Gene Henderson
I grew up in a great home with loving parents and had a great childhood. As far back as I can remember, I was in church almost every Sunday. I was there for Sunday School, worship and RA’s. At about age 12, I went forward one Sunday morning to join the church. Most of my friends were doing that, so I did it too. I do not remember any counseling or questions that were asked, but I’m sure that there were some. My wife and I dated in high school and we went to church together every Sunday night. After we married, we became very active in church; tithing, working with the RA’s, teaching Sunday School, ushering and eventually a deacon. I knew my life was not what it should be. No matter how much work I did in the church, it never seemed to be enough. My wife was a woman of great faith. She trusted God. I worried, and even when there was nothing to worry about, I would worry about that. I trusted myself and what I could make happen while my wife looked completely to God.
I knew that even with all of the work that I was doing in church, my life had an empty spot. I knew that I was not in a right relationship with God. I did not know peace. The church we attended at the time had a revival service coming up. We were asked to sign up for a time in the prayer room to pray for the upcoming revival. Early one morning in the Spri ng of 1981, I went into that prayer room to pray for revival for my church. That morning in the prayer room, revival came into my life. I committed my life to the Lord with no areas held back. I did not know the exact sinner’s prayer to say to accept Jesus, but He knew what I meant through my prayer that day. I walked out of that prayer room a totally different man.
My life changed so dramatically. It was like going south one moment and making a 180 degree turn and heading north the next. I found peace that I had never known. God taught me to trust Him and not worry. I developed a hunger for God’s word and began to read my Bible. God revealed so much to me. I began a prayer life for many causes and for other people, not just me. Before I had only had head knowledge of Jesus Christ, but now I had heart knowledge of Him and knew that I would be with Him in heaven. I began a relationship with Him in 1981 that continues to grow each day. Since that morning, life has not been all roses. Most of the greatest challenges and problems that I have faced came after that time. In John 10:10, Jesus promises us a life of abundance. To me, that is the strength to face whatever comes up in life because He always walks with me. I never feel alone.
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