My Testimony

Within the last year (2004), my beliefs have changed greatly. I have learned so much of God's word and learned that I have so much more to learn! My pride has begun to erode and God has begun a good work in me. I have become an active member in my new Hanover congregation and attend service every week. The previous fifteen years, I probably attended service less than fifty times in total. Mostly holidays, weddings, or funerals. After a fulfilling outdoor baptism with my wife, the full meaning of Yeshua (Jesus) as my Lord and Savior has given me peace. Acceptance of the Messiah's free gift alone has given me grace. The Holy Spirit has given me conviction for change. It has enabled me to turn away from inappropriate music, media, entertainment. It has impressed on me a healthier lifestyle, giving up alcohol and smoking although these were never addictions for me. Inappropriate relationships with women, however, were an addiction and are now behind me. I have since met a beautiful, wonderful, wife and have been blessed with wonderful children.

My wife and I were able to embrace God's truths and reach a mutual theology and more Christ-centered relationship. A lover of money and material possessions, I have accepted the practice of tithing and spending much of my free time and resources exploring/sharing God's Word and helping his children. God is also giving me the power to change to a more Biblically sound diet. It amazes me that we struggle for healthy diet advice, and it has been in The Book ( not the Atkins book ), the whole time! Great athletes like Carl Lewis and Evander Holyfield have proven the success of such a diet. Not to mention great prophets such as Daniel!

But more than anything, God is teaching me to love and accept. While at first I was caught up in having the "right answers", loving all people whether at the same place in their walk, has truly been a blessing. I have learned that ministering through my actions is even more important than ministering through my words. I have gone from just believing ("... even the demons believe, and tremble" ), to true repentance. From just knowing that I have done something wrong and asking forgiveness, to actually turning away from it. As true followers of Jesus, mainstream society should notice a difference. We should be set apart (Holy), and not just a category; like a race or gender on a job application. I believe Yeshua (Jesus) has changed my walk. I share this with you not to boast of anything that I have done, but to boast of love and power of Yeshua (Jesus). I still have a long way to go, but Jesus will lead me there. I find I am now part of the group of people that I previously mocked. Praise God!