I was raised in a very non Christian family. Both parents were alcoholics, as was my brother and half brother. My mother married about 7 times. Actually, there were so many I lost count. My brother and I were split as children. He was to go live with our father, and I with our mother. I was shuffled from home to home, so I did not have a chance to go to a Church unless I took myself, which I did on ocassion.

Growing up poor in rural North Carolina with a Christian mother and an alcoholic father I was afraid and insecure. I was a people pleaser and spent most of my energy seeking the approval of others. At twelve I was baptized because all my friends were doing it. I graduated college, married and had three wonderful children. I was a leader in our community, the business community and our local church. From all outward appearances we were living the American dream. But in reality I was a lonely weekend alcoholic with little purpose in life except to work, spend time with my children and escape into alcohol from a troubled marriage. I was unhappy and daydreamed about a better life. I knew in my secret heart that God was the answer but I was not about to give control of my life to a God that might not exist and if He did probably didn’t care about me. Besides I was young; death was somewhere in the far distant future and He could wait

One day I witnessed a dramatic change in my wife and knew instantly that God was real. Terrified about where I would spend eternity, I began to read the bible and pray. But I was such a bad person that I didn’t think God could love me. One evening as I knelt at the foot of my bed God reminded me that He loved me so much that He gave His only Son to die on the cross and rise from the grave three days later so that I could live forever with Him in heaven. What amazing love; I thought about how much I loved my children and knew that I, nor any human, could ever make such a sacrifice. In Matthew 11:28 Jesus says, “Come unto Me all who labor and are heavy burdened and I will give you rest.” I so very much wanted that rest. That day at the foot of my bed I asked Jesus to forgive my sins and take control of my life. He did as He had promised and changed my life forever. On my desk is a cherished paperweight from my daughter which says, “God’s Promises Are Forever”. That day I learned His promises are indeed forever.

My life, our lives have not been the same since that day. Though I subsequently rebelled and tried to go my own way many times God has remained faithful and active in our lives. He has given us beautiful grandchildren and a life together which we could not have imagined. No longer am I afraid but live with peace, joy and clear purpose. Though it was not easy at first, my desire for escape into alcohol is now only a dim memory. Not only my marriage but all relationships, family and friends, are being healed and restored. God continues working in our lives. My life is not perfect but His love is. Most importantly I know that if I die today I will spend eternity in heaven. Seek Him. Trust Him. He will never disappoint you. His promises are forever.

I was born in San Diego and ended up in Cowpens as a teenager. My parents never taught me any good morals of life. I married a preachers son. I lived in hatred and fear all the 15 years we were married. My two girls were 15 and 4 when I finally divorced. Feeling free and ,myself, at last I started drinking. I learned about depression because Sherry (my oldest)became scycotic because of the divorce. Over the years I drank more and more. I married Ted. I was drinking so bad I started having blackouts. Getting two DUIs and not remembering started to wake me up. Ted threated to divorce me. I was drinking on my job where I met Linwood Harris. I was drinking a pint of rum a day and then more if I could get it.

My ex-husbands dad led me to Christ. No one told me of a realationship so I just sang, went to church and followed my pastor. All of those years were wasted. I knew I would never be free doing things my way. I knew I needed Jesus.

I tried to quit. Four times I put myself in greenville hospital. I finally visited FBNS and gave my life back to God. Now I am free and forgiven. It was very hard to forgive myself, it was then I realized that Jesus gave His life for me so that i could be free indeed. I thank God for putting Linwood Harris and Charlotte Daniels in my life for showing me the love of Jesus.

I was born in SC. My mother was a Christian lady who took us to church every time the doors were open. My father was an alcoholic who physically/verbally abused us. I was the oldest of three girls. He broke my arm when I was 4 years old. He pulled a shot gun on me when I was a teenager. I was trying to protect my mother from another beating. My father’s family was very dysfunctional (alcoholics throughout). My mother’s family were always involved very heavily in church activities. Most of mom’s brothers are Deacons in their church. My father was pretty mean. He beat us so badly as little girls that my mom started wrapping our legs with newspapers and magazines so he wouldn’t leave marks on our legs when he beat us. He never knew mom did that. Dad also gambled most of his earnings away. I can remember washing walls for neigbors so we could eat. I was the oldest. I felt responsible for protecting my mom and sisters. I was the one who fixed everything. I wanted things to run smoothly, which was impossible with a father who was an alcoholic. I felt somewhat responsible for how he was. I was a people pleaser. Very CODEPENDENT.

I grew up as a small boy in Spartanburg, S.C. with two loving Christian parents who saw fit to take us to church every time the doors were open. I was involved in all the youth activites along with playing on football, softball, and baseball teams as young man. I knew there was something missing in my life. That was Jesus, whom I had heard about at church as well at home.