The following conversation occurred one morning after one of our services. It is shared anonymously. It is a powerful illustration of how real God's presence is and how He chooses to work in us and among us every Sunday.
Randy,
...we attended your service yesterday July 22nd, for the first time. You spoke to us as we were leaving, and I was unable to actually speak to you. Why, you must be asking yourself.....
I must first tell you a story in order for you to completely understand what happened to me personally, during your sermon yesterday. I was not raised a Christian although my mother was and is, a Christian. It was not until I was in pre-marriage counseling did I accept Christ as my personal Savior at the age of 27. Accepting Christ as an adult is truly a unique experience. I have no recollection to this day, of my walk to the altar to accept Him into my heart. I knew I was on my way, I knew I wanted to make the walk, but had no control over my body. Christ Himself wrapped His arms around me and personally took hold of my walk into His life. My husband, who was baptized at the age of 8 and raised Baptist, stood in disbelief himself.
I was formally baptized about one month later in a small church that my husband attended as a child. It was a VERY personal and life-changing event for me, and actually asked no one to attend except my husband. It was all about myself and God becoming one. The only thing I said when I came up out of the water was, Thank you. I still feel that way today - Thank you God.
From the moment we walked into the church, we felt "at home". What an amazing environment it is. God wasted no time to begin working on my husband and I. Michael immediately began talking about changing churches, and my response to him was, "lets at least wait until we hear the sermon". From that moment, until I walked out of the church, I was in tears. Tears of movement...tears of joy...tears of God's holiness. The baptism was beautiful, the music was outstanding and the sermon was great. I got so much from your lesson on Soil Types. My husband also loved it all. The call to the alter was most moving, and something that we have been longing for...
We plan to visit again this Sunday, as we feel God is leading us to your church. I believe in Him and know without a doubt, that He again wrapped His arms around me personally yesterday. It will not go unnoticed, nor will it be forgotten.
Thank you Randy, for taking the time to speak to us and for delivering God's word in such a way that left me in tears.
Submitted by R. Harling
