Testimonies – Gene

I have been a Christian most of my long life; my conversion and journey have not been spectacular — quite ordinary, in fact. I grew up in a Christian home; we went to church every time the doors were open, and I was active in the various aspects of church life. When I was nine, our church had an evangelistic crusade, or “a revival,” as they were called in those years. When the invitation was extended at the end of the service, my faithful Sunday school teacher, Mrs. Fox, walked across the aisle to where I was sitting, put her hand on my shoulder, and gently asked if I would like to go forward to receive Christ. I did so without hesitation.

As we were driving home after the service, my father asked me if I knew I was saved. I said yes, and then he asked how I knew. That was decades ago but I remember my answer to this day: “I just know,” I said. I was probably too young to realize it at the time but looking back over the years, I feel that the Holy Spirit was affirming the decision of that young boy. I was baptized a week or two later.

I am sorry and ashamed to say that there have been times over the years when I “walked afar” from the Lord, but He always drew me back to Himself, and I’m so grateful. And now, in the “winter of my life,” the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are more real to me than ever before. When my wife and I were married many years ago, we took Proverbs 3:5, 6 as our life verses: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths” And indeed He has. It is my desire to be a blessing to others until He calls me home. PRAISE HIS NAME!