Pastor

Without a doubt the happiest day of my life was June 28, l968. That's the day I surrendered my heart and life to the Lord Jesus
Christ. Up to that day I had been a thief, a gambler, and an alcoholic. Even though I had tried to convince myself that I had a
good life, there was no joy, no peace, and no purpose for me. Even worse, I knew that God was angry with me. In
desperation, I seriously considered suicide. Yet there was the terrible realization that when I died, I would have to face God,
and I was afraid of Him because I had sinned. All this time, my family was faithfully praying for me, witnessing to me, and
inviting me to church. However, I carefully avoided church whenever possible, because when I went to church, the preacher
seemed to be speaking directly at me. The preaching of God's Word made me more and more aware of my sinful condition.
Every attempt to become a better person proved useless. I hated the wicked, sinful life I was living.

In June 1968, my brother invited me to some evangelistic meetings. I decided to go. The preacher spoke of God's love for
sinners and the wonderful change that Jesus can make in our lives when we receive Him as Lord and Savior. It all sounded
great to me, but I was stubborn. I did not want anyone, including God, to be in control of my life. That night after the
services, I immediately went to a bar and got drunk. I wanted to try to block God out of my mind. However, God hadn't
given up on me. He continued to love me and speak to my heart. I went to the meetings again that week, and on a Friday
night, I heard the preacher say that if a person says no to God enough times, the Lord will withdraw the invitation to be saved.
I realized that I was about to throw away the greatest opportunity of my life. The great God of all creation was inviting me to
come to Him. He was ready to forgive my sin and bring me into His family, and foolishly, I was resisting Him. That night I
decided to no longer resist the love of God. I yielded to Him, and Jesus came into my heart! Instantly, I felt clean inside,
free, and happy. I had such a peace. I was saved! My sins were gone forever! Suddenly I loved Jesus; I wanted to be in
church. I wanted to shout, "Thank God I am free, free from the burden, guilt, and condemnation of sin!" I wanted to live for
Jesus Christ!

Well, that was 32 years ago, and the joy, peace, and assurance of eternal life are still with me. I know God has forgiven me and that
I am going to heaven, not because of my own righteousness but because Jesus Christ gave me His righteousness. On that summer
night many years ago, I sought the Lord with all my heart, and Jesus saved me. Today, if you are not a child of God, I urge
you to give your life to Jesus Christ. Yield completely to Him as your Lord and Saviour, and He will save you.