Larry’s Story . . . I came to know the Lord when I was twenty-five years old, three years after graduating from a large secular state university. I feel like the Holy Spirit came to me in a very special way, as I prayed to receive Christ one evening in my apartment when no other human was around. I immediately got baptized and joined a local church. Over the next ten years or so I got involved in church activities and finally answered a divine call to quit my job and enter seminary. My pastor at the time only asked me, “Do you love to read?” The Lord called me into missionary service following graduation. I now have been teaching at African Bible College since February, 1993. Don’t think of me as some kind of special spiritual warrior. First of all, missionary life – once you’ve made the adjustments – is a good life. Every morning on our way to chapel my wife turns to me and says, “JABDIP – Just Another Beautiful Day In Paradise.” Secondly, I recognize that the same Lord who called me into service is the One who empowers me. What I want to communicate to you is how I’ve learned that you can trust Christ with everything, not just salvation. As missionaries we’re living on support that we ourselves raised. Since making the commitment to pray every morning, our financial needs have dramatically improved. We trust Him for the ability to finish degree programs, to complete mission trips free of breakdowns, the well-being of relatives, in short, everything. He has consistently proven Himself faithful in every aspect of our lives. I’ve learned that God isn’t just interested in religion; He loves purple and pink sunsets and laughing children and all the good things in the world as much as we do. I’ve learned that while seminary ends, learning new things about Him never does, and it’s all Good News. My prayer for you is that if you haven’t met this God whom I love and serve, you soon will! |
Janet's Story.... Growing up in a Christian home, I rather took God for granted. The first time I remember ever really considering how God fit into my own personal life was when I was 11 years old. We had a message at church on hell, with one of those old time preachers who rolled up his sleeves, loosened his tie and began pounding on the pulpit and foaming at the mouth. Listening to this message pierced my heart as I pondered for the first time where would I spend eternity? I certainly didn’t know, but after that message there was one thing I knew for certain and that was that I didn’t want to go there! I prayed and asked Jesus to be my Savior. My life continued on in a rather typical way, with no significant challenges. I believed in God, but there were always some nagging doubts in the back corners of my mind. My belief can be described in this word picture: Imagine a doorway. On one side of the doorway is the world as we know it. On the other side of the doorway is the spiritual realm. I was through the doorway, but I always kept my foot crooked around the doorframe, never really letting go. In much the same way, I never really gave my life to God, only a nodding acquaintance and a friendly handshake. When I was 28 years old I received news that rocked my cozy little world. I had cancer! How could this be? I was too young! I had little children who needed me (2 and 3 years old). I was overwhelmed. The world I had tried to control was now totally out of control. This crisis in my life brought me to the end of my rope. felt as if I was hanging on to the last frazzled string, and it was about to break. Knowing there was nothing in my power that could be done, I knelt at my bedside and prayed. I lifted my hands to God and told him, “Lord, I don’t know what to do, this is too big for me. I am giving it all to you because I just can’t deal with it. If you want me to die, fine. If you want me to life, fine – I will live for you. Only You make that decision, it is all up to you”. This is the first time I was able to totally surrender my life to God. When I finally gave up the reins and let God take over, it changed my life. uncrooked my foot from the doorway and gave myself to Him. He did not let me down. All of my nagging doubts were gone and I literally felt a palpable peace flow over me. I was no longer afraid. I was no longer alone. I did not have a sense of healing and received no promise that the cancer was gone. What I did receive was a sense that whatever happened, Jesus was right there with me He would go before me and lead me through it, I did not have to face anything alone. This event changed my life. Am I glad I had to go through cancer? (surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, etc.) Of course not! But if that were the only way for God to get my attention, then I would not trade it for the world! Since this time I have not turned back, and He has never left my side or let me down. |
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| We would love to have the oportunity to share more about what God has done in our lives, and how you can know Him too. Please write to us at: larrynjanet@yahoo.com God wants you to know Him. Ask Him to reveal His truth to you. He will do it. He loves you. Click here for a full explaination on how you too can know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. |