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My name is Jeff. I am 29 years old. I have a beautiful wife Ami and 4 young children. I know that God has been with me my entire life though I didn’t give my heart to Him until about 2 years ago. I was raised in a Baptist church and had a wonderful church family.
When I was ten years old I walked the isle and was later baptized. Though I went through the motions my life was still very much my own. I spent my teenage years partying and drinking and just doing whatever felt good. Sometimes I would still attend church and I even prayed that God would send a wife to me.
I thought that since I had walked the isle and prayed the prayer and been baptized then I could do whatever I wanted and would still be okay.
I have been to many places around the U.S. and abroad. I always took The Word of God with me. Though I hadn’t truly trusted it, I knew it was important. While away from home on September 11, 2001 I heard of the attacks on our country. I prayed for those people in danger and for my family. After leaving work that day we went to our apartment and watched on TV the horrible images. We called our families and wept for our country. I remember thinking that this was the end of the world just as the Bible says. How grateful I am to have been wrong!
I returned home to my wife and family. We started going to church shortly after that. On October 16-18 our church had a small revival. On that Tuesday, the preacher (Bro. Bill B.) asked that if you weren’t sure whether or not you would go to Heaven if you were to die that night, raise your hand. With every head bowed and every eye closed I raised my hand. My wife and I went and knelt at the altar and prayed together. The next night as the invitation was given our preacher walked up to me. As I was stepping out, he told me he had been praying for me. Praise be to God! I walked the isle that night, I prayed the prayer, and I gave my life, my heart, my all to Jesus.
There is more though. As I stepped out that night someone else stepped out right behind me. The wonderful wife that God has blessed me with also gave her heart to Christ!
Sometimes I lose sight of the wonderful grace and mercy that brings all joy to those who love God. Then I remember that very night when Jesus reached out and took my hand and took me just as I am. You see I had lived all those years without truly knowing salvation. I turned my back to God and ran. But He is ever faithful and His love ever enduring. Praise be to God! |
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