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Hank - The Story of How God
Changed
ME!
My two sisters and I were raised by our parents in a very nice middle-class
home in New Jersey. My parents were extremely faithful in taking us to our local
Catholic church each Sunday. We were led through communion and confirmation and
all the required Saturday classes. I remember learning that I could talk to God
like a Person, and that He would hear me and even answer.
As I grew older, friends suggested that certain stories in the Bible (Adam and
Eve, Noah's Ark, etc...) were nothing more than "fairy tales", and I tended to
agree. As I grew into my teens I selectively rejected other Biblical principals
because I wanted to party and live a loose lifestyle. I reasoned that God wanted
me to "be happy". This didn't work out as I fell into a period of lonely, empty
and chaotic years.
At the age of 32, I married my lovely wife, Anita. Together with her 5 year old
son, Prem, we became a family. Anita has a very outgoing, fun-loving personality
which can also be very strong at times. I found myself fighting for domination
in the household and I became a very frustrated and angry man. I got so bad that
most weekday mornings found me flying into a rage. It seemed I wasn't satisfied
until I "vented" at someone.
Anita and I both had a desire to raise our son in some kind of religion. We had
begun to notice a little white church near our home. Prem needed to interview a
member of the clergy for a Boy Scout project, so we contacted the church and
Pastor Jim agreed to the interview. We also attended a Sunday morning service
and I was very surprised at the warm and welcoming spirit of the people there.
Pastor Jim asked if he could visit us at home and we agreed. He brought church
elder, Ed, with him and proceeded to ask us a series of questions: "Do you
believe in God?" I could only answer truthfully by saying "sometimes". "Do you
know that we're all sinners?" Yes, I knew that from my Catholic upbringing, and
I felt it inside. "Do you know Jesus died on the cross to pay for your sins?"
Yes, I knew that. "Do you know there's a way to know for certain that you're
going to Heaven?" I didn't know that. Then he said, "If you simply believe that
Jesus died for your sins and accept God's forgiveness, you will go to Heaven."
WOW! This was inconceivable to me! Could this really be true, or was Pastor Jim
just confused? It was like my heart and my mind were battling each other. I
wanted to believe, but it seemed too simple. However, something seemed to be
drawing me. I thought, "I have to get to know Jesus." This idea, "to know
Jesus", suddenly seemed new, fresh, and exciting to me. Simultaneously, it
seemed familiar and older than time itself. This was the beginning of my
personal relationship with Jesus, my new life! For the first time I could see my
sin and anger for what they really were, and I knew that God could see them,
too. But more than that, I could see that he loved me and forgave me. I knew
that He would always be with me, guiding me and giving me strength, hope, peace
and comfort. For the first time in my life I no longer felt empty. I knew that I
was safe! Shortly after this, Anita and Prem accepted Christ, too.
I learned that all the things Pastor Jim told me were truths from the Bible. We
immediately began attending Bible studies and God gave me a deep longing for His
Word (the Bible). His Word became a strong guiding force in my life as well as a
source of joy, comfort and wisedom. God gave me a desire to live an upright and
honest life. Before, there had been a streak of unfaithfulness in me. Now, I
long to serve my wife and be the best husband I can. Before, I was selfish and
self-centered. Now, I desire to serve others for Christ's sake. I found that the
more you give, the more you receive. That's another truth from the Bible!
Anita and I still go to that little white church, Christ Chapel. We have a new
pastor now, Pastor Mark. He and his family are a blessing to all of us. Prem
(now called Michael) is attending college in Florida, and Ed is still at the
church here. Sometimes he says to me, "I had a strong feeling about you the day
we came to visit. I knew that you would accept The Lord!" Well, The Lord drew me
to Himself and accepted me. I have a strong feeling that, someday, He will do
the same for someone reading this. Perhaps it will be you...
Visit or contact us at Christ Chapel! You can also
listen to, download, share and enjoy my original music at
www.theunknowndisciple.com.
Listening is FREE and downloading is free with registration.
God bless you! - HANK : ) |
