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.

My life before I met Christ was a little unclear. I went to church but I never really understood what the were saying. Every Sunday I would listen and sort of understand more and more each Sunday. I felt lost before I met Christ. I felt alone until I started searching for God.

I came to Christ one sunday while listening to the sermon, I became interested in what the pastor was saying. After the Sermon I went down front and talked to the Pastor and he prayed with me. I was baptized and listened every Sunday and understood everything he said. I listened to everything he said and took it all in. I became stronger in my Chritian walk because of all of it.

My life has been great since I came to know Christ. I go to Church every Sunday and listen and learn to grow in my Faith. I no longer feel lost or searching for something greater. I love the Lord and I talk to Him everyday.

I was born in Spartanburg, SC into a home where my mom was a Christian but my dad was not. From an early age my mom got me involved in church. I was a shy child but the few friends I did have, I noticed something…their dads brought them to church and talked to them about JESUS. So I began to feel angry, hurt, and alone. I needed a father!

Before I knew Christ I felt so empty and alone. I felt like no one was there for me. I knew there was something out there for me to fill that emptyness! I l00ked around me and saw everyone so happy and I wanted to have that feeling so badly. I never really knew where I would go if I died.

My parents were divorced when I was a baby, and I was raised by my dad and stepmom. I went to church as a child - my siblings and I were usually dropped off at church and then picked up after Sunday School or the morning service. I never felt that nuturing love a parent gives their child. From an early age all I ever felt was alone, angry, and bitter. I wanted to be loved by someone.