MY TESTIMONY

MY TESTIMONY

Early years

I had the blessing of growing up in a Christian home through which the Lord protected me from many evils. Yet in all this I was as lost as anyone else with the additional responsibility of having constantly heard the truth.

God began to work in my heart when I was around the age of four. Being such a young child I cannot remember the first time I made a profession of faith. On this day my mother, sister, and I were eating lunch when in the course of conversation I made the comment that not everyone goes to church. Mom then explained to me that going to church did not save you. She then explained how we can obtain forgiveness of our sins by accepting Christ’s death on the cross as payment for our sins. Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Another key truth Mom told me was that Christ rose from the grave on the third day. 1 Peter 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” I saw my need of Christ as Mom explained the gospel to me. That day I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. Later that night my Dad also rejoiced with me as we discussed God’s wonderful plan of salvation.

I believe God did save me at an early age. God’s sanctifying work has been clearly evident in my life. As is the case with so many kids from Christian homes, Satan has at different times tried to sow doubt in my mind over my salvation. I remember praying the “prayer” many times. I got tangled up in making sure I was saying the right words. God has shown me that salvation is His work, not my work, done through a prayer. John 1:12, “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name:” God also gives me assurance of my salvation from Romans 8:16, “The Spirit Itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” This is my story; I am a new creature. Yes, I constantly battle the old nature and must frequently be reminded to rest in Christ for the strength to stand, but what a delight it is to walk with Him.

Surrendering to the mission field

God’s calling to mission work was a gradually work in my life. In my life as a young child I enjoyed agriculture and business. God was continually preparing me for service for Him although I was unaware of His plan for me. I actually had no desire to go to college, but after God’s clear direction I went to Crown College of the Bible receiving a bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministry.

As I went to Crown I thought God would have me to be a pastor in the US. My family had always been involved with church ministry to varying levels, but my freshman year of College Dad followed God’s leading to plant a church outside Hershey Pa. Helping with the church plant on college breaks gave me a greater vision for what was involved in the pastorate.

My last year of undergrad study at Crown College I had Dr. Allen Fisher as a teacher for some of classes. God used Dr. Fisher in a mighty way to give me a burden for missions and Bible Translation work. Dr. Fisher had served the Lord extensively in Bible translation work and had an incredible wealth of knowledge. Crown Seminary was starting a new Masters program for Missionary Linguistics in which Dr. Fisher was the primary instructor. God allowed me to be one of two students who were the first and only ones to go through this program of study 2010 to 2011. This one year of seminary sealed my burden for missions and Bible translation work. I just marvel at how God has led my steps down a path I would never have dreamed. The following verse has been so true of my life. Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

A favorite verse of mine is Psalms 86:11, “Teach me Thy way, O LORD; I will walk in Thy truth: unite my heart to fear Thy name.” I need the Lord to continually teach me His ways. I want His work of revival in my heart, being drawn into a closer walk with Him each day.