When Wisconsin Christisn News editor, Rob Pue, asked me to write my personal testimony for his newspaper, my initial response was “no!” Frankly, I was concerned readers might view what I had to say as bragging and boasting about personal accomplishments. But then I realized others could benefit from hearing about the exciting changes Jesus has orchestrated in my life. So as a preface to my testimony, let me state clearly and emphatically that none of what I am about to share would have been possible were it not for my commitment to Jesus Christ on September 22, 1989, and my continued reliance on Him. I believe these past 23 years of my life are a testimony to Christ’s words found in Phillipians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
It took two years of persistent efforts by my son Craig to help me go from an attitude of believing I did not need God in my life, to wondering how I ever managed without Him. “God has a plan for your life, Dad,” my son repeatedly told me. His efforts culminated with our mutual friend, Clint West, helping me dedicate my life to Christ, and my asking God to reveal His plan for my life. And what an exciting plan it has been!
Today, my wife and I are enjoying our retirement years serving the Lord, each with our own individual ministries, as well as serving Him together in various ways. Allow me to explain how God has transformed my life these past two decades. Please understand that none of what I am about to share was taking place in my life prior to my “Damascus Road Experience,” on September 22, 1989. Since then God has filled my life with the following:
Twenty three years of volunteer service with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), as area representative, FCA golf camp volunteer, FCA Jr. golf tournament volunteer, FCA spokesman, etc.
Eleven years of service with the Lutheran ministry to the blind and visually impaired.
Assistant Chaplain to the Wisconsin Woodchucks baseball team, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with 25 college players from across the U. S. playing in the Northwoods Baseball league each summer.
Leader of a men’s Bible Study for 22 years; 12 years years as leader of a Bible Study for couples.
Over two decades of being a Christian writer with more than 600 published articles and stories, many of them about men and women in service to the Lord, over fifty of them appearing in this newspaper.
Helping bring an awareness of the homeless situation in Wisconsin.
Public speaking appearances.
It should be noted that I thoroughly enjoy the various interests, ministries and activities that God has brought my way these past 23 years. Each has given me a sense of purpose and fulfillment I did not have before Christ entered my life. In the process I have met some truly extraordinary people, established new friendships, and helped spread the Gospel along the way. Jesus said in John 10:10: “I have come that you may have life and have it to the fullest.” Our Lord has definitely fulfilled that promise to me - and then some.
A person doesn’t need a “Damascus Road Experience” to discover the need for Christ in his or her life. Since the beginning of time God has had a specific plan for everyone born into this world. He tells us in Jeremiah 1:4: “Before you were formed in your mother’s womb I knew you. Before you were born I consecrated you.”
It saddens me to think of how many people go through life without ever having discovered God’s plan. Our Lord tells us in Revelation 3:20: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone will open the door and invite Me in, I will come in and fellowship with him.” It’s God’s standing invitation to all His children, young and old.
Do you know what God’s plan is for your life? If not, why not? What are you waiting for? I encourage you, open the door of your heart to Jesus Christ and invite Him in! Then lean back, hang on, and enjoy the ride of your life with Jesus Christ at the controls. I know I sure am!
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