Growing up, I always knew about God but never had a personal relationship with Him. Being brought up in a Christian family, I knew the Bible stories and had a basic understanding of who Jesus Christ was. I always thought, "That's okay for them," but I never had a desire to know more. In my teens, my church attendance declined until I chose not to go at all. I was much more concerned about going out with my friends and doing all the things that the world offered. In my twenties, partying and being involved in drugs became a daily routine. Looking back now, I see how lost I was, chasing a high that never lasts and is temporary. At that time, I thought this was cool, and my identity— I now know— these things had a hold on me without me realizing.

In my late twenties, I continued doing what I wanted to do. I was invited to a church event by a friend. My heart was saying to go (I now know this was God leading me unto Himself), so I decided to go. Upon arriving at the church, I felt an overwhelming presence. At that moment, I realized who I really was—a sinner needing to be saved. I was lost and knew God was calling me to come. I decided to accept Jesus Christ into my life as my Lord and Savior. At that moment, I felt free, and it was as if a weight had been lifted off me. I knew God had done something miraculous. He completely took away my desire for the things I was doing before. He has given me a new spirit and a desire for things of Him.

As a Christian, being around the body of Christ is crucial for me. I now have a desire and a need to go to church. I love being with other believers, listening and hearing the Word of the Lord being preached and taught. Going to the Gospel Tab strengthens, builds, and grows my faith. It's also encouraging to see other lives being changed and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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L. Walcott

I have been a Christian for many years, and I have not found a church I could not call home.

As a family, we went through a really bad time, we lost everything we built up over the past few years, even our home.

 

I was just about to give up on my faith and people and just surround myself with family. My husband and Daughter asked me to go to the Gospel Tabernacle one Sunday morning, I dug my heels in and said no, I am done with Church.

 

My daughter kept on so eventually I gave in and went. As I sat at the back and listened to Pastor Denville preach, everything he was saying was just how I was feeling, and it was what God needed me to hear at that time.

 

Denville and Betty prayed for me and my husband, and I could feel and see their hearts for the Lord. Everyone in the church is so loving and caring and will go out of their way to listen to you and they stand on God's word.

 

I have a long way to go to where I should be, but with the people at the Tabernacle praying and loving us through this time, I know I can call the Tabernacle my home and my family.

 

C.Griffin

Never Too Young

From a very young age, I can remember enjoying singing and learning about Jesus at church and Sunday School. Going to church and being with other believers became my second home.

The words to the songs "Jesus loves me" and "Jesus loves all the children of the world" embedded in my heart became truths when life got hostile and uncaring around me. Church was a place of acceptance and safety.

I became a Christian when I was seven years old, and I can clearly remember a strong feeling of needing to have my sins forgiven and to have Jesus in my life. I responded.

God has been a father to me; he has watched over me and preserved my life.

Life was bumpy growing up, but Jesus came and found me. He gave me purpose and brought his light into my dark life.

I give him thanks and praise.

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B.Walcott