Like many people growing up in the “bible belt”, church was a big part of my life as a kid. My parents were Christians. My mom was a strong Christian and my dad sat in the Amen corner of the Baptist church we attended. We went to homecomings, revivals and the usual Baptist events. I was saved when I was 12 during a Sunday service, then 4 years later I joined the church and was baptized. But it wasn’t until I was in my 40’s that I gave my life to Christ.

You see, I still thought I had to meet a certain standard to be a Christian. I had to do good things, I had to be good. I turned away from God numerous times and then back to him remorseful each time. I was blessed to have a Christian wife and two sons that became Christians at early ages. But there was still something missing. Then I brought my family to First North to get my sons involved in the youth program. I had no intentions of doing anything but soak up religion. God began to speak to me through teaching I had never really heard before. I know I had sat under godly preaching, but my heart wasn’t listening. I soon realized I had to get involved. I started by being a group leader in a bible fellowship class, then I joined the choir. It was during choir rehearsal one year when we were rehearsing for The Passion. We were singing “Jesus Paid it All”. As we put the emphasis on Jesus paying it all, the Holy Spirit told me….He paid it, you don’t and can’t do anything for your salvation. Jesus had already paid it all!!! That was the most powerful experience I had ever had.

Soon after that I was baptized again, this time to show I was following my Jesus, not just to get my name on a roll. I really believe that because I had made that commitment, both my sons have become very involved and are leaders at our church as well. There is a song that the choir sings, one of the verses says “For I am His and He is mine”. I can honestly say…that’s my story.