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15 N. Chillicothe St.
South Charleston
OH
45368
Testimony Time
I was born and raised in Springfield, Ohio. My parents divorced when I was twelve and my sister, Linda, who is six years younger than me and I then lived with our mother. My father left Ohio and for fifteen years we never heard from him. No visits, phone calls, birthday cards or any indication of where he was living or even if he was alive. Then one night when I was twenty-seven years old, married and living in Columbus, my father called--but that is another story.
My sister and I grew up in a non-Christian home. Although I do remember being baptized in my grandmother's church when I was three years old, I have no recollection of ever seeing my father in a church. My mother would insist I go to Sunday School, but she would not take me. I remember walking about eight blocks by myself on Sundays to a downtown Methodist Church. In the third grade, the church presented me with my first Bible which I still have to this day...
The church had little impact on me during my school years other than to impart a sense of right and wrong. I certainly did not know the Lord. That began to change when I spent three years in England with the Air Force. I became good friends with an airman who worked in the Base Chaplain's office. He was a Christian who started discipling me and I slowly began to consider who Christ really was.
After marrying Barbara and having our daughter, Erin, enter the family, I began to realize that this big void I had in my life could only be filled by Christ. At Barbara's urging we began attending First Presbyterian, which was the church in which we were married.
Many people can point to a specific incident, time, or event as to exactly when they received Christ as their Lord and Savior. Other people experience salvation as a process over time. That is what happened to me. God chose me and over the years kept working on me until I finally "got it" and accepted Him as my Lord and Savior. That has been over thirty years ago and He is still working on me.
He has taught me that I can't work my way to heaven. I trust in His mercy. Any work that I do for the kingdom is merely to express my love for Him. Christ has given me a real purpose in my life which I could not find anywhere else, and believe me, I tried to find it elsewhere. I consider myself to be a "seed dropper" who is pretty good at plodding. Christ's mercy has been a tremendous blessing to me.-John 14:6
"So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it."
Isaiah 55:11 (NASB)
I grew up in the 60's, and we lived in a small house in a middle-class neighborhood. My dad was a professor, and my mom stayed home with my brother and me. I lived a fairly typical life for a child back then, although we never went to church. During the summers, I would spend time outdoors just sitting on the grass in our backyard, looking up at the sky. One of my friends had told me that God lived above the clouds, and so I would frequently ponder this thought. Was He really up there? Did He see me? What was God like? I had many questions, but no answers...
My best friend went with her family to church every Sunday. I wondered what that must be like and why they thought it necessary to go so often. One day, I went with her and her mother to drop off some Sunday school supplies, and as I walked into the sanctuary, I felt a special sense of awe. Something touched my heart during that visit and left me wondering more seriously about God.
Soon afterwards, and without my knowledge, my spiritual journey underwent a change. It happened when I was about nine years old, after I put a penny into a gumball machine. Much to my surprise (and disappointment at the time), I got a prize instead of candy. The toy was a tiny plastic Bible that was solid all around and hollow in the middle. It was less than an inch tall and wide, and when held up to a light the inside revealed words (the Lord's Prayer) printed on a tiny piece of plastic. I was fascinated by this, and I remember spending long periods of time each night yearning to be with those words that I was reading. I had no idea, however, that my life was slowly being transformed by what I read.
I went on to college at a major university during the 1970's. It was a turbulent time morally and spiritually for students in those days. During my college experience, I had my first real exposure to a variety of Christians. Some seemed so radical, renouncing worldly things and living in group homes. Their commitment and lifestyle frightened me. Others claimed to know Christ, but their drinking and partying were no different than the other students on campus. Then occasionally, a yelling preacher would come and indiscriminately condemn us all to hell. As a result of what I saw, I wanted nothing to do with Christianity and felt that just being a "good person" was good enough.
God, however, had other plans for my life. During my junior year, I was invited to attend church with a friend. I was curious and scared, but I wanted to go. When I arrived, I was surprised at how nice the people were! I felt so awkward at this initial visit: I didn't know how to use a hymnal, I didn't know anything about the Bible, I didn't know anything about a church worship service; yet, everyone was so kind to me. I liked the experience and wanted to go back, but I lacked the courage.
A few days later, though, I purchased a Bible and began to read. Like with any other book, I started at the beginning. It didn't make much sense to me, so it got put on the shelf. After graduation and getting a job, I began to attend a church because of the influence of another friend. I had moved away from my hometown and was lonely, and I thought that going to church might help me meet nice people. After about a year of routinely attending (but not understanding much of what was going on), I happened to see a married couple from church drive through a grocery store parking lot. It suddenly dawned on me that they had something in their life that I was missing in mine: a personal relationship with Jesus Christ! What I had been hearing from the Bible--spoken in sermons and read in church--instantly made sense to me, and I accepted Christ that day. My life has never been the same.
Since then, I have come to understand that God's Word, coupled with His grace, is powerful and able to transform hearts. Even as a child peering into a plastic toy Bible, God's Word was changing me, and through it God was quietly calling me into a relationship with Himself. Life has not always been easy, but His Word continues to be a constant source of comfort and hope to me. Through it He changed my life, and I have seen countless times over the years how His Word changes the lives of others, regardless of how old--or young--they may be.
I grew up going to Sunday school then to church every Sunday morning. I learned about the prophets, King David, Abraham, and of course, Jesus and his disciples. I knew that I loved God and I knew that I loved Jesus. I knew for certain that I was a good person and knew that I wanted to do good things. The truth was that I didn't know anything.
Looking back, I lived a self indulgent, self-centered life all the while believing that my own good intentions and behavior, basic biblical knowledge, and the innate goodness of God (He loves everyone doesn't he?) were all I needed in life and to be ready for eternity. Occasionally, I would call out to him in times of need...
I first heard of my need for a savior from my sister. She had just learned about Jesus... how he died a terrible death for her...for me...for us all....how he rose again. I listened and told her I was happy for her. What was she talking about anyway? What's the big deal?
Years later, my husband and I were engaged to be married and that same sister and her husband sent us to a Family Life conference. The invitation to accept Christ was given and my husband accepted it. I did not. Still believing the lie, I convinced myself that I did not need to accept Jesus because I knew all about him. I loved him. I loved God. Been there. Done that. My husband wasn't raised in a church going family...it's what he needed...not me. When the power of the Holy Spirit came in the room that night, he received it. I missed it.
God does not stop pursuing us. There were other opportunities where I was presented with the truth....even Billy Graham was unsuccessful! Finally, while living away from family and friends, I attended a church, filled out the guest card, and a few days later invited an old Baptist minister and his wife into our home. He didn't waste time or mince words, but got right to the point and asked "Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior?" It all came down to that one question. All the good things that I did or would do didn't matter without Christ in my heart. My Sunday school education, the fact that I believed that God and Jesus were/are real didn't amount to much without having him as my Savior. The minister told me that if I didn't know for sure then I had better nail it down that day. When he left, I went upstairs, knelt by my bed, and asked Jesus Christ to be the Lord of my life.
Now I am a new creation in Christ....He opened my blinded eyes and my deaf ears and put a new song in my heart. My message to anyone reading this...if you were like me...if you are not sure.....nail it down today.
received many Christian and strong moral values while regularly attending a small rural Methodist Church. As my parents only had an 8th grade education, it was very important that I attend college, graduating from The Ohio State University in 1961. I met Nancy in 1955 and we were married in a double wedding in 1959--my best friend and I married isters. I retired as manager of a farmer cooperative seed production platn in South Charlestonin 1997. We have four children who have blessed us with 15 grandchildren! My early Christian years were dictated by a "works" mentality. "I" (pride) had raised a great family and provided an education for our children. Life is good, let me tell you...I'm here only by the Grace of God. In 1992, I was diagnosed with Melanoma-Stage 4 cancer with a 20% survival rate...
A peace came over me at that moment. I asked Jesus to come into my life to be my Lord and Savior and to serve Him! I had no fear of death. I was determined I was going to live. The power of The Holy Spirit is Awesome! I felt Acceptance, Assurance, Serenity, Comfort, Strength and certainly Peace! Many prayers were lifted up by family, friends, and our church family!
Ephesians 3: 20 " Now to Him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine according to His Power that is at work within us"
The tumor was surgically removed and I started taking an experimental cancer drug for eleven months. Chemotherapy or radiation is not effective for melanoma. Nancy administered shots 3 times each week which produced flu-like symptoms--- however, I continued to work full time.
After a year, I stopped taking the shots as they were not working and Nancy and I made the decision to place everything in God's hands.
Philippians 4: 6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer & 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."
The peace of Jesus Christ will always replace anxiety! If something is worth worrying about it is worthy praying about!
In January, 1993, melanoma reoccurred in the abdomen. The diagnosis was terminal and I was told to get my affairs in order. A few weeks later spontaneous remission occurred and the cancer disappeared. Thanks be to God!!!!
I learned that life is God breathed. Life is not always going to be good or make sense and there is always something we can give thanks to God each and every day. I can focus on God and His purpose in my life or focus on my problems. I would rather focus on God.
Prayer is the answer. God is in Control.
JAMES 5:16
THE PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS PERSON IS POWERFUL AND EFFECTIVE
I was born in Lima Ohio in 1958 into a family which eventually had 7 children. Four boys and three girls. My d ad worked as an Xray technician, was a strict disciplinarian, and thought God was for those who couldn't stand on their own in life. My mother was a quiet believer. She took all 7 of us to church, read the Bible to us and even challenged us to memorize the books of the Bible, for a reward. Smart woman.
As an 11 year old I was a perpetual liar, was constantly in fights with my younger brother and had even stolen a beef jerky from the nearby grocery store. These weren't terribly bad sins but they were sins just the same. In my heart of hearts I wanted to be good but just couldn't achieve it as hard as I tried.
My mom had given each of us kids a Bible and I had learned to respect the book. I read of heaven and hell by reading the Bible. Hell was a place where people who did what I did went. I was terrified of the place. Fire and agony, the Devil, worms and people who were in torture. Then there was Jesus. I knew the stories but couldn't connect all the dots at the time...
My mom took us to a church in the area and I remember the pastor often cried from the pulpit begging people to come to Christ. This really touched me. Sunday after Sunday I watched as young and old came forward and knelt down at the altar to pray. I wondered if I could gather the courage to do that!
When I was about 12 years old I knew the time had come for me and I slipped out of my seat and went forward to offer myself to God. At the time I didn't know fully what I was doing, I just knew it was the right thing and I was glad I did it.
After that, nothing much changed. Family tensions, lies, and fears remained. But gradually, as I read the Bible and listened to the pastor, the hymns and my Sunday school teacher, God worked, slowly but surely.
After high school I joined the Air Force and, when I arrived to my first station after basic training, I was approached by an officer who invited me to a bible study with other men who were trying to grow in their walk with God.
I agreed to come along and, for the first time in my life, there were young men my age who were doing Bible study, memorizing scripture, sharing their faith and having fun together. Those were great times of fellowship and fun. Since then God has taken me through disappointments and setbacks but always on a steady growth course. If it weren't for Him, reaching out and loving me, I know for a fact, I'd be living a ruined life. Praise Him!
My husband had left me in 1992 during my eighth month of pregnancy. Going through the first pregnancy can be a frightening experience even under the best circumstances, but when facing those challenges and fears alone...I wouldn't wish that depth of loneliness on anyone.
We fast forward to early 1993 where we found ourselves just a stone's throw from being homeless. I was applying with Springfield's Metropolitan Housing where I could get housing at a very low cost. I had stopped working late in my pregnancy and had not gone back to work at that time. The only income that was coming in was what little state aid I could qualify for at the time. For $3.00 a month, Springfield Metropolitan Housing was able to place us in an apartment on Drexel Avenue in Springfield.
This area of town is near the former South High School and was an extremely rough neighborhood at the time; so rough in fact, that the row of apartments that we lived in was nicknamed "the barracks". Even though I was almost obsessive about cleaning the house, the complex was infested with mice and roaches. My street was overrun with drug dealers and crime. I remember many times not being able to walk out my front door to leave with my baby, Amber, because there were drug dealers sitting on my front porch or even sitting on my car parked on the street. The fear I felt was paralyzing at times...
Due to the area we lived in, most family and friends would not even come to visit us. Those that would come by to visit once would generally say they would return, but wouldn't. I can't say I blame them; it was a scary place. There was one friend from high school that would come to visit and would even return to check on us again and again. His name was Jeff Byerman ...and I did not realize it at the time, but he would turn out to be my very best friend.
Jeff knew Christ and during this dark period in my life, Jeff would talk to me about God. Jeff reassured me that if I prayed and turned my fears over to God, that He would provide me with the strength to weather the storm and I would be protected. Jeff was the one person that, even in my vulnerable state, would ask me for nothing, but instead was concerned about my walk with Christ and the well being of Amber and me.
I began praying, often at night, as I heard the gunshots and police sirens coming down the street. I did not have a Bible, so I read from a small New Testament that was given to me years prior. With always a weapon under my bed, I would fall to sleep while praying for God to help us to not only get out of that situation, but to also help me to have the strength to "clean up" our street. As soon as I could get a telephone, I began talking to detectives about the various activities that I was witnessing. I was able to provide details on a regular basis to the detectives that led to several drug busts on my street. Some individuals began to suspect that I was responsible for the arrests of their family members or significant others, so this led to some threatening behaviors on the part of my neighbors towards us. God protected us through those incidents and gave me strength.
Then in the Fall of 1994, God began providing me with some opportunities. In November, I was given a job to help with the set-up of the new Lowe's on Bechtel Avenue. In December, I received a call that my name had come up on the waiting list for the apartments in South Charleston. They had an apartment ready for me if I wanted it. Without hesitation, I took the little one bedroom apartment and moved in on Christmas Eve. With Amber and I sharing that one bedroom, we slept peacefully for the first time since she was born.
It was then in January that I met Melinda's father, which started yet another chapter in my life. This chapter caused me to take a more focused look at churches, my faith, and how I wanted my children to be raised. I'm extremely grateful to God for giving my family opportunities for growth and prosperity. God has protected and provided for my children through some tumultuous times. My walk with Christ, with First Presbyterian Church as my partner, has deepened my love and commitment for Christ. The future endeavors with Christ promise to be unexpected and exciting!
God Bless!
My father was a physician who worked his way through medical school during the depression. My mother taught Sunday School in the local Methodist church for greater than 50 years. I was the son of a small village's doctor and was told by the superintendent of schools at age seven that I was not performing to the expectations of the community.
I knew that I was not OK. I thought that if I got into a good college I would be OK. I did and was not. I thought if I got into a good medical school I would be OK. I did and was not. I thought if I got a good internship and did well I would be OK. I was named Intern of the Year, and was still was not OK. I thought if I volunteered to go to Vietnam as my father had volunteered to go to WW II, I would be OK. I went and still was not OK. I thought if I got a good residency, I would be OK. I did and was not. I thought if I passed my boards and became a member of The American College of Surgeons, I would be OK. I did and I was not.
I was 34 years old and feared that if I died, no one would grieve. I met a woman who had two young daughters, "fell in love" and married her. We had a son together. I had a wife, children and a dog, the American dream, and was not OK.
My wife was unfaithful, my father died, and something else happened. The something else I cannot tell because it might hurt another. Let me say that King David and I are brothers as we both have killed an innocent. I fell into a deep depression and attempted suicide. The attempt was obviously unsuccessful to the Glory of God. My depression left but I knew that I was not OK.
One night I was called to see a girl who had bled after a tonsillectomy. She would eventually require over 20 units of blood. I tried everything to stop the bleeding. I thought if she died my life would be over, both as a man and a doctor. But most of all, all I could think of was the unborn children that this girl would have and the great potential that would be lost. (Being raised in a Christian home, I knew all about Jesus. He was present in the home but to me sort of like the uncle who lives with you. He was always there but I did not have a close relationship with Him.) I saw my life and all its meaning dying before me. Suddenly I realized that only Christ could handle this situation and save this girl. I cried out in my soul that I could do nothing, that Jesus could, and begged Him to save this girl. I then heard in my soul the voice of God say something that made no sense at the time. "He is Mine." I placed one more stitch and the girl never bled again. After she was properly taken care of, I went to the church that I then attended, fell on my face at the altar and thanked God.
My life then fell apart. My wife ran away with another doctor taking a great deal of money with her. But all the children stayed with me. I had to do a great deal of healing, but God sent people into my life who showed me the way. I pleaded with Him for a godly wife and He gave me Lois. When I retired, He sent the two of us on yearly mission trips to Papua New Guinea. He gave us five grandchildren. He also sent us to First Presbyterian to serve and be served.
I am but for the grace of God and God alone, not the man I was. But I can say, as any man can say, that I am OK through the grace of and because of the love of Jesus Christ.
My testimony of the LORD's mercy and grace in my life began the day I was born to two wonderful parents and raised in a Bible believing home. The Lord began to work in my life at an early age as I was introduced to him in Sunday school and encouraged to know Him more through a Christian grade school education. This would be the foundation of my future faith in Jesus Christ.I transferred to public schools in 5th grade where I thrived socially, did all right educationally, but lacked the spiritual direction and encouragement I needed at that age. I remained very active in our church, participating in Sunday school and youth groups throughout junior high and high school- but lived a "Christian" life only on Sunday and amongst church friends. I knew about Jesus, I had even said "The prayer"- but my life at this point demonstrated no change.
By the time I reached my junior year of high school, I had made my fair share of unwise and regretful decisions. At times I was ashamed of my behavior, relationships and decisions, but not enough to change. Then the Lord began speaking to my heart- with the conviction of the Holy Spirit, I began to recognize my own sin and the hypocrisy in my life. Over the course of that year, I remember going through many emotions, being confused about my "Faith" and having lots of questions. Finally, I began to seek the Lord in Scripture. I remember wanting to want the Lord- wanting a desire for Him, to have a real relationship with Him. And that is what became my prayer.
Well, the LORD answers prayers!! By His divine plan, He continued to draw me to Himself. Easing my way by strengthening my friendships with other Christians at school and church- surrounding me with a host of guiding lights. In February, one of those close friends invited me to attend a retreat for teens. It was during this weekend that the Lord chose to take over my life and I gladly gave it all to Him. In that very moment, when I acknowledged my sins, asked God's forgiveness and asked the Lord to be my Savior and reign in my life- He did!!! The weight of my sin was lifted, the burden of shame and regret was gone and I was overcome with joy! Literally, I was filled with laughter and the joy of the Lord- simply because of how AWESOME He is!!
My life was changed that day and God has been busy refining me ever since. It is not by anything I did that made me righteous that day. It is only by the grace of a merciful and Holy God that I would be saved. He put a desire in my heart to know Him, to love Him and to live my life for Him. And He can do the same for you. Though our stories may vary, we are all the same- sinners, in need of a Savior. That Savior is Jesus Christ without whom there is no hope. Humble yourself, ask the LORD, and you will receive.
Ephesians 2:1-10... 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- 9not by works, so that no one can boast.
Changed By Grace
For the children's sake, my wife started to drag me to church--to say this is how I wanted to spend Sunday mornings would be laughable. She wanted our children to attend Sunday school and be brought up with Christian beliefs/morals. To say I was reluctant would be an understatement. At first, I thought that everything about Christianity and faith did not apply to me. I was not into the singing and did not understand why people brought black books with them. Through the sermons, I was introduced to the Gospel/Good News and for the first time in my life, I learned what it meant to be a Christian/follower of Jesus the Messiah (not a religious person). I knew my thoughts and actions did not follow the ideas and the teachings of Jesus. My worldly pursuits and self ambition were in opposition to the gospel message. I also recognized the real attitude, caring nature, and genuine fellowship exhibited by the Christians I met. I now know how blessed I was and am to learn from real Christians who witnessed to me through their words and actions. Several consuming thoughts began to invade my thoughts during this time. I started to be convicted over thoughts and actions that did not conform to Christian beliefs, and I recognized that my actions and behaviors with nonChristians were not changing. But I did feel a growing sense of purpose and understanding through biblical teaching, Bible study, reading, and prayer. My priorities and attitudes started to change, and the internal void was being filled. These changes were unexplainable (at the time)--exciting and intimidating. After skipping a worship service for no compelling reason (like extremely hung over), I felt the voice return that had been disappearing. I felt a conviction in my soul like none ever before and knew without a doubt that God was asking me to accept and follow what I knew to be true, that Jesus died for my sins and he could fill that void. That Sunday evening (July 2001) while reading the Bible, I committed my life to Jesus Christ and turned to HIM and asked for my sins to be forgiven (1 Jn. 1:9). There was no huge sense of relief/fireworks; rather I understood that the old self-ambition and worldly pursuits were going to be replaced with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Now I understand the internal joy of following Christ. From that Sunday on, I have been given by grace a growing purpose and commitment. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I want to mature in Christ. I also know God has a plan to help me grow in my faith. I now rely on the Lord's guidance, and accept that he will provide what I need to get through this life. (Prov. 3: 5, 6) When I fall short, which happens very often, I go to the Lord through my relationship with Jesus. My priorities have value and meaning that transcends self-centered ambitions. During times of conflict, I feel a sense of calm and patience, knowing my purpose and meaning in life. In John 1:12, it says, "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the riht to become children of God." Please give me a shout if you read this and have any questions. I can be reached on Facebook or at buckeye77@woh.rr.com.
course, went right to work. I grew up being taught that Jesus loves me, the Bible is our guide and to be at church whenever the doors were open. One Sunday morning when I was 9 years old, I accepted Christ into my heart during an altar call. Unfortunately as I entered high school, I became a rebellious, mouthy, bitter, selfish, and angry liar. During my senior year in high school I became pregnant. I went on to graduate from high school and the local vocational school. In October 1993 I delivered my son. Over the next 3 years I cared for my son yet continued with my own selfish, worthless agenda in life. On August 3, 1996, God put in front of me my future husband. We were married just 5 months later. In July of 1997, we welcomed the birth of a second son.Everything changed in September of 1999. During a visit to the church of a family friend, I gave my life to Christ, again and for good! It was then that the scales of sin fell from my eyes. I realized that God had always been there waiting for me, His creation. He had kept me safe, watched over me and made a path for me. It wasn't because I had asked, but because my family and my husband's family had prayed. Since I accepted Christ as my personal Savior, I am able to see things differently, through His filter instead of the world's filter. In June of 2000 God blessed us with yet another son! Looking back over my life I can see the fingerprints of God every step of the way. My life and the lives of my family have completely been changed. In the last 10 years, my faith in God has been put to the test more than once, questioned and challenged in many different ways. Through these events I have learned about God and that the only way to share Him is to know Him and His Word. I pray every day that God's will would be done in my life and the lives of my family. I also pray to thank God for loving me, Valerie Snodgrass, enough to die for my sins. Everyday God continues the work of shaping me and molding me into one of His beautiful masterpieces.
