Collections...

Mom's Testimony:

1. My life before I was saved - My mom and step-dad called themselves Christians, but I never saw them pray, and we seldom attended church. They were good, hard-working people - but we know that's not all it takes to go to Heaven, right? Anyway, they took us to different churches occasionally. I faintly remember going to Sunday school classes when I was about 5 or 6, while we lived with my grandmother. I didn't know a whole lot about Jesus. I was a good kid, but sometimes this made me stand out. I didn't always fit in with others.

2. The turning point for me - I got my first intensive exposure to the gospel during a visitation with my natural father when I was 13. Part of the visit included a week at a Christian youth camp. I learned during the Bible studies that Jesus was the only way to salvation and that all I had to do was accept Him. One night in my cabin, I felt a strong tingling in my chest and head. I felt like I needed to make my decision.

3. The steps I took to be saved - I told my camp counselor that evening that I wanted to become a Christian. She read some Bible verses to me, and we prayed together. I confessed that I was a sinner and was lost without Jesus, and then I asked Him into my heart. We contacted my dad soon afterward - he was a camp counselor - and he baptized me that night in the river at the campsite. I felt happy, full, and like I belonged. I didn't feel left out and lonely.

4. How my life has changed - Well, I'd be lying if I said everything went happily ever after. I made my decision more than 20 years ago, and I've had two major slips since then. But God never let go of me. He always held on and pulled me back toward Himself. He even took care of me during times when I didn't care to take care of myself. As I continue in my walk, I continue to change and grow. I enjoy a fuller, happier and more challenging life through my relationship with the Lord. :-)