My wife, Donna, and I moved to a house in a new neighborhood in 2004. Upon getting settled, we began to notice a sweet, little church nestled in a small, wooded area, located a few blocks from our beachside home. For many months we passed by, reading the sign that referenced the title of Sunday's upcoming service, and spoke about what it might be like to attend. Curious of my newly-found interest, having been an agnostic since my teens, I felt a subtle calling...
My mother, Italian, a school teacher and devout Catholic, my father, an English MP, Protestant, and quietly committed, collectively prompted my decision in my youth to reject both religions. I simply concluded it could not be equitable that the enlightenment of one parent meant the absence of salvation for the other. Having been educated in the mechanics of geology, the theories of paleontology, and the paradigms of sociology, I thought I had discovered the "scientific" and "social" rationale of why the concept of God was just a "pattern maintenance" function of society. Of course, I postulated, "It was to prevent natural chaos and offer a form of cultural stabilization for humanity as a macrocosm". I always had the best arguments and irrefuteable responses for a world independent and without need for God or His magnanimity. It always seemed so clear... but yet, I felt a subtle calling...
Passing by that little church each time, deep within my heart I subliminally realized, Jesus was calling me. Intuitively I always knew, if I asked, the truth was clearly before me. I felt a subtle calling...
On His birthday eve, 2007, Jesus welcomed me to His little house in the woods. My loving, patient, non-judgmental, old-souled, many-years "born again", Christian wife, led me and our daughter, Madeline, to the Lord that night. Upon entering, I felt as though I were one of the "Wise Men" who's quest had finally brought them to the baby in the manger... the "Messiah" . The loving embrace of the congregation, the gentle ministering of the very special Pastor, the overwhelming presence of "Goodness and Glory" and the indescribable feeling beyond logic entered my soul.
On April 9th, 2008, in the presence of Donna, Paster Tim, and his wonderful wife, Marilyn, I accepted the Lord in my heart and formally gave my life, destiny, and soul to Christ.
We visit His little house in the woods regularly and jubilantly, from that day to this.
We attend Sunday School, and also Bible Study on Wednesday nights. We are reading "Our Daily Bread", various books, including Rick Warren's "Purpose Driven Life", and of course, the Bible, which has become a "Beacon" for our thoughts and practices through life.
Donna was elected and ordained as a Deacon in January 2010, and I have truly found my trust and salvation in the Lord. Each day I am closer to my Savior. This is my life; this is my testimony. My life in Christ has just begun, but my pledge to Him and my faith are for eternity
Read more articles by Charles Tijou or search for articles on the same topic or others.
Read NEWEST ARTICLES by Christian authors
Read MOST READ ARTICLES by Christian authors
Read our most read and highly acclaimed CHALLENGE CONTEST ARTICLES
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be! TRUST JESUS NOW
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
|
