I was not born into a Christian family; however, my parents often attended church, and I would go to Sunday school. Though I did not want to go to church, I still would listen to what the preacher had to say. I was then about ten years of age. Many nights I remember praying and asking the Lord to forgive me of my sins and come into me. Although I was such a rebellious boy, I believed what the preacher said. I did just what he said, I kept asking the Lord to forgive me.

Eventually my parents stopped going to church, and I also. I later joined the military and found myself involved in the Persian Gulf War. It was then that I saw four Navy sailors passing out pamphlets about Jesus and speaking to many marines. I went to them and began to meet with them every Wednesday and Sunday. I was really happy. My fellow marines joked and said it doesn't work. I didn't care, I was happy and full of joy.

Eventually I came home, my parents divorced and my father was later killed in an accident. It was then that I turned to the Lord more than ever before. Because my father's life was taken, I realized how precious each moment was. I asked the Lord not to allow me to waste my time any longer. I gave myself more to Jesus. I wanted Him more than ever before.

I then began searching for more fellowship. I just knew it was what I was missing. I remember sincerely asking the Lord where He was. I had been to many places. I could choose from many different denominations. I did not know what to do. All I knew is that I needed more of Jesus and more fellowship with other Christians. Later during the same year, a high school friend invited me to meet with some Christians for singing and fellowship. I decided to go, and for the first time I saw Christians happy being Christians. Everyone was praying, everyone was singing! I didn't understand much of the Bible, and I knew only a little about Jesus, but I did sense within that God was among these people. I left that meeting thanking the Lord and telling Him that I loved Him. I never told Jesus that I loved Him before. That was the first time. It seemed that the more fellowship I enjoyed, the more I told the Lord I loved Him. Later I decided to be baptized. It seemed as if my life was getting brighter and brighter. By the Lord's mercy, through prayer I gave myself over to Jesus. Knowing that I am a member of the Body of Christ, and that all the members can function to build up the Body of Christ for God's heart’s desire, and for His eternal economy, His plan, is one of the many blessings I've known (Ephesians 4:15-16). It is not of him who wills nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy (Romans 9:16). We are vessels of mercy! (Romans 9:23) Praise and thank Him!

B.F.

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