Hi Tim,

Nothing astounding here, but it’s an introduction to my life. See you Tuesday evening! Kathy and I really appreciate the class!

For me, becoming a believer in Christ wasn’t an outward transformation, but an inward one. Since I came from a family of believers, I attended church almost from birth, and heard the message of salvation from my childhood. I learned that God doesn’t have any grandchildren, so my relationship with God was dependent on my faith, not that of my parents. As a child of about 7 or 8 I accepted Christ’s sacrifice for me and prayed to be a follower of his. Though I haven’t always been faithful to him, he has remained faithful to me, and I’ve continued to seek his path in my life ever since.

Mark

From an early age, around 9, when my father died suddenly, I began to wonder about the meaning of life and death, God, truth. Being raised in a traditional Catholic home, I did and said what I was instructed to do in order to stay “close” to God, but never got to know Him personally.

My journey let me to investigate many other so called “truths,” none of which led me to assurance of heaven or if I was right with God. It was April, 1974 in Mexico where I was doing my student teaching that I met a girl who had gone to the same girls’ Catholic college in Kansas. I hadn’t seen her for a couple of years since I transferred to another college my junior year. She “happened” to be at the same bus station our group was at. She told me she had become a Christian and was on a missions trip. Initially, I took offense to her statement, since I thought all Catholics were Christians. However, after hanging out with her group for a couple of days I began to ask questions.

I had been waiting for an answer to the hole in my heart. Jesus was a perfect fit, the answer to all my fears, doubts and questions, the lover of my soul and the Father I had longed to know. He is everything to me!!!

As far back as I can remember, I recall believing the pastor when he explained the importance of accepting Christ and the salvation message. I prayed to receive Christ many times before I understood that once was enough. I finally understood the need for baptism at age 16 and was baptized in my church.

God has clearly guided my life from this young age and protected and guarded me. I can clearly see God at work in my life, past and present, and enjoy sharing specific examples with others, including the time God clearly told me to catch a football.

I grew up learning about God and as a teenager came to understand that God wanted me to be part of His family. I believed that His son, Jesus, died for my sins and I accepted His free gift of salvation. I began to know God as a father who loved and forgave me, and desired to know me.

Years ago I lost something and asked God to show me where to look. The answer popped into my mind and even though it seemed illogical, I found my lost item in that place. It is amazing to me that the God who created and maintains the universe is also concerned about everything in my life and desires to speak to me and know me intimately. I now know God as my personal friend and love the conversations we share.

I thought I was doing okay, and thought I knew what I believed. But after my boyfriend and I broke up, I felt completely alone, and began to fall into a depression. I began to ask myself, “What do I really believe?”, because if there was a God, I didn’t know him. When it came down to it, I knew I was either an atheist or a Christian …I just didn’t know which. Being unable to sleep at nights, I walked for hours, and began to talk to God like I never have before …

City background, churched but not connected/committed to God. USAF, married, no church/God. Rome, NY -> wife a true Christian. Doing well, comfortable -> sensed an unmet need plus unequally yoked (she had something I didn’t) -> friction.

Pastor offered Christ to meet needs. Taught gospel of salvation: All are disobedient to God, penalties of disobedience, Christ paid penalty, all need to accept Christ. My pride wouldn’t let me take last step. Vacation to Disney World -> anger at wife trying to “change” me. Not really her but God -> He was calling, I didn’t want to answer.

May 92 -> finally answered. Now, I see God’s calling to me & how He’s worked/working. Still ongoing, I still disobey but now I know God forgives thru Jesus. My deep need met by knowing my future’s safe in Jesus & I have eternal life – a free gift everyone can have.

I don’t really remember a time when I wasnt saved. I only vaguely remember praying the prayer at Awana when I was very little. That doesn’t mean I was growing in my faith or producing the fruit that I should have been. I suffered from depression for most of my life. While I never blamed God, I also wasn’t submitting to His will. Everything was always a struggle and eventually the pressure broke me. I learned I had to rely on God for everything. The days that I pray and read my Bible are the ones worth living.