While some people can tell of a vast difference in lifestyle before vs. after being saved, my experience is not so. Actually anyone getting saved is a reason for celebration in heaven, as scriptures tell us.
I grew up in a Free Methodist church, the 5th generation in our family. I was in church before I could even remember, probably about 3 – 4 weeks old. I remember our little “family” church of about 25, in Northern Michigan. It was indeed a family church, because we were all related. The only ones not related to us were the pastor and his family, which we shared with another church on our district.
At youth camp at the age of 9, I asked Jesus into my heart. While there was really no outward change, there definitely was an inner change. After high school, I attended Spring Arbor University, in Spring Arbor, Michigan, where I met Charlotte. We got married between my Sophomore and Junior years. We have moved several times since, but with every move we were a part of a holiness church, either Free Methodist or Church of the Nazarene. At each church, there was always something that God led us to do as a ministry. Indeed, I have done it all, from janitorial chores to occasionally filling the pulpit.
When we moved to the Bluffton area, we were attending the Free Methodist Church in Ft. Wayne. In 2001, we decided that 26 miles one way, 3 to 4 times a week was getting to be just a bit too much. We started attending Bluffton First Church, and were welcomed right away. While at Bluffton First Church, I have sung in the choir and have also sung solos until I reached a point where I could not hear the music. I have served as delegate to District Assembly, served as NMI president for 1 year, do devotionals, host the monthly men’s breakfasts, substitute teach for my S.S. class, and anything else God directs me to do.
I am anxiously waiting retirement (Jan 1, 2010) so I can devote even more time to serving as God directs me.
