I grew up attending church services in the Catholic faith when I lived in England as a young boy. I recall that I didn’t particularly like to go to church because the pews were wooden and very uncomfortable. I also remember Dad always reaching over and telling us to be still (I was but part of a group of 9 kids). I couldn’t wait to get out of services so I could play with my friends.
When I was 18, I enlisted in the Air Force and it was during basic training that I received one of those bible booklets (tracks). There seemed to be these Christian booklets everywhere we went on that base. One day, I opened the track and really started to read what it said. I openly accepted the Lord that day but didn’t think much about it after that. I only knew that I wanted to go to heaven and that Jesus was the only way (something I remembered during my younger years). I went through my enlistment not going to church at all.
While stationed overseas, I met, married, and had 2 beautiful girls, but alas, I still did not attend church. I very much liked my weekends ‘free’; unhindered by any Bible study and fellowship. It wasn’t until my eldest was in 5th grade that my brother invited me to his church on a Wednesday night. I asked the kids if they wanted to go and their response was a heartfelt, ‘Yes’. So, I took the kids to church and they went to their bible studies and I attended the evening services with the adults. I talked to the children after service and they said that they had a great time and wanted to go again on Sunday. From that day on, I’ve been attending church and growing in my faith. I wish I could say that it was all downhill from there but it hasn’t been that easy. Many things have happened during the past 20 years that I wish I could change. However, the best decision has been to serve my Lord and Savior. I am so glad that I answered the door and invited Him in when He knocked on the door of my heart. I have felt His hand guiding and directing my life and I praise Him for what He did on the cross so many years ago. There are no words to describe the grace He has shown me but I am thankful each day for His continued love.