Barnwell Baptist Church, Fairhope
Without any positive male influence, my life was certain to mirror my father’s and grandfather’s. Both men died at an early age from years of alcohol abuse. My father deserted us when I was only 5 years old. We moved around among housing projects and wherever we could survive on my mother’s meager income as a store clerk. We were a close single-parent family, however, life offered very little hope for the future.
In the ninth grade I was invited to attend a revival at the local Baptist church. To my knowledge I had only been in church once. I had no idea what to expect but if this revival gave me a chance to meet some cute girls, I was up for going.
My first night in attendance I heard something I had never heard in my life. I heard God loved me so much He sent His son to the cross for my salvation. I learned forgiveness for my sins was free for the asking if I believed in Jesus Christ the Son of God. I discovered Jesus came that I might have new life, abundant life and eternal life.
The good news I heard that evening was the most exciting thing I had ever heard and felt. I didn’t hesitate to receive Christ as my personal Savior. That night I prayed and confessed my belief in Jesus Christ. I invited Christ into my heart and received God’s wondrous gift of salvation.
In that moment I went from being a fatherless child to a son of the King of Kings. I lost all the baggage of my life and those before me and I gained everything. I inherited everything God has in store for those who believe in His Son. I became His and He became mine.
Forty-two years later, He walks with me and guides me. I’ve been blessed beyond measure. I have lived the life God planned for me rather than what the world offered.
The Bible says, “For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:17)
You too can discover the joy of knowing Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.
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