Testimonies

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I got saved when I was 13 years old in Beaumont, Texas at Florida Avenue Baptist church. After a year or so, I fell back into the world and into my old bad habits. I went on like that for about 18-20 years until I was 33 years old. No, I was not hooked on narcotic drugs, I wasn’t destitute for sex with prostitutes or addicted to a lot of things that brought me to my knees. However, during that time, I knew that things between God and I were not right. In 2002, my wife invited me to go to a drama production called “Heaven’s Gates, Hell’s Flames” at a local church in New Braunfels, Texas. Honestly, I didn’t want to go but I finally gave in and went along. I can tell you that I will never regret it.

Even though I was not at the end of my rope, I knew I that I was surrounded with guilt. I had built my own prison all around me that was made up of lies, fake identities of myself and I wasn’t being honest with myself. I knew that I was a sinner and I knew that I needed the Savior. However, I didn’t know that God was looking for me. I felt as if God left me but it wasn't until later that I found out that it was me who left Him.

That evening of my re-dedication, I rediscovered that Christ truly loved me and He gave Himself up for me. I remembered that He was willing to forgive me of every bad thing I had ever done and will do in the future. I was so thrown by his great sacrifice and great love that I gave myself to Him that night and fully committed myself to Him for all time. I repented of all of my sins and asked Jesus to send His Spirit to lead me and guide me in my life.

That event was about 9 years ago and even though I know now that I am truly saved through the blood of Christ, I still on occasion make really stupid mistakes. I have discovered that it’s a lifelong struggle to overcome the flesh and allow God to lead me by the Spirit. I have to die to myself everyday and there are times I forget that. I admit there are days that I walk in the flesh and have to be reminded of who I am in Christ. I thank God for His Holy Spirit that reminds me.

Since my re-dedication, I have played the part of Jesus in church drama productions for Resurrection Sunday and a few other Jesus/Joseph Christmas roles. I served at church for about 5 years in the youth teaching and loving on those kids. I even had my image photographed and printed on a few thousand prayer cards to be a blessing for the troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Currently, I play drums at my church and I am also in a Christian metal band with a couple of great kids from other local churches. My hope is to do God’s work that He has prepared me for in this life and that my life reflects the Lord Jesus Christ. Some day, I hope to hear the words of my Lord Jesus as He says to me, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

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