I believe we all have something to say...a story to tell...a testimony. And I believe that each person's testimony can help someone else in some way. It's a witness to the world to know that we are human and go through things just like them but that we have a source of strength, of comfort, of hope, of peace...Christ Jesus. And they can have that too if they will only believe. It's a testimony to fellow believers that God is working in your life like He is in their lives. It's an encouragement, a support, to all who hear your testimony...and most importantly, it brings glory to God.
So here's this months featured testimony...thanks to Holly!
I was raised in a Christian family and have gone to the same church my whole life. I've been a Christian for a long time. However, I'm 16 now, and being a teenager and keeping Christian perspectives is hard. Anyway, my youth group from church took a trip to a youth group gathering in Fort Worth, Texas, called Glorybound, on Thanksgiving weekend. I was really hoping to learn something and be moved and motivated; I wanted this event to be touching! I had this sort of vague idea that if the event touched me, then maybe it would help me to strengthen my faith and get my life right with God.
Well, it turned out to be a disaster at first. The speakers weren't that great; they were no different than the pastor I listen to every Sunday morning. I was hoping for someone that was a little more "into" it. Then, during the trip, I got sick. I was extremely sick at my stomach the entire time (I hardly ate, and what I did eat--well, let's just say it didn't stay in my body for very long).
The second day of the event we went to listen to one of the speakers again. After that, we went back to our hotel. We had run out of snacks so our youth group counselors decided to go to Wal-Mart to replenish our food. Anyone that wanted to go could go, but another girl and myself decided to stay (we were tired). Well, instead of making a trip only to Wal-Mart, they went to the mall as well. The entire youth group missed a whole huge section of Glorybound because of this; it was a whole section devoted to different kinds of classes called "sectionals". It was where people gathered and talked about all kinds of different things, like how to witness, missionary work...anything and everything. I had really wanted to go. Believe me, I was mad.
Well, that night, we all went again to listen to another speaker. He used to be a wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, and I believe he is now their chaplain. Anyway, I was so disappointed with the way things were going (not to mention I was sick). Before this guy came on the stage, I said a prayer silently. I remember I asked God something like, "God, please let this speaker be good. I want to really learn something from this. And, well, Lord, things just haven't been going the way I thought they would so far. Please let this man be a good speaker and let me be touched and motivated by this."
So the guy came on the stage. I could tell automatically that he had a great way of connecting with teenagers. He was really pumped up and into it. He made 3 main points. The first one was to spend time with God...not just reading your Bible everyday, but also actually spending time with Him, talking to Him and stuff like you would with anyone else. His second point was to "get a partner"--someone to support you and help you grow in your faith--someone to support you when you fall. The last point was to surround yourself with Christian things, like Christian music.
Well, he was a very moving speaker! I can't remember anymore exactly everything he said, but I remember all of a sudden I had this most awesome feeling come over me. It dawned on me that God was answering my prayer. I could really feel God's presence at that moment. I just knew--I became convinced--that it was God's will for that man to be there at that gathering. And I also knew that it was God's will for me to be there. When I realized that God cared so much about me to answer my prayer and make me realize that this was all part of his plan, it was all I could do to keep from crying. I silently thanked God for answering my prayer, and for sending me and that speaker there. It was the most awesome feeling I've ever had in my entire life. :o)
Well, that's it! I hope it isn't too long. Please write me back to let me know if you will use it. Thanks, and I love your e-zine! God bless you, and keep up the excellent work with your site! I'm sure it's been a blessing to many people! :o)
--Holly
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