nothing happened. I didn’t know whether I was waiting for God to tell me I was already saved or for some feeling to show me He had just saved me.

Looking back, I guess it would have taken an earthquake for me to have understood. Finally, I got up and went on in the same manner I had been ... confused.

Later, I decided I’d ask Lawrence how he knew he was saved. Without revealing my problem, perhaps he would have the answer. So, approaching him, "Lawrence," I asked, "How do you know you’re saved?"

He responded, "If I didn’t know, I’d sure be getting on me knees and finding out!" Wow! I didn’t expect what I got. Then, it dawned on me that he thought I was questioning his salvation. It angered him.

"Well." I thought, "I sure won’t ask you any more," and I didn’t. Now, I realize that it must have been difficult to live with me in those days. Plagued with uncertainty, I’d still fall on my knees (from time to time) asking the Lord to save me.

(As I recall in earlier years of marriage, I’d dreamed several times that Judgment Day had come. Christ had come back for the saved. There was a big lake. On one side was Christ, where all the saved joined Him. On Satan’s side was fire everywhere and all who weren’t saved. I was standing there, at the end of the lake, trying to decide which side I belonged on. Not knowing, this would trouble me.

Then I’d say to myself, "Oranell, get a hold of yourself. A dream is just a dream and nothing more." During times like that, I remember thinking that maybe there was something to the dreams after all.)

Finally, I just gave up and said, "Lord, until such time as you show me if I am saved or not, I will continue doing the work I am doing. I’ll quit if YOU show me that I’m lost, but until then ... I’m not quitting!"

So, this is how I lived until October 9, 1964.

It just so happened that it was my birthday (twenty-seven in fact.) Since our barrel of money was very low (or I should say, "Almost empty"), Lawrence called this my birthday present. I’ll always remember: Lawrence, myself, and our four girls (ages 10, 8, 4, and 21 months) left Gas City - beginning our trip to Kentucky at about 5:00 PM. As was our custom, the girls and I sang a lot. It wasn’t that we were singers. Lawrence just never liked us to play the car radio while driving. It made him nervous. It was a long trip, with small children and nothing to do. We sang mostly religious songs ... songs I’d learned as a child. This was about the only time the girls heard these old songs.

‘Till this day I can not say why but, that night we never did sing, "JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE." (In times past, we’d always sung it while traveling.) How I remember the message it held for me. "Just a closer walk with Thee. Grant it Jesus. This my plea. Daily walking close to Thee. Let it be dear Lord, let it be." Then I’d begin with, "I am weak, but Thou art strong," and on like that. It seemed as though my heart would be crying out for a closeness I didn’t understand. (‘Till this day, I still don’t sing it when traveling.)

At about 7 PM, I got the shock of my life. You would have thought I made connection with electricity. Joyce, my oldest, asked right out of the blue, "Mom, what if we had a wreck and all got killed?" Cold shivers ran up my spine. Of all things to think of!

Finally, I answered, "What do you mean, ‘if we get killed’?"

"Well," she inquired, "What would happen to the mission?" (We hadn’t started it yet. We were just making plans.)

"What do you mean what would happen to the mission?" I answered, still in shock.

"Well," she asked, "Who would start the mission work?"

"Joyce," I responded, "If the Lord wants your dad and me to work in the mission, He will save us for it," carefully choosing my words and speaking slowly so as not to reveal how I actually felt.

Later, stopping at a station to fill up the gas tank, we all made trips to the rest room (so we wouldn’t have to stop again). As we pulled out of the station, for some unknown reason, I fastened my seat belt. I suggested to Lawrence that he do the same, which he did. We’d never had a car with seat belts and, not being in the habit, had never used them.

In a little while I looked down to the floor, under my feet. I saw several pop bottles. Without realizing I was preparing for anything, I gathered them up (including the ones that were in the back with the girls) and braced them under my seat.

It wasn’t long until I was tired of listening to the girls chatter. Having brought pillows to make a bed, I positioned them in the floor between seats. My 10 year old and 21 month old laid down in the back seat and the 8 and 4 year olds lay on the pillows in the floor (soon settling down and drifting off to sleep).

We were traveling on the interstate near Frankfort, Kentucky. (Interstates were new in those days.) It was dark out (no other car lights could be seen) when, suddenly, the interstate ended. Lawrence hit loose gravel. He locked his brakes, trying to stop the car. I sat there relaxed, trusting him (as in the past) to stop just in the nick of time. But as I could see, he couldn’t stop ... discovering later, that loose gravel just speeds up a car.

What does a person think of at a time like this? Seeing what was taking place, I called out, "Lord, help us." (To this day, I don’t know if I said it audibly or not.)

At any rate, I told Him, "Lord, my life is up to You now. There’s nothing I can do," as I was facing what looked like a stone wall.

Hitting the wall with great impact, the car bounced back and hit the wall again and again. All the while, my head was bouncing against the roof of the car like a rubber ball.

Finally coming to a halt, as I well remember in those last few seconds, there was someone sitting next to me in the driver’s seat ... next to my husband. I’ll let you come to your own conclusions there.

Then suddenly, Lawrence said to me, "You and the kids get out of the car. It could catch on fire any second now. Hurry!"

"My girls!" I thought. "My girls! Are they alright?"

I started to turn, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t move my right arm at all. Funny, I never felt my arm hit. Then suddenly a voice spoke to me and said, "Your girls are alright. I spared them because I want them to serve Me."

Relaxed, I called the roll because I couldn’t hear a sound in the back. "Joyce," I called.

"Yes, Mommy," she replied.

"Pam..."

"Yes, Mommy," Pam replied.

"Bonnie..." I called.

"Yes, Mommy," Bonnie answered.

About that time, Patty started crying and they all became frightened, not really understanding what had happened.

"Are you all alright?" I asked.

"I think so," one of them answered, "except, Joyce’s head is bleeding."

Well, that frightened me a bit.

I tried to open the door, but couldn’t. About that time, Lawrence yelled, "Get out of the car!" I replied, "I can’t. I can’t open the door. My arm won’t move." He came around to my side and opened the door. I got out, holding my right arm with my left hand. Then, I got all the kids out and away from the car.

Lawrence concluded that my shoulder must be dislocated.

Within a few minutes, a car stopped. There was a lady behind the wheel, inquiring if she could be of any service. Part of the girls and I got into her car. Jammed as we were, she took us to the hospital. (Lawrence and the other girls waited for the police.)

Remembering trying to pass out, I rolled down the window to let the cool air in (so I could keep my wits about me).

When we got to the hospital emergency room in Frankfort, KY, Lawrence and the other girls had already arrived by ambulance.

As doctors and nurses took charge, they came to me and said, "Here, let me see about you."

"No," I replied, "Take care of Joyce’s head first. I can wait" ... and they did.

Then chilling, I thought I was cold. The doctor said it was shock and instructed the nurse to bring me a blanket.

(Joyce required several stitches in her forehead. Upon examination, the other three girls had just gotten pump knots. As I found out later; Lawrence’s nose and mouth looked roughed up, he’d hit the windshield several times, the steering wheel was bent almost in two - where he had held on, and his nerves were almost shot.)

After most everything else was taken care of with the children, they X-rayed my arm: which when the X-rays came back, orders were given not to move it at all. The major bone was broken in a slant, in the big part of my arm. It was lying right against the artery and main nerve. Any move could sever them. When asked if my arm was paralyzed at the scene of the accident ... for the life of me, I couldn’t remember. The doctor poked pins in me, but not even the slightest sensation was felt.

Soon, Lawrence was given a form to sign for me to have surgery, with plans underway to transport me to the hospital in Lexington.

The doctor wanted Lawrence and the girls to stay over night, at the Frankfort hospital, for observation ... also providing them a place to stay for the night.

Lawrence and I both were under the impression my arm might have to be amputated. Looking at his face, my heart went out to him. I wanted so badly to comfort him. With tears in my eyes and my heart taking over, I said, "Honey, if the Lord wants my arm He can have it. If He sees fit to take my arm, then He has a purpose and a way to survive without it. I don’t know how but, He will."

I couldn’t believe I’d said that. That wasn’t me talking. Something had taken over within me. My right hand was as much a part of me as my head. I never could do anything left-handed ... and I do mean ‘anything’.

Then, being ready to make the ambulance trip from Frankfort to Lexington, they strapped me on a stretcher. The gentleman, selected to ride in the ambulance at my side, was given orders to not let me move - for fear of severing the mechanisms in my arm.

I couldn’t explain what happened to me, but it was as though someone else was in that ambulance. I was just listening. There was such love for God swelling up within me that just simply burst. I told the guy in the ambulance how I loved God, how good He is, that He is wonderful, and of His greatness and majesty. I honestly do not remember all I said, but I rattled on like that for about thirty minutes (or at least the words seemed to be coming from my mouth). Something had possessed me. It wasn’t me at all.

(I had never talked about God like this. Visiting to get people to come to church, I didn’t know anything to tell them about God. That was the preacher’s job anyway. If I could get them to come to church, he could take over. Even though, I couldn’t give them a good reason for coming. I tried to get by with saying that we are supposed to go to church to please God.)

When finally finished, I began to realize that I hadn’t given him a chance to get a word in edge wise. I apologized for monopolizing the conversation.

He responded, "You don’t know what your testimony means to me. You see, I’m a Methodist Minister. I’ve been to seminary and all . I was pastoring a church, when I felt the Lord wanted me to work in the hospital and ambulance service. I see men dying and tell them about the love of God, most of them lying on their death bed cursing me. So, you see, it’s a pleasure listening to you."

Thinking back, if he had asked why I had such love for the Lord, I couldn’t have told him. It was no longer me, but the Spirit which dwelt within me.

I must have passed out because the next thing I remember was ... lying on my stomach with my right arm hanging down while two doctors put a cast on my arm. (They didn’t have to amputate after all.)

When the doctors were finally finished, they took me to my room ... the ‘bone factory,’ they called it. (It was called that because everyone on that floor either had broken bones or some kind of bone ailment.) Arriving in my room around midnight, I was very much awake.

Looking around, I saw an elderly lady in the next bed. She looked to be about 80. Wondering if she was a Christian, my heart started to pound. I thought, "I have to ask her." (It simply scared me to death. The Lord had made it easy for me in the ambulance, but this really frightened me.)

The next morning, I kept lying there trying to get enough courage to ask her if she was saved. I wondered what to say and finally just blurted it out, "Mam, are you a Christian?"

She replied, "Yes, I am," looking kind of funny at me. I laid back on my pillow with such relief.

Then after thinking about it, I wondered, what if she had said, "No"? I didn’t know what I would’ve told her. I’d never ‘tried’ to lead anyone to the Lord, much less actually lead anyone. But then I concluded, I would have said something ... that the Lord would have provided me with the right words.

My doctor came in shortly thereafter, telling me I had a nerve damaged in my arm. The radio nerve (whatever that is) and the ones controlling my fingers were injured. He had no way of knowing if the nerve was cut in two or just injured. The doctor made it plain that it would be two years before I got the use of my arm back, if ever. I was to wear the cast for twelve weeks and sit up while sleeping so the weight of the cast would pull that large bone down to prevent it from growing crooked.

After that, it was bath time. And, not only was my head sore but, I found that I had black and blue marks on both sides. It seemed the seat belts had held me against such force that the belts left my body badly bruised.

A month later, my sides were still so blue they looked freshly bruised . Evidence seemed that had Lawrence and I not had seat belts on, we would have gone through the windshield. The girls, had they not been lying down, would surely have done the same. However instead, they were thrown on top of one another. I would say, the mighty hand of God was protecting us.

A couple of days after arriving at the Lexington hospital, I had a new roommate. (The elderly lady got to go home.) This new lady and I had a ball sharing the Lord with each other. To everyone I came in contact with, I would tell about the Lord. I was as near to heaven, that week in the hospital, as I’ll ever be on this earth ... and loved every minute of it.

When ready to leave, the nurses said that they would really miss me and that I was the ‘life’ of that floor. I really wasn’t though. It was that new person in me, because no one was more surprised than me. I still didn’t understand what had happened to me. But, I praised the Lord for it anyway. Of course, I didn’t stay confined to my room; visiting all the rooms I was allowed in, while sharing this new found joy.

I even got the privilege of sharing with a Methodist preacher who was visiting at the hospital. I decided he was way off beam. He hoped he would make it to Heaven. I felt sure one could know if they were going or not. It isn’t according to how worthy you are.

A week later, I finally made it to Corbin. Lawrence had taken the girls on to mother’s, to stay while I was in the hospital.

Finding out our new car was totaled and that it would take too much to fix it, they gave Lawrence a new one ... only it was green. It was the only one they had on hand.

(It’s surprising how six people came out of that car alive.)

After spending twenty-four hours at mother’s, we headed back to Indiana ... though, not with her blessings. She felt I needed someone to take care of the kids and me. Being as high as I was, I felt we could lick the world as long as God stood by our side.

Arriving back home on Saturday, the first thing that happened, a friend of mine (who was a beautician) came over and cut all the girls hair - so I could comb their hair with my left hand. Already, the Lord was blessing.

I called our pastor (we finally got one) and asked if I could come to church in a house coat ... explaining that I was not allowed to move my arm even to change clothes.

He responded, "Anyone wanting to go to church that bad is welcome, even in a house coat."

For the first time in my life, I really wanted to go to church. I couldn’t imagine not going to church for twelve weeks.

Lawrence and I set out to find something for me to wear to church. We found a duster that was full enough to go over my cast and still button up. Later, a friend took a sleeveless dress and put snaps on the shoulder so I could have a dress to wear to church. Wow! I wore that dress everywhere I went, until my cast was off.

When my family and I went to church that first Sunday, it felt so good to be there. From the beginning of the service, I wanted so badly to get up and testify. I knew full well that our pastor never gave an opportunity for this. I didn’t know what to do because something kept telling me to say something. Once we had sung a couple of songs, the pastor made the announcements.

Then lo and behold, he asked, "Are there any other announcements?"

I leaped to the floor and said, "Pastor, could I say something?"

"Well, ugh, yes," he said.

I testified, "I just love the Lord so much. He has done so much for me. If anyone isn’t saved, you don’t know what you’re missing."

One good old lady, across the isle, spoke, "Amen!"

The pastor never acknowledged either of us ... just continued with the service. Though, I felt such a load lifted from me.

After benediction, this dear lady said she certainly enjoyed my testimony.

My Sunday School teacher suggested that I felt the way I did because I was so grateful the Lord had spared my life. The thought hadn’t occurred to me until she suggested it.

We sure had some hectic days following. Patty, my baby, preferred to go barefooted. You could put her shoes on and, in ten minutes, she would have them off again. It was winter time and I couldn’t let her get sick. Bonnie, my four year old, and I worked out a system. I used my left hand and showed her what string to pull. So that’s the way we kept Patty’s shoes tied.

I even wrote a letter left-handed. It took me hours and still, I’m not sure anyone could read it. Though, I certainly was pleased in that accomplishment.

It also got to the place where I learned to iron a piece at a time. I still couldn’t iron left-handed. Taking my left hand and getting a hold of my right, I placed my right hand on the iron. In about thirty minutes, I could have a pair of trousers pressed.

In months to follow, I was one hand and the girls were my other. I could vacuum, dust, cook, and clean things off things. I also managed while the girls washed the dishes.

(Three weeks after the accident, I was so happy. My previous problem seemed to have vanished. I wondered what happened to them.

Having been hungry inside for a long time and very unhappy, I thought it my destiny to live the rest of my life like this. I couldn’t change all of these people or make them love me. To my surprise, I found no one had changed but me. My entire outlook on life was different. My deepest apologies go to my husband. How he lived with me, I’ll never know. I know I wasn’t easy to live with. Thank God, He made the difference. He didn’t do away with me. He just moved right in and over-shadowed me.)

In the mean time, my bone specialist (who the doctor in Kentucky had referred me to) was looking over my case. He said they could do nothing for the nerve until the bone was healed. Then he’d send me to a nerve specialist in Fort Wayne or Indianapolis. They would do surgery on the nerve and hope it could be mended, depending on the extent of the damage.

In December, 1964, my fingers were becoming fixed. The doctor was afraid I’d never use them again, if they didn’t do something. He sent me to Indianapolis to be fitted for a brace.

They fitted me alright ... right over top of my cast. The little gadgets, with rubber bands that my fingers fit into, kept my finger straight. Using my left hand, I was to pull my fingers down. The rubber band took them right back up. This exercise continued several times a day.

In January, I got my cast off. By that time, I had a little feeling to my fingers. The doctor was amazed. He said that I didn’t know how lucky I was. In his opinion, I hadn’t been the slightest bit concerned, nor did I have a fight at all. He thought I was a lucky lady.

I told the doctor, "I gave the Lord all the credit."

I hadn’t been worried. I was trusting Him to take care of my arm.

"Well," he said, "You can give anybody the credit you want to, but you are (bleep, bleep) lucky. You could have never regained the use of that arm!"

I left his office in tears, thinking, "He may know a lot about bones, but he sure doesn’t have much personality."

Continuing to wear my brace through March, 1965, I was gaining more and more strength and use of my arm.

In January, 1965, we’d begun a Fellowship Bible Class in our home on Sunday afternoon. (The girls helped me keep the housework done. I owe much thanks to them.)

We could see right away that the people weren’t interested in