Testimonials
GETTING TO KNOW
OUR PRAYER PARTNERS
Sherri & chigger
Sherri Puckett has been a friend and prayer
partner for two years, we connected through a prayer request
that she sent to us for her friend Joey Adams and his wife
Kim.
Sherri is a talented, creative woman. Her love of the Lord,
dedication to others and amazing messages bless us all. Her
e-mail messages "Food for Thought" provides just
that, they are inspirational, thought provoking pages of inspiration.
I thank Jesus for bringing Sherri to us, and pray that he
blesses her as she ministers to others. She is a special angel.
~Harriet
How long have you been a Christian?
I confessed the Lord Jesus Christ on Sept. 1, 1990 @ 27 years
old.
I was brought up in a (Single-Mother-Christian-Home) and went
to church EVERY time the doors were open, regardless of the
occasion. One Sunday at age (probably 9 or 10) someone who
had been going to our church joined in membership. And as
most Baptist churches (from what I've seen) do when someone
joins, the pastor asks the new member to go up front so that
everyone may come around and welcome him/her with the Right
Hand of Fellowship. To a kid that meant wasting more time
before getting to dart out the door and do kid things, not
to mention eat lunch.
As I made it closer to the newest member, I
had no idea what the pastor was going to do to me. All I had
intended was to simply shake hands with this new member and
hurriedly wait for the closing prayer. Boy was I wrong. After
shaking hands with the new member, I went to put my hand into
the pastor's hand and as soon as I did, he jerked me close
to him and said, "DO YOU WANT TO GO TO HELL?!!"
After coming back to my senses I told him, "No."
I mean, my Lord, what kid on this planet would want to go
to hell after listening to the fire and brimstone sermons
telling about hell where the worm dyeth not and the fire is
never quenched! This kid heard that part of the sermon if
nothing else.
Even so, as a kid and being somewhat shy anyhow,
the last thing I wanted to do was to bring attention to myself
and have ALL eyes upon me, especially when in my heart of
hearts all I was doing was simply waiting for the closing
prayer. Well, I could certainly forget about that because
the pastor had me in his clutches so tight that I couldn't
go anywhere. And then and after saying "no" when
asked if I wanted to go to hell, he then took it upon himself
to tell everyone that I got saved. Saved? I was hoping someone
would come and save me from him. I wondered how all those
people could tell anything different about me. I know I had
to have a sull on my face because all I wanted to do was hear
the closing prayer and get out of there. Actually, I didn't
give a hoot about closing prayer or any other prayer by that
time. I could have cared less if I ever heard another prayer.
I just wanted to dart out the door and leave. Fat chance of
that happening, because to make matters worse, everyone had
to come around and shake hands with me and welcome me into
the family of God.
I finally got home and when I did I was so mad
that I didn't want to talk to anyone but the devil himself.
And had I been a cussing kid, I'd probably cursed a mile-long-streak
and told Lucifer where he could go.
That next week they got me in the baptistery
and I was dipped and dyed and sanctified, or so they thought.
Afterwards I had to stand at attention and let everyone come
around with that Right Hand of Fellowship ritual, again thinking,
"Come on Closing Prayer!." At least now everyone
might leave me alone. The sad thing was, I knew that Jesus
hadn't really come into my heart because somehow, even as
a child, I knew He had to be a gentleman and even if Jesus
had been beating upon my heart's door a time or two, I knew
He would never open the door Himself because that's a choice
he gives to all of us. And that day I knew I never opened
the door to Him because I wasn't even sure it was He who was
knocking. The only knock I heard came from the pastor.
A couple years later we moved and joined a little
country church. Just thinking about having to go through that
Right Hand of Fellowship stuff was about more than I could
stand, but we, my siblings did whatever needed to be done
in order to be a member and it was a done deal, or so I thought.
This church was a nice place and people were very friendly
and down to earth, but one thing that seemed to be different
is that they had a little more fire about them. Maybe it was
because this church was Pentecostal.
One night during altar call as the band was
playing, all of a sudden my brother darted, I mean he made
a flat B-Line to the altar and the next thing I heard was,
"I don't want to go to hell." My brother who is
one year older than myself, was sobbing. A few minutes later
I went up to the altar too, and this time, on my own. I was
hoping that someone would come and pray with me and explain
to me this Salvation thing. People did come and pray, but
with my face buried in the carpet, no one ever explained to
me what it meant to be saved or what I should do or don't
do. The only thing they assumed is that I had let Jesus come
into my heart, and I probably would have let Him in that night,
had I known how to. "Maybe He did come in," I thought
many times or at least I had hoped. One thing was for sure
in my mind, whether I got Salvation that night or not, my
brother sure did because he had made it plain that he didn't
want to go to hell.
A few days passed and it was time to get dipped
and dyed again. This time I was taken to a little country
pond for baptism. Even though this experience seemed somewhat
more enjoyable, as the years passed I kept wondering if Jesus
really had come into my heart that night at the altar. I mean,
no one ever talked to me about how to accept Him, they just
assumed I had. I can remember, as an adult, thinking from
time to time as I would be driving down the highway, meeting
an 18-wheeler, "Dear Lord, don't let him hit me, but
take me to heaven if it does." I never had that confirmed
feeling that Jesus had really come into my heart.
I was married and after 7 years later my husband
accepted the call into the ministry. I thought to myself,
"Oh Lord, here we go again." I didn't want him to
be in the ministry because I knew people would expect things
from me, mainly my testimony and I was not one for getting
up in front of people and I'm still not one for that at all.
I do much better at writing. However, TESTIMONY? I thought,
I don't even know what my testimony is, much less having to
share it with all these people. I remember being mad. I had
thought to myself, "Lord, there I was an innocent child,
never hurt anyone and it wasn't that inviting you into my
heart was a bad thing, I wanted you there, but why was it
so dang hard." I had laid in my bed many times at night
telling Jesus to COME,COME! But I never felt any differently.
But now, here I was a pastor's wife of a small church and
I didn't even want to go to church. I think some of them caught
on when I went in and sat on the back row with my pants on.
I just wanted people to leave me alone. I knew how some church
people were and I knew that a lot of them only expected something
out of you and if that was the case, I knew they would be
highly disappointed.
It was daily torment for me, not to mention
how my poor husband felt. Here, he thought I was saved and
I wasn't for sure if I was or not, but if I was then why did
I feel like I did? Only one conclusion I could come to. I
had thought that maybe the Lord wanted me to go forward on
my own and stand and profess openly that I had accepted him
into my heart. I knew that one should not be ashamed of knowing
Jesus. And it wasn't that I was ashamed of knowing Him, it
was only that I had already been supposedly saved twice already.
My goodness, how many times did it take for me, I though?
But to beat all, I was the pastor's wife and I didn't like
drawing attention to myself and if this wouldn't bring attention,
what would?
Months passed and each time it was time to go
to church I felt sick at my stomach, but I went on. One particular
Sunday I wrestled with the thought of going forward to let
everyone in on my secret. Some, of course, could tell that
something was wrong, but I suppose in their own way they just
prayed for me. After church was over, I went home, only thinking
about going back that night again and I decided to bargain
with the Lord. He knew my heart and if He really wanted me
saved, I thought, then He would answer the petition that I
put out before Him. I had always heard to "put out a
fleece toward the Lord," so that was exactly what I was
going to do, or so it was in my mind.
I made a deal with God. "God, if you want
me to go to the altar tonight and confess you openingly, let
someone who NEVER comes to our church come tonight."
I thought I had this one licked because it was a small church
and we always had the same old people there. I went in and
sat down on the back row as usual, and looked around and saw
no one out of the ordinary, so my heart danced. I thought
I was fine and figured I wouldn't have to go make a fool of
myself in front of everyone.
The music to the 1st song started to play and
that's when I heard the opening of the door. It wasn't my
heart's door, although my heart about fell out of my chest
when I looked up to see that someone who never came to our
church before walked through the door! "Dear Lord,"
I thought, "what have you done to me." And if that
wasn't enough, guess where the man went to sit down? Yep!
You guessed it, right on my pew beside me! I looked down and
watched my shirt move back and forth on my chest. My heart
was beating so fast that I thought I'd pass out. The kicker
here, was that not only did this man never come to church,
he was known to some as the town drunk. All a part of me wanted
to do was die right there, but that was completely out of
the question because I wanted to make sure Jesus was going
to be there should my soul flee from my body. "What had
I done to deserve such torment," I thought?
Finally, it was time for the altar call. The
song began and I stood with my white knuckles and hands gripped
to the pugh. I wanted to go. I did, but I was scared and mostly
embarrassed. 2 verses played and then another. I can hear
it now, "Come home, come home, all who are weary come
home, come home." That's exactly what I wanted to do,
believe me! But I knew I had made a deal with the Lord. How
could I not do my part when He did His? This night we had
a guest speaker who preached, so at least it wasn't my husband
who would have to accept his wife to be saved, when he thought
I was already.
"This will be the last verse" the
evangelist said. Still, I waited and when the verse was almost
finished, quickly I made another deal with the Lord. "Lord,
if you REALLY want me to go to the altar, let that red-headed
girl up there on the 3rd pew go first." Well, believe
it or not before I could even get the entire thought given
to the Lord, the red-headed lady darted to the altar. It was
then that I took one step and zoomed past this kind man standing
beside me, (the one God had sent) and with tears flowing down
my face it was like I floated to the altar.
I remember it like yesterday. There I was, finally,
at the altar on my own free will, after knowing good and well
that God Himself had helped me there. "But now what do
I do" I thought. People gathered around me and prayed
with me, prayed for me and did everything they could think
of to make me believe that I was saved that night. But it
just wasn't happening. I knew the Lord was talking to me and
I knew no doubt that he could hear me because everything I
asked, He answered. After being on my knees so long and after
them going numb, I told the few around me that it was just
no use, that they might as well go home and not bother with
me. I had did what God wanted me to do but I just didn't feel
any differently than I had felt the time before. I knew I
had been sincere so many times, but I needed confirmation
that my soul was in the hands of God should I die.
Probably at least an hour had passed and I was
still at the altar. I thought to myself, "God, this is
the last time, if I don't get saved this time, it probably
won't happen." And all these people around me were telling
me that it was by faith. But I thought if that was the case
why hadn't I been saved before, especially after being dipped
and dyed 2x and believing in my heart that I really wanted
the Lord. That's when it happened, I put my last fleece out
before the Lord and in my heart I said, "DEAR GOD, IF
I HAVE DONE WHAT YOU WANTED ME TO DO, AND IF I AM, IN FACT,
SAVED HERE TONIGHT SIMPLY BY BELIEVING THAT YOU HAVE COME
INTO MY HEART AND HAVE SAVED MY SOUL FROM HELL AND HAVE FORGIVEN
MY SINS" please let 'Mr. Harrison' (the man who is still
sitting on his pew) come over here, let him put his hand upon
my shoulder and let him tell me that it is indeed by faith
and faith alone and let him tell me that it doesn't have to
be like a streak of lightening, only that I believe in You
Lord." I no sooner got that thought from my mind when
I felt a hand upon my shoulder and I felt someone kneel behind
me and as the man started speaking, I knew it was Mr. Harrison,
the man who had been on the pew. And when he started saying
these words, "Sherri, the Lord said to tell you that
it is by faith to accept Him and that it doesn't have to be
like a bolt of lightening to come down to show you, just accept
it in your heart, Sherri, and believe it." When he said
that, I jumped up instantly and proclaimed, "I'M SAVED,
I'M SAVED." I'm sure a lot of the people had no clue
as to what had happened, but it didn't matter because no one
or nothing else in this world was ever going to tell me anything
different because I knew I was a born again child of God.
The next time I went to church I didn't sit
on the back pew anymore, not that there is anything wrong
with the back row. As a matter of fact, the back roll is pretty
dog-gone special to me, in any church, because it brings back
good memories.
Years have passed since then. I was 27 and now
I'm soon to be 44 year old. I've had many obstacles to come
across my path since that night of true Salvation. But that's
what the devil does. He tries to throw things at us, to kill
our spirits, which I have to admit he has done a time or two
since then.
I'm no longer married to the man who once pastored
that little church. Obstacles were thrown in his path time
and time again until he became weary and took a detour. Sometimes
there's nothing better than church family, but I have also
found that sometimes church family can hurt more than anyone.
Maybe it's because we least expect it from them. Who knows.
My son is no longer on my path with me either. He is grown
and also living in another state.
The kicks that I've gotten over the years have
no doubt scarred me. The burdens that have weighed me down
have no doubt taken a toll. I've questioned God many times,
Why? Why, after receiving my Salvation did the gate of hell
(so to speak) have to open up and try to devour my family?
Why all these trials since then? Why all the let-downs and
unanswered prayers? I think "why" a lot. Maybe I
shouldn't. Maybe there is a reason for all the turmoil and
pain and grief that we have to bear on Salvation's Road. Sometimes
I can't for the life of me figure out why on earth God allows
things to go on like they do, but I realize that "today"
is only a fragment of the whole picture. And even though I
don't feel like a Mighty Warrior for God anymore, I know He
saved me that night and I know without doubt that he heard
my cry. And with that being said, how can He not hear me now?
I believe He does. But does He answer when I want? No, not
always. Does He give me everything I want? No, but He's given
me everything I need.
God sees the big picture. We don't. God sees
my heart even when I'm sitting at home, instead of sitting
on that pew at church. God sees and He knows. I have learned
a lot over the years. I have learned not to judge so much
and have learned compassion, or I think I have anyway. I've
learned that the beaten down, the weary, the divorcees, the
outcasts, the underprivileged, and those who sometimes think
there's no use, even the drunks of this world, I've learned
that we too have a heart and regardless of what the people
think they see on the outside, there could very well be something
bigger on the inside, and that's the place where God looks.
The heart. That's where it's at. When we all get to the heart
of what matters most, then we will begin to see as the heart
of God.
By the way, the man who came and sat down on
the pew with me that night; he and his wife turned out to
be friends of mine. Bobby was his name. Bobby stopped drinking,
started going to church & got saved. An then one day while
he was sleeping in his recliner at home, with his arms folded
on his chest, the Lord called him home. That (so called) drunk
sure played a part in my life and I'll be glad to see him
when I get Home. Isn't it amazing the people that God uses?
Who said God only used the well educated, clean, white collard
people?
You asked, how long I have been a Christian?
Even though that is a legitimate question, I say that it matters
not how long one has known Christ, what matters instead is
how many steps are we are taking today on His behalf. Today
is all we have and it is as a vapor. And as bad as I hate
to say it, there are many days that I feel like I'm taking
two steps forward and 3 steps back. Nonetheless, I still try
to journey on. Some days I will admit that I'm at a stand
still. Even so, I know in Whom I have believed; and THAT I
will never forget.
What is your favorite scripture?
That would be 2Kings 4:23 (So he said, "Why are you going
to him today? It is neither the New Moon nor the Sabbath."
And she said, "It is well." A couple years ago I
was drawn to this scripture. It hit me like a ton of bricks.
If when going to the Lord with our problems, we would have
it in our hearts to know that "IT IS WELL," then
we would rest a lot easier when trials come our way. The little
Shunnamite woman is one of my very favorite people in the
bible. Here she was, told that her son was dead, and what
did she do? Did she scream and moan and groan and think the
worst, which is what we sometimes do when little things arise.
No, she saddled up on her donkey and fled toward the Holy
man, the one who knew God well, the one who she knew would
have the answers and all the while on her way proclaiming
that it was well.
When this scripture came to me, I wanted to
not only say that "IT is well," but that "ALL
IS WELL." And I took this scripture to a friend whose
husband was diagnosed with cancer of the brain. But before
that I had been praying, "Lord help me find a little
donkey statue to go along with the scripture." Since
this Shunnamite woman hopped on her donkey, I wanted my friends
to have a donkey of theirs so that each time they saw it,
they would proclaim that ALL IS WELL. So one morning I decided
to go to some yard sales and would you believe the very first
one I came to I saw lots of trinkets on many different tables.
But I stopped dead in my tracks when I came to the table where
there were not one, but 2 little brown ceramic donkeys. I
swooped them right up. I came home, got out my paint and on
the bridle of each donkey, I painted the names of my friends;
"Joey & Kim." And below that was painted "ALL
IS WELL." I went and found some hay, placed the little
donkeys in a box along with the scripture and mailed them
to my friends. I wanted them to grasp the meaning of what
"ALL IS WELL" really meant. I knew if they could
have enough faith to believe as the little Shunnamite Woman
and claim that "IT WAS WELL" then just maybe the
Lord would see fit to spare Joey's life of this awful cancer.
They hung on to that scripture for months and
months and said that it kept their spirits afloat and every
time they walked through the house they saw the little donkeys
and claimed that it was well. However, after about 17 months
Joey went home to be with the Lord. Joey was a fire fighter
and at his funeral every city official was there. They had
the walls lined in uniform and on the paper that is given
out at funerals was Joey's name and above it was written,
"ALL IS WELL."
I don't understand why God went ahead and called
Joey home when he was only 33 years old and could have witnessed
to many more upon this earth. I wondered why couldn't He have
done like with the son of the Shunnamite woman and raised
him up. Was it our lack of faith? I don't know. Still, since
we cannot see the whole picture, maybe in Joey's death he
touched more hearts than one can ever imagine. Because if
you had seen the town that day and the people lining the streets
saluting as the hearse drove by the fire dept., how could
one not be touched? No, I don't see the whole picture, but
I do know that Joey is well, well in the arms of God right
now and I know without doubt that he would want all of us
to still proclaim that "ALL IS WELL." God works
sometimes in mysterious ways and sometimes what we want we
don't get, but that doesn't mean that it's not good for the
end result. Joey served his purpose and everyone saw that
he proclaimed that (it was well) even at the moment of his
last breath.
I will never forget the bible story about the
Shunnamite and I think it would be great if we could all latch
on to the faith that this lady had. Things aren't always what
they seem, but if we're riding toward the Holy Man then things
will be in God's Plan and it is there where peace and joy
abide.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I guess I don't have many achievements. I am so
thankful to have a son, who by the grace of God is healthy,
one whom I pray for each day. One who as a child accepted
the Lord. I don't think he had to ever go through what I went
through as far as receiving Salvation, (thank God), but he
has seen the hurtful things that a ministry can do to a family.
People who have never been in the Ministry have no clue as
to the hardships it can put on a family. They just think a
preacher gets paid his salary and he should visit the sick,
help the poor, and preach fire and brimstone. There's more
to it than that. I wished the Church could appreciate the
Man of God these days as the little Shunnamite woman did.
She set up house for him right there in her home and more
or less made him family. I think we've lost (or maybe never
found) that true spirit of fellowship for our fellowmen. I
am guilty no doubt.
What would you like to accomplish in
life? Hmmm......I want to have done some
good for the Lord. Things done for the Lord are what will
last. I used to think that I would like to have a book published
of my poems and have it spread all over the world, but I don't
know now. I did have a small book printed up years ago, but
it went no where. But I hate to say that because even today
a lady from Georgia called me, a lady I don't know and she
just wanted me to know how blessed she was by one of my poems.
Please know I'm not at all boasting by any means, I was simply
blessed today by her phone call. Apparently some lady she
knew had read the poem and forwarded it her so she was blessed.
What is your most treasured possession?
My Soul, although I know I'm not the owner of
it, just the Carrier. Other than that, I know that "Things"
aren't really where it's at. Don't get me wrong, I like "things"
but People & Spirit are what is valuable when it comes
down to it.
How would you like to be greeted upon
entering heaven? Hmmm....I guess I'd
like for the gates of Heaven to already be opened waiting
for me. It seems like I've had to fight tooth and nail for
most everything in this life and for once I don't' want to
fly in by the seat of my pants. I don't think I'll have to
worry about this wish. I think God will do this for everyone.
As far who will be there to greet me, it doesn't matter, there'll
be somebody there I know. I'll just be glad to get in
A Truly Awesome
Story !!!! Read----Nick tells about his life.
click on picture
for the full testimony
GETTING TO KNOW
OUR PRAYER PARTNERS
The King family
Bob King is the handsome gentleman in the white uniform,
his smiling wife Donna, is standing beside him. They are wonderful...
The love that shines through the King family is incredible,
Bob and Donna King are dedicated parents...no one is invisible
in this family...all are equal.
Bob has been sending us updates the last few months as he
battles cancer, his courage, humor and love for life are second
only to his love for God and his family. Please keep them
in prayer. ~Harriet and Bill
COMMENTS FROM BOB
How long have you been a Christian?
I actually gave my life to Christ when I was about 10. But,
I was just a churchgoer till I was 35 (20 years ago), that's
when I really committed to following Him.
What is your favorite scripture? Ph 4:6-7
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Raising my children to follow Christ (and baptizing them)
What would you like to accomplish in
life? Be the man, husband and father God would have
me be and lead the rest of my children to Christ.
What is your most treasured possession?
My wife, my children and--above all--my relationship with
my Lord and Savior.
How would you like to be greeted upon
entering heaven? Well done, good and faithful servant.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything
by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests
be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses
all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus -- Ph 4:6-7
Larry Velasquez...waiting for a "Miracle"
My name is, Larry Velasquez, and I attend Channel Island
Vineyard Church. I had a stroke in 1990. I've been disabled
and in a wheelchair for 17 years. The stroke left me with
double vision in one of my eyes, and my right side weakened.
My story is the same as anyone else's that has had a stroke.
You think it’s a joke on the body at first, then you
realize your eyes aren't the same and you see double of everything,
and your right side is weak and you have no strength. I was
39 years old when this happened and thought that in a few
weeks I would go back to my old life, but as time went by
I realized that wasn't going to happen...and accepted it.
I was confused, but grateful to be alive to face the coming
days. That is a brief history of my life, there’s a
lot more to say...but that's another story.
I went to see Pastor Charles Ndifon speak at Dove Ministries
in Oxnard this past Friday morning with a group of Channel
Island members. I was there expecting nothing but to hear
and see him heal the people there. The worship was great and
people were singing and praising Jesus, you could feel His
Spirit in the room. There were a lot people there that were
prayed for and healed of the their sicknesses. But as for
me...I waited and thought the timing wasn’t right for
me to go up front yet. After a few hours, Pastor Ndifon said
that he was going to give a group prayer for everyone that
was still there, then he pointed in my direction and asked
me to come forward. I wheeled myself up front. He asked me
if I had a stroke and I said "yes, 17 years ago."
He asked if I had double vision and I said "yes,"
then he told me to pull back my eye patch. He prayed over
me and asked me to put my hand over my eye and then the other
eye. I heard a whooshing sound as he prayed, and then he asked
me if my double vision was still there and I said, "no
but my right eye was still twitching." My left eye was
free of the double vision and I just have to get the medical
doctors to do something with the twitching in my right eye,
which is caused by nerve damage.
The Pastor then asked me about my walking, and I said that
I haven’t walked in 17 years. Then he asked the prayer
team to take off my leg brace and for me to stand up. I was
in disbelief because I haven’t applied that much pressure
on my right leg, other than when I’m transferring myself
from the wheelchair to a shower chair before I take a shower.
I was surrounded by a group of men and they were lifting me
up. The Pastor then asked me to get up and to walk. He said
to apply pressure on my right leg. I proceeded to walk and
I was applying pressure on my right leg. He then asked me
to bend my right leg and I did. He said to take a few steps.
I did, but after about 5 steps I was exhausted. They put me
back in the bench behind me.
I was excited and still in disbelief but I know that God was
there working through Pastor Ndifon. I've had other miracles
in my life but this was really a miracle. And I say to other
stroke survivors never give up hope. believe in God and you
will be healed…
Larry Velasquez
March 10, 2007
Introducing Virginia Hall, Prayer
Warrior
Virginia Hall
Virginia has been a dedicated prayer partner
for many years. She is one of the first people to respond
when we have a crisis, especially if one of our missionaries
is in danger. Virginia is a strong Christian woman that has
experienced many medical problems...and still moves forward
with compassion, faith and hope. She keeps her eyes focused
on the Lord and encourages others to do the same.
She is a blessing to our ministry and all that know her.
Comments from Virginia
How long have you been a Christian?
Since I was thirteen years old.
What is your favorite scripture?
There are many but the 91st Psalm says it all!
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Having my children and teaching them about our precious Lord
Jesus.
What would you like to accomplish in
life?
I would like to lead more souls to know Jesus as their Savior
AND to make him Lord of their lives.
What is your most treasured possession?
I don't own my children or grandchildren or sisters or dear
friends, so I suppose it would have to be my loyal little
dog, "Pickles"
How would you like to be greeted upon
entering heaven?
"Welcome home my child!" as I am running into the
arms of my savior and Lord, Jesus Christ!
INTRODUCING LINDA TURNER
Don and Linda Turner
Linda, is a survivor, she has faced the many
challenges of life and has overcome them by focusing on the
Lord, and His word. She lives with chronic pain...and understands
the agony of others. Linda is the ultimate wife, mother and
daughter. She is compassionate, creative and capable...even
when she is in pain. She is devoted to Jesus, her husband
Don, her children and her mother Lil. She also enjoys flowers,
hummingbirds, her garden, photography and her computer. She
is a diamond that has been tumbled, cut and polished...her
colors are true, she sparkles and has the strength needed
to cut through the adversities of life. We are honored to
have her as our friend.
How long have you been a Christian?
45 years....? Seriously started "walking"
with our awesome Lord October 31, 1982!.
What is your favorite scripture?
Isaiah 41: 17-20
"The poor and needy search for water, but
there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But
I the Lord will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not
forsake them. I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and
springs with in the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools
of water, and the parched ground into springs. I will put
in the desert the cedar and the acaia, the myrtle and the
olive......so that people may see and know, may consider and
understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this, that
the Holy One of Israel has created it.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Being a wife, mother and grandmother without
losing my sense of humor!
What would you like to accomplish in
life?
To be a walking mirror of our loving Lord so
that people do not see me but His all accepting love. My goal
is to have compassion for all no matter who they are, allow
God to judge (not me), and be the hand and messenger of God
in any way He wants me to be.
What is your most treasured possession?
I "own" nothing but treasure the "gift"
of my "secret garden" as it is my one safe refuge
from all that causes me pain, a gift from my awesome loving
God.
How would you like to be greeted upon
entering heaven?
I only want to hear these words......Well, Done
My Faithful Servant....at which point I will fall down before
Him in over whelming tears of gratitude and thank Him for
all that He enabled my broken self to be in this very difficult
world!
Introducing Linda Morriset
Linda Morriset and her dog Freckles
Linda, is a dedicated prayer partner, official
member of the Disabilities Ministry team and close personal
friend to us all. She is always ready to serve people with
special prayer needs and challenges. Linda is a "Protective
Angel" ministering with compassion and understanding.
COMMENTS FROM LINDA
How long have you been a Christian?
I was raised in a Christian home, baptized at
nine years old. I became a much more involved, devoted Christian
at about age 25,when the first of my four children was born,
led to a personal relationship with the Lord by a Godly woman
who lived next door.
What is your favorite scripture?
My favorite scripture is Romans 12:1, and I
will quote here from "The Message" paraphrase of
the Bible, "May our Gardener landscape you with His Word,
making a Salvation Garden of your life"
What do you consider your greatest moment or event?
The pivotal event in my life happened on September
11,1999, when I was hit over the head with a Maglight by an
intruder in my home. The right side of my head was smashed
in, so I have permanent resulting left-side paralysis. At
the time, I was married with four children, the youngest of
whom was only 10 months old. I worked as a CPA and earned
about $100,000 a year. But when this happened, I could no
longer care for my family or work. My husband left (with the
youngest child) and I learned the depth of love and care my
Father God had for me, I survived the attack and learned to
depend on God instead of myself. This faith in Him has given
me such peace and joy, that I now consider my "disability"
to be the greatest blessing of my life. Of course, this relationship
was always there for me to accept, but I was too proud or
worldly to accept it until I had no choice in the matter.
What would you like to accomplish in life?
I want to serve God for the rest of my days
on earth and pray daily for Him to show me how I can glorify
and serve Him
What is your most treasured possession?
My most treasured possession is my Grandmother's
Bible. She read it, taught from it, and wrote notes in it
as long as I knew her until she was "gathered up"
by God at age 103
How would you like to be greeted upon entering heaven?
Although I am now confined to a wheelchair,
when I enter Heaven, I want to enter "running and leaping
and praising God!!!"
Testimony of Pastor
Paul Ciniraj Mohamed.
Pastor Paul
FOR HIM WHO TOOK AWAY MY SIN
(Paul Ciniraj Mohamed, Kottayam-686038, India)
My Background
As you might have already concluded from my name, I hail from
a Muslim community. I came to the saving grace of the Lord
and Saviour, Jesus Christ many years ago while I was still
a university student. Some Christian boys there were distributing
tracts which explained who the Lord Jesus Christ was. I, being
a Muslim, was dead against their activities and used to threaten
and torment them both physically and mentally. I was young,
self-righteous and rigid in my views and was fully convinced
that harassing and hurting them was the right thing to do.
A Piece of a Tract
One day I found a piece of tract in my notebook. It still
remains a mystery how it has found its way into my book. I
was about to throw it into a dustbin when my eyes caught the
following words: "For the wages of sin isn death, bu
the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord"
(Romans 6:23). These words made me feel uneasy. Still in spite
of myself I read on, "Here is a trustworthy saying that
deserves full acceptance : Christ Jesus came into the world
to save sinners - of whom I am the worst" (1 Tomothy
1:15). Until this moment I was convinced that I was not a
bad man, and led my life in a proper way. But now, all of
a sudden, I was full of doubts about my own attitudes, intentions
and conduct.
The Vision
I went to bed, but was restless and could not sleep for a
long time. When I finally fell asleep, I had a very strange
and disturbing vision: One by one, all the transgressions
and violations I had committed since my childhood began to
appear before me, like the scenes in a movie. Then each one
of them transformed into a blister on my body, till I was
completely covered with festering sores. I felt unbearable
pain. Realising not I was doing, I cried out "God! Here
me! Save me!"
Then, a person surrounded by bright light came down from heaven
and touched me. I understood that He was Jesus, the one whom
I had been waging a war against. His touch was pleasant, it
cooled both my body and mind. I closed my eayes with a heavenly
joy, and when I finally opened them again, I saw that all
the blisters and sores disappeared from my body. But Jesus,
who came in bright and spotless, was now infested with my
sores. I immediately understood the meaning of this vision
of mine, although it was only later, when I began to study
the Bible, that I read this verse in the Bible: "Christ
was without sin, but for our sake God made Him share in our
sin in order that in union with Him we might share the righteousness
of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21). I woke up a new man. At
once I shared my experinece to my father and my mother with
a great joy. But my mother said, it was not from God, but
trick of Iblis (Satan). But I was fully convinced that God
the Heavenly Father made me as a new creation and His own
child by the power of Salvation of His Only Begotten Son Jesus
Christ through the Holy Spirit.
This is my story how I, and later, my family too believed
in the Lord Jesus Christ. I was called for His powerful ministry.
He filled me with the Holy Spirit and gave me the gifts of
preaching His Word, healing the sick, evangelising the unreached
and many others.
Facing the Wrath
But mine was by no means an easy path. Some of the community
I formerly belonged to felt that my accepting Jesus Christ
was an act of betrayel and they tried to take revenge. Once
someone sprinkled sulfuric acid on my body. But by God's grace,
they could not do any serious harm. The other time an assassin
attacked me with a knife, intending to kill me. I survived
the attack, though my lower jaw as badly damaged and I lost
several teeth.
I made known that I had forgiven that person and hold nothing
against him. Amazingly, later he had repented for his act
and his own accord accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour.
Children Not Spared
I have two sons and one daughter. A secret terrorist group
had sent a man to destroy my entire family. He managed to
make my children consume poison, and all of the three of them
were in the hospital in a critical state. Christian community
kept praying for their recovery. One by one, they began to
get better. My daughter, though, remained in coma for nearly
30 days. Her recovery was just like someone being raised from
the dead. the man, who gave poison to my children, was shaken
to see the power of our Lord in action. He too bnecame a follower
of Jesus Christ and dedicated himself to working among the
Muslim nations, particularly those involved in the acts of
terror, and winning them over for the Lord.
Last year I and one of my assistant pastors were severly beaten
in a village by a Hindu and Muslim mob and they burned down
our prayer hall. God alone has saved me. Recently our Lord
has enabled me to overcome a murder attempt. By making an
accident somebody tried to kill me and I am undergoing the
treatment. While I was in the hospital my wife and children
also faced a murder attempt at home and God saved them miraculously.
Rev. Paul Ciniraj & family
(wife: Mercy, sons: Besly & Lesly, daughter: Hepzy)
Family Reunion
I must mention that my parents, my brothers and sisters were
all devout Muslims. Most of the seniors are Hajis (man who
did pilgrimage to Mecca is called Haji) and Hajjummas (woman
who did pilgrimage to Mecca is called Hajjumma). Having let
Jesus Christ into my life, I was ex-communicated and for quite
some time was not allowed to have any contacts with my parents
and the extended family. I and my wife felt sad about it and
brought this matter to the Lord in prayers. Gradually, I began
to re-establish links with my people through letters and telephone
calls. Finally, a day came when they had accepted the fact
that I worship Jesus Christ, visited my place and stayed with
us and their grandchildren. I spoke to them about the love
of God. They left, and we had maintained good contacts since
then.
Later I was told that just two days before his death, my father
accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour because he had
had a vision of Jesus with the marks left by the nails and
His hands and feet. My mother too became a believer shortly
before her death.
Rev. Paul Ciniraj & family
along with his father and mother
Spreading the Message of His Love
Presently, I work for Him who took away my sin. My family
is assisting me in my mission. Our ministry is called "Salem
Voice Ministries". Jesus Christ is the King of Salem
(king of peace) and priest of God Most High (Hebrews 7:1).
We proclaim His voice (Gospel). That is Salem Voice Ministries.
"Injil Ministries Alliance Mission" is a special
wing of the Salem Voice Ministries to reach the Gospel to
the Muslims. (For more details, visit: http://www.salemvoice.bravehost.com
or http://www.salemvoice.com). I am also helping the Bible
Society of India to prepare 'Holy Gospel' in Malayalam for
the special audience.
Like all Indians, we love India as our mother and we are keen
to win India, as well as the third world, for Jesus by spreading
the message of the gospel through charitable and social activities.
We distribute tracts and Bibles, provide missionary training
to volunteers, send out missionaries, run orphanages, help
to educate both children and adults. We are planning to launch
some mobile dispensaries shortly to reach remote rural areas.
We do not intend to "convert" people to make them
leave their community. We only want to open their hearts to
the love of Jesus Christ and show what the Almighty can do
if we allow His saving grace to direct our lives.
Postal address:
Rev. Paul Ciniraj, Director,
Salem Voice Ministries,
Devalokam (P.O), Kottayam,
Kerala-686038, India.
Contacting email id: salemvoiceministries@yahoo.com
INTRODUCING
DISABILITIES MINISTRIES
JUNIOR PRAYER WARRIOR
Katelyn Doyle
Katelyn Doyle is a young lady
that knows and believes in the power of prayer. She is nine
years old and in the fourth grade. She is one of the youngest
members to submit prayer requests to us...she also responds
quickly to other people's prayer needs. Katelyn's teacher
Ms. Bickford, fell and injured the side of her face, Katelyn
promptly notified us and requested prayer for the teacher.
When Ms. Bickford returned to work Katelyn bought her a bouquet
of flowers, tucked printed copies of the prayer responses
in with the blossoms, and presented them to her.
Katelyn and her sister Shannon, age 7, are both praying for
little Luke and have asked their school mates to pray for
him too.
We are very proud of the girls and consider them Junior members
of our ministry. We feel that the prayers of children are
very powerful.
Katelyn and Shannon are the granddaughter's of Jackie and
Scott Combs.
Carmy
Carmy has been a valued member of Disabilities
Ministries for over a year. She is a dedicated prayer partner
and responds quickly to the needs of others. She also provides
us with valuable insight into the world of people with disabilities.
She is an inspiration to all of us. Carmy is a loyal friend,
sensitive, compassionate and caring.
Comments from Carmy
How long have you been a Christian?
Since January 1982; 24 years.
What is your favorite scripture?
Philippians 4:6-7 (Amplified Bible)
(6) Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in
every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition
(definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your
wants known to God. (7) And God's peace [shall be yours, that
tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through
Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content
with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace]
which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount
guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
There are so many! What comes to my heart instantly
is being a prayer warrior, being able to help those who hurt.
Being part of this prayer ministry, though I maybe a "silent"
pray'er, I know He hears and answers my prayers. There are
so many hurting people, and they all need our love and prayers.
The Word of God says to Pray for your enemies, and love everyone
as you love yourself. We are a light in the darkness, the
salt of the Earth. Prayer is a mighty and powerful tool, prayer
changes things and changes lives, and it is our life line
to God. We can do no greater thing than to pray for, not only
our brothers and sisters in the Lord, but for everyone, in
every nation, no matter of race, religion, background, or
what ever obstacle it is we have to go through. People are
the ONLY thing that matters in this world. They say "you
can't take it with you," I beg to differ! We can take
all those we lead to Jesus Christ.
What would you like to accomplish in
life?
To be the best I can be for the Lord. To bring
as many people as I can to the Lord, to help others, to lay
down my will, and take up the Lord's will. To be the best
Wife, Mom, and Grandma (to my soon to be eight grandkids)
as the Lord gives me the ability to be. To Love the Lord with
all my heart, strength, mind, soul and spirit. I want to be
a light to those who live in the darkness of this world, so
when people see me, they see the Lord Jesus Christ. To be
a true friend to those who need friends, and to those who
are already my friends, and a faithful servant to Jesus Christ.
What is your most treasured possession?
People! My friends, my family, my husband of
23 years, Jim. I love him dearly, he was and is a gift from
the Lord. Though I don't own these people, the Lord does.
If we are talking about "worldly" possessions, I
have a musical instrument called a Q Chord, it is a cross
between and electric guitar, and an auto harp. I practice
for hours playing praise music. I have to practice, as I am
handicapped, and it affects my ability to play this instrument
as well as others. It has brought me through many hurting
times, just playing and praising Jesus! I hope to use it to
bless others. Though I wasn't blessed with a wonderful voice,
I was blessed with many talents, I use each one to bring glory
to Jesus. The Word says to "Make a joyful noise unto
the Lord." It doesn't say it has to be perfect! He gave
me a total love for music!
How would you like to be greeted upon
entering heaven?
I just want a big hug from Jesus! To feel His
great love he has for myself and everyone. He loves EVERYONE,
even sinners, they are His "specialty," or I wouldn't
be sitting here writing this. There is no love that can compare
to the love He has for us! To hear him say I have done well
for him.
I live in the great Pacific North West. I love
to go fishing, camping, and any out doorsy things. I crochet,
do art work, and bead work, and enjoy the beach, long drives,
playing my Q Chord. My husband, Jim and I attend a wonderful
church called Grace & Glory. We have two daughters, 7
grand kids, and one on the way. We have two cats, or maybe
they have us! I also enjoy my outdoor pond.
I think I talk too much! But if I get half a chance to witness
to someone, in some way, you can bet I will! You never know
who is reading, listening or watching.
A big part of my salvation came because I used to listen to
a friend of my Mom's, argue the Bible with my Mom, my Mom
was in a cult. I was about 11 or 12 years old at the time,
but I soon started seeing what my Mom's friend was saying
could be backed up with the Bible, and what my Mom said was
not right at all. I remembered these things 14 years later,
when a pastor started giving me his time, and reading the
Bible to me, I fired one question after another at the guy,
and he had an answer to all of them, from the Bible in black
and white, and I could no longer dispute the Bible, I gave
my life to the Lord. Some years back I went to the friend
of my Mom's, and told her what she did and what I heard, and
how she was instrumental in my salvation. She started crying,
tears of happiness, she had no idea I was listening to what
was going on, or that she had anything to do with my salvation.
I am still in contact with her, she is now ordained. She is
a wonderful lady. We just don't know what we speak, or write
can do for someone. It can change a life, it changed mine!
Carmy
Grandmother Yolie with Alexis
Yolanda Hernandez of Ventura County, California...has
been a Prayer Partner in our ministry since it's conception.
She is dedicated to her family, church and community. Yolie
has the eyes of an angel and the heart of Christ. She over
looks the flaws in people and sees only their positive attributes.
I have known Yolie for well over ten years, and have never
heard her condemn anyone. She is a comfort to us all.
~Harriet
Comments from Yolanda
How long have you been a Christian?
Ever since I can remember - I was baptized since I was 12
years old - I just turned 56 on December 31. My - when you
stop to think about it - time certainly does fly! :)!
What is your favorite scripture?
I have many but the one that stands out in my mind just now
is: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests
to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus"
Philippians 4:6 and 7 NIV
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Learning to look at the cup half full instead of half empty..
but clearly, I can't take credit for any achievements per
say...here I be and only but by the grace of God. He has clearly
been beside me through every challenge which in turn has turned
out to be an opportunity to grow. I'm blessed with good health,
a good job, children who love me, three absolutely beautiful
grandchildren and to top it off with a God who loves me unconditionally
with an everlasting love.
What would you like to accomplish in
life?
I would like the Lord to give me all the wisdom, the grace
and the unconditional love I need to keep leading and guiding
my children in the right direction. I would like to be used
by Him to lead by example, to demonstrate the kind of trust
and peace of mind that that comes from knowing Him intimately
and trusting Him implicitly.
What is your most treasured possession?
This is a hard one to answer.... guess what
comes to mind in a large way are my three grand children -
what gifts - oh my - they fill me and I'm so grateful for
them.
How would you like to be greeted upon
entering heaven?
I would like to see Jesus standing there surrounded
by my little Albert, my grandmother who led me to Jesus in
the first place, my Mom, my Dad and my two sisters. Wow! I'm
filled just thinking about it!
Thanks for the peaceful and grateful emotions
that I've experience by just thinking about and answering
these questions. God bless you one and all. Yoli
Kim Nicoliello, and Mickey
Love comes in many ways, we see it in Prayer
Partner Kim Nicoliello of New Jersey, and her furry friend
and companion Mickey. Kim sends us prayer requests and wonderful
messages of encouragement.
Comments from Kim
How long have you been a Christian?
Since October of 1996
What is your favorite scripture?
For this year the Lord gave me:
I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from
where my help comes. My help comes from the LORD, who made
heaven & earth. (Amen) Psalm 121: 1 &2
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Probably starting a Bible Study at Panasonic
where I worked for 13 years. Many people were healed and came
to know the Lord at that bible study. I made so many wonderful
Christian friends too.
What would you like to accomplish in
life?
I would like everyone to see Christ in me thru
my loving words and actions.
What is your most treasured possession?
Most treasured possession - hummm. Probably my niece
Samantha. She is 11 years old and we are extremely close.
She's a girlie girl, just like me !!!
Tell me about Mickey?
Mickey is a 10 year old Yorkshire Terrier. I've
had him since he was 8 weeks old. He is 4 pounds, very lovable,
tender and sweet and ....only eats gourmet Italian food !!!!
My mom cooks great Italian food, and when she starts cooking,
he doesn't leave the kitchen for ours. I guess he likes the
smell of garlic (LOL).
How would you like to be greeted upon
entering heaven?
With a big hug from my Jesus !!!! (amen)
Introducing Michael Riley
One of our most faithful Prayer Warriors
A man of Compassion and Courage
My name is Michael Riley, I'm 53 years old
and I love my Lord and Savior. I live in Ohio and would like
to share my story with you. I am my Mother's full time Caregiver.
She is 75 years old, she gave her life to us all and ruined
hers while doing for everyone else.
On April 26, 1989, I was living in Florida. I was supposed
to go out with some friends, but had fallen asleep...when
they called I said "I'll be there as soon as I take a
shower." I hung up the phone and fell back to sleep...they
called again, I said "I'll be right there," and
fell asleep. The third time the phone rang I answered it and
heard my Mom's voice saying "Mike, you have to get home
it's your Dad, and you don't have time to drive." The
doctors at the hospital
where he was at told her he was brain dead and they were going
to let him lay there and die. Mom said "I want you to
life flight him to Pittsburgh Allegheny General." They
said "Let us do another Cat Scan, then we'll call the
life flight," and mom said "You call the life flight
and then do the Cat Scan." They got him into surgery
as soon as they landed. They repaired the aneurysm that busted
and clipped two more off. Well, ten days later mom called
the doctor into dad's room and told him that something was
wrong. They took him back to surgery and found another one
they had missed that had burst. Mom never left the hospital
for over three months. I stayed for a month and had to get
back to work, a few days later Mom said I needed to get home.
Well, after a few times of that and hearing they were going
to let dad come home I moved back to Ohio to help Mom with
him. He was like a new born baby he was limp and had to wear
a diaper. Mom made him do therapy and he got to were he could
walk with a cane and got full memory back. The doctors put
him in a medical book in Pa. Then in 1999 my Mom had esophageal
cancer and they told her she would be in the hospital ten
days. Well, she was in intensive care for six weeks almost
lost her a few times. Took care of both of them till mom was
all better you know. Feeding tube hole to put gauze in, mashing
up pills and put in water to give her. Then September 2000
they told mom, dad and me that dad had cancer and they gave
him six weeks to live...it was small cell one of the fastest
growing cancers there was. He passed away November 7, 2000.
Mom has several hernias, one the size of a basket ball, and
a C.H.F aneurysm. There are so many things wrong that even
the doctors in pa said that no one would ever operate on her
again because she would never make it off the table. So I
can only be on the computer when she is resting or sleeping.
The only place I go is to the doctors and store for food when
the aid is here, which is Mon. Weds and Fridays for two hours.
I'm sorry if I can't get to all the letters but I try to at
least check for prayer requests first. I have a brother and
three sisters, one lives down south, one just had a hip replacement
and it wasn't right so they had to redo it. My oldest sister
is on oxygen, heart failure...builds up with fluids. p;I
have had two spinal surgeries, they put in rods and clamps
in early 80's then again in June 2003. Brothers and sisters
have their own lives which that's ok, because like I said,
she took care of me for seventeen years, now it's time that
she needs me to take care of her.
Sorry that this is such a long letter but I wanted everyone
to know a little more about me. I do try to get to all my
e-mails. If it is a prayer request please put urgent on the
subject line. The last two days Mom has been in bed most of
the day. I LOVE YOU ALL. May God Bless you all.
Love, Hugs and Prayers ~Michael
Stephen Crawford & Family
August 18, 2004
In 1992 I was going to High School and deeply
involved in Football. My life revolved around me and football.
I was not following Christ. Though I was brought up in a Christian
home and went to Church as a child He was not my Lord. Before
my Junior year in High School I was involved in Football Hell
week (Heavy Training Exercise) and we were in our last day
of training camp. I had fallen and broken my right foot and
thus my entire world came crashing down on me as this was
the most dear season of my life. I was angry at the Injury
and angry with God for allowing me to be in the situation.
(Though it was His Mercy).
My foot was so badly broken that it was folded over during
the injury and was put into a half cast because the swelling
was so intense. The Doctors initial report after x-rays was
that I would not use it for 6 months and that I would need
roughly this long for it to heal and rehabilitate so that
I could walk again.
At this time just days after the injury I could only stay
at home with my foot elevated as it was still in a half cast
for the severe swelling. I received a call from my school
friend at the time that I played football and partied with
to come to his house for an evening Bible Study. This friend
said that I could recline on his couch during the Bible Study
and put my foot up while sharing in their fellowship. I decided
to go as I was happy to just get out of the house and be with
my friend. After the Bible Study some guys my age and a few
years older asked to lay hands on me and pray for my foot.
I concurred, and was happy to let them pray as I was in severe
pain. During this time they prayed that my foot be healed
in the name of "Jesus Christ". As soon as they prayed
this, the broken bones in my foot snapped back together and,
what I can now explain as a work of the Holy Spirit I felt
something touch my foot. It felt different and something had
happened.
The guys that prayed for me asked me to stand and I did, though
I was on crutches and still in a half cast for the severe
swelling. When I stood upright I knew something had happened.
God had touched me through the Mercy of Jesus Christ. At this
same point there was a conversion of my soul beginning to
happen as Christ was revealing Himself in me. (John 6:44)
Just days later I decided to visit Church for the first time
in years. It was there that I received the greatest miracle
of all, "Revelation of Jesus Christ Crucified, Risen
and at the Right Hand interceding on my behalf. (Romans 8:34)
In that summer of 1992 I committed my life to Christ, His
Lordship, and have subsequently been serving him through highs
and lows being guided each day in His Loving Mercy. Though
it was now so secondary, I played football that season and
was on the field just a few weeks later.
For I, Stephen Crawford; whatever was to my profit I now consider
loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything
a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ
Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider
them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him,
not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law,
but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness
that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ
and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing
in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so,
somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
God bless you, and have a wonderful day!
Stephen Crawford
MY TESTIMONY
By Marsha J. Swartz
God is a great and an awesome God! I am here
to tell you of His love, mercy and power in my life.
My story begins in 1980 when I had a severe
nervous breakdown and was hospitalized. I was in a catatonic
state and was having hallucinations. The hospital chaplain
showed me so much love and kindness. He inspired me by telling
me many things about God. He met me right where I was at,
reaching out to my broken spirit with the divine love of God.
He gave me his card and said that if I ever needed any help
I could just call him.
I did call him shortly after I got out of the
hospital. Even though it was a Saturday night he came and
took me to a Christian couple's home where they prayed for
me. I then received Jesus as my Savior. That day my life changed.
I had been plagued with many, many fears! I
was so afraid to go home to my apartment that I sold all of
my furniture and never went back. God has taken away all of
those fears as I have learned to walk with Him. In 1999 the
housing authority made it possible for me to have an apartment
and God has also supplied me with furniture.
Words cannot begin to express the work God has
done in me and how He has restored my body, soul, mind and
spirit. I will forever be grateful! God is my constant protection,
guidance and help. I have found Him faithful in every circumstance
of my life. He is my husband, my provider, my constant companion,
and my comforter. I know He loves me very much and is always
near. How I praise the Lord!I am still on medication and have
been for many years. The doctors say I have a chemical imbalance
and my body needs it. I understand that God created me and
takes joy in his creation; He loves me just the way I am.
Therefore, I am not ashamed of my condition. I give him praise
and thanks for the medication and the fact that it does help
me.
God loves all of us so much, and accepts us
just the way we are. It is because of this condition that
I found Salvation! I love Jesus with all of my being! I believe
that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, and
He is everything to me. He is my reason for living.
Because Jesus is in my heart, I have an abundant
full life, with deep intimacy with God, and the joy of knowing
that I will be in heaven with Him forever. I am thrilled with
the words of the bible that say: "Eye has not seen, ear
has not heard, nor can it be imagined in the hearts of men
the things that God has prepared for those that love him."
I love Him and am so very grateful for all that He has done
for me. Serving God is, and will be my greatest joy until
I see Him face to face.
Harriet Weigel of Port Hueneme, Ca.
There is much to share with you, God has done
so much in my life. His grace has been so abundant. First,
lets talk about being born again.
Abuse is an ugly word...it's even more ugly when you live
with it, and the days are saturated with angry words, the
guns that are held to your head, the threats, the fear. My
life had been filled with it. Even now the memories are difficult
to cope with. My abuser was my husband, a man with many problems,
many personalities. At one point he fired a gun close to my
head, damaging the nerves in both of my ears. Eventually I
left him, and moved into a small two bedroom apartment with
my son Bill, Bill was in his thirties, developmentally disabled
and troubled. We furnished our nest with items donated by
family and friends. We lived on the income I made managing
an employment service.
We were together approximately half a year when it became
quite apparent that I was having difficulty understanding
words. An appointment was made, my hearing was tested. The
doctor discovered substantial nerve damage in both ears. His
recommendation was that I be fitted with hearing aides, the
loss was in both ears. The combined cost of the aides would
be $2300.00. The recommendation was made on Friday. I was
devastated. The doctor told me to call him on Monday to let
him know what my decision was. I could borrow the money for
the aides, but in doing so Billy and I would be existing on
next to nothing for an extended period of time. There would
be no dinners with my other five children, no gifts for the
fifteen grandchildren. Nothing, only responsibility. I needed
new glasses desperately, the existing ones were inadequate,
the lenses scratched, the frames broken. There was no choice.
In order to stay employed I had to be able to hear. On Saturday
the decision was made. I would call the doctor on Monday and
make an appointment to be fitted for the aides.
I had been away from the church for over thirty years, but
I knew that the hearing aides weren't the only thing that
I needed. I needed God. Early Sunday morning I set out for
the Channel Island Vineyard Christian Fellowship, a church
my daughter Patty attended. I knew that I could slip in wearing
my tennis shoes and sweats, that my old car would be acceptable,
that no one would notice. I entered the sanctuary
and sat down just as worship began. I watched as the people
around me stood with their hands raised over their heads.
Something happened, I jumped to my feet crying, all that I
could say was, "I can't do it anymore God, I can't do
it alone." I sniffled and sobbed like a child and then
slipped back into the chair I had jumped from. It was 11:15.
a.m. I listened to a sermon by the Pastor, Steve Robbins,
and left the church as soon as the service was over. I felt
better, but emotionally drained. As I walked through the door
of the apartment I noticed that the light on the message machine
was blinking. My office had called, they had an emergency.
I called them and they informed me that I had won a thousand
dollars, a local shopping center had a Cinco De Mayo celebration
and I had won their grand prize. I went to the center expecting
to be disappointed, it would be a scam, no good could come
from it. Instead of money they handed me a basket, a basket
filled with tightly rolled scrolls of paper. One by one I
unrolled the papers, there was no money...instead, every concern
I had, every thing that I would have to
give up to obtain the hearing aides was provided for me. There
was a gift certificate for children's clothes, flowers, food
trays, shoes, a camera, film even a certificate for new glasses,
from my own optometrist who just happened to be located in
that shopping center. I left the shop crying, walked about
thirty feet and looked at the basket again. My name h! ad
been drawn the same time that my hands went up, the same time
that I said, " I can't do it anymore." If it had
been a check I would have been pleased, it would have helped.
But the basket was better. I hadn't mentioned my concerns
to anyone, only God could have known my fears. I knew, there
was finally someone I could trust, someone to love and not
be afraid of, God was real. He touched me on Cinco De Mayo,
broken, old and alone, and He led me to Victory..
I'm still at the Vineyard, and other things have happened
but He continues to touch and direct me. He has brought me
into the world of people with disabilities, and the terminally
ill. He has given me a life and a calling that is incredibly
sweet. There are a dozens of other stories to tell you, but
this is the most important one. Never be afraid of what happens
to you, it's there for a reason. Step beyond it, learn from
it
and use the experience to help others. He is calling the Vineyard
to minister to people with disabilities. Hear His call, open
the door. The person standing there has been sent by Jesus.
Welcome them both in.
Sincerely, Harriet Weigel
William Medlen of Port Hueneme, Ca.
God gave me life in November of 1946. I eventually had 3 sisters,
and a brother. I was 2nd eldest. I have only a few early memories
of my father living with us. My mother raised the 5 of us
in a very small house in Marion Indiana. Mom worked night
shift , and we sorta took care of each other, while she worked.I
attended church nearly every Sunday through my childhood.
My older sister and I had the great opportunity to attend
a Billy Graham crusade when I was around 12 years of age.
We both gave our hearts to the Lord that day. As I grew, I
was always a "good, quiet, boy". I didn't really
serve the Lord though. I was never in trouble with the law,
nor did I drink or do drugs. But I knew I wasn't doing all
I had pledged my heart to do.
It wasn't until I was an adult, 4 beautiful children later,
that I finally made my real commitment to the Lord. For the
first time in my life, I was given a real since of peace and
understanding.
In 1997, March, I was having some pre-op testing done at the
hospital. When I was returned to my room, I was told I had
a heart roblem that would need attention before I could have
the surgery I was there for. Emergency heart surgery was called
for. I was told that 2 main vessels in my heart were 100%
occluded . They said that a new vessel had grown to do the
work of the 2 that were clogged up. A true miracle, the doctors
said. They had never seen anything like this. The cardiologist
stated: " You have God in you". My heart was repaired
3 days later. During the next few months, I needed 2 more
by-passes. They replaced my abdominal aorta and 2 arteries
connecting the abdominal aorta with both legs. Next came my
right leg. It was opened from the groin, nearly to my ankle.
During recovery, I "threw an embolism". I was in
a wheelchair for about 14 months, with nurses visiting 2-
times a week.
It was God who healed me, and allowed me to live. He provided
me with a real, verifiable, miracle of my own. There is much
more to this story, but this is the jest of it. I live to
serve now, and life is good.
Try God, He can do it all for YOU!
Aimee Shaw, Author
This testimony is just too awesome to not
share it!
This morning I woke up early and realized right
away that my wedding ring was missing from it's usual spot
(the swelling in my fingers causes
me to take my ring off as soon as I get home from work). Well...to
make a long story short.....Jared had been playing with it
last night.....
We searched high and low for over an hour. I finally gave
up in tears convinced that he had flushed it down the toilet
and just wasn't telling
us the truth. (He admitted to having it but "couldn't
remember" where he put it). Boy did he get a spanking
this morning!
Anyway....as I was getting in the shower a flood of thoughts
filled my head. I remembered a woman at work who a couple
of weeks ago was talking
about a psychic friend of hers who assist police in locating
missing people. I thought that on Monday I would just ask
her to call her
psychic friend and ask where my ring could be. That thought
was immediately followed by a quick rebuke- "that must
be from the devil.
First I'll be asking about a ring and next thing I'll be asking
whether I will be cured from my cancer...losing all hope and
trust in God." Wow.
How fleshly I am.
Because another series of thoughts came to me: "ok Lord,
if I am willing to trust a psychic to help me find my ring,
how much more can I trust
you to help me find it! This house is large and that ring
so small, but you know exactly where it is. Forgive me if
I am so concerned about
material things. I know, Lord, that I can't take it with me
when I come. But, this ring has sentimental value to me, and
I'd really like to have
it back. But I'll be ok if I don't get it back too."
After this little discourse quietly between me and God, a
little inner voice said, "look under the bed." My
first instinct was to shout out to
Al from the shower- "go look under the bed!" But
again, my doubt won out, and I told myself it was silly to
think that ring could be under my
bed. I finished my shower and as I came back into the bedroom,
I casually mentioned that we might look under the bed for
the ring. Now
mind you- we haven't been under the bed in months, and have
no reason to be. And the spot I keep my ring is not even near
the underside of our
bed. But Al got down there, realized it was too dark for him
to see anything (how scary), and then got a flashlight. Within
seconds he found
the ring!! Can you believe that!?
Oh how totally faithful God is to me even when my faith falters!
I immediately shared this story with Al, who I think initially
didn't believe me, until he saw the tears well up in my eyes.
I had to run and
tell the kids right away, who were also amazed. Jared learned
his lesson the hard way- and I think I did too! :)
Aims--
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