I was a young girl, almost nine years old. My family wasn't attending church regularly at the time. However, I always ended up in church. Every Saturday night we would make our weekly trip to the Oak Ridge Walmart and out to eat (usually Ryans). After that we would head down to Coalhill where mom would drop us off in Kring Holler. Every Saturday night Josh and I would spend the night with either Granny and Papaw Kring, or with our Aunt Jane and Uncle David. They lived in walking distance of each other. Actually in all reality, I usually had my pick at whose house I was sleeping at, and Josh always chose the other!
Spending the night with my grandparents or aunt and uncle, meant one thing...church on Sunday morning. We always would go to Sunday school and church and then they would drive us back to our house. We did this for years. So even while my family wasn't in church I was still exposed to church regularly and heard the gospel. At the time my grandparents and Jane and David were members at Fellowship Baptist Church in Coalfield.
It was June of 1992. We were excited to be out of school and enjoying the summer. One of the best things about summer was going to Vacation Bible School. We always got to attend several, and I loved it! The bible school of the week happened to be at Fellowship Baptist Church in Wartburg, a church of another one of my Aunts and Uncle.
I remember the night before I got saved being under conviction after hearing the bible message. I wanted to be saved but for whatever reason, fear or pride, I didn't make any move. The next night though was my night. During prayer I raised my hand that I wasn't saved. The workers later led me outside to talk with me. It was actually my Aunt Teresa who led me to the Lord. I wasn't pushed into anything. I wasn't directed to repeat a prayer. I knew I was a sinner. I knew I was going to hell. I knew and believed Jesus died for my sins. I asked him to save me as I turned from my sins to live for him.
So am I now sinless? I wish. I fail everyday. But I am a new creature. I want to live pleasing to the Lord. I have a peace that passeth all understand. At the time of my salvation I didn't realize what all this salvation entailed. It is much more than going to Heaven.
Many people have periods of times where they doubt their salvation, meaning the question if they are really saved. Did they say everything right? Did they really believe? I'm thankful that I haven't had to experience that. I am certain of my salvation.
Today Vacation Bible School holds a special place in my heart. While our church focuses mainly on our church kids, there are still kids there who don't come to church. Their parents aren't Christians. It may be the only time that they hear the gospel.
My principal at the school where I teach is married to the pastor of the church that we were attending back in 1992. It's neat seeing my old pastor from time to time.
Also now I share birthdays with my brother, Renee, and my husband. While June 18th is their earthly birthday, I celebrate my spiritual birthday.
There's so much more I could say but I've already been lengthy. I didn't reference it but I can back up all my beliefs with bible verses. I would love to share them with you if you are interested.
Thanks for reading! I love sharing my story.
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine.
Oh what a foretaste of glory divine.
Heir of salvation, purchase of God.
Born of his spirit, Washed in his blood.
This is my story, this is my song.
Praising my Savior, All the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, All the day long.
