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| My Testimony; Lornemac45 | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jul 8 2008, 08:02 AM (515 Views) | |
| lornemac45 | Jul 8 2008, 08:02 AM Post #1 |
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My "Testimony" Well, that has always been a bit of a challenge for me. I did not come from a "dysfuntional" family. My parents were/ are good, honest, hard working people. My mother was stay at home, cooked cleaned, etc. as well as book work for my dads bakery business. I had an uncle that had always gone to that "holy roller" church. He was a good man, but I never really talked much to him. When I was 14 or so, I started going to a pentocostal church out of boredom. I met who was to become my wife of almost 30 years there. I was in a revival service one night, and tongues and interpretaion came forth. It was powerful. The man used had always had a speech problem, but when God spoke thru him, it was as clear as could be. I knew this was real. I went to the alter and repented, spoke in tongues, and was baptized. I was "saved". I played church for a few years. Then in & out for several years, even after I married. When my first daughter was born, I felt God again, telling me I needed to be aleader in my house. So, I did what I always do. I "got back in church". This was a cycle I would repeat for nearly 27 years. During these times I lost several loved ones. First in 76, my baby sister drowned (3 YEARS OLD). I was not going to church then, so I didn't question God to much. Then, in 81, my oldest brother (26 years old) was killed by a drunk driver, while delivering donuts early one morning. My best friend was also with him, and killed as well. I was going to church at the time, and tried to stay positive for my Mom & Dad. After this though, I began to question God, and why all this stuff happens. The church was so dry, and planned, and steeped in traditon. I was so hugry for God, but I couldn't find Him in the building. So, I pretty much gave up. I stayed married, tried to be a good dad, moved to Georgia, got a good job, but felt so unworthy. When I went to church, I was pounded down, whether by myself of by the pastor, it matters not. Then, my brother Lannie died, suddenly. Let me say here, that Lannie was mentally retarded. He was awsome. He was a light of love, and a source of true happiness for my parents, and all of us. He lived in a community home, and came home to mom & dads every weekend. When I would come home for a visit, I couldn't wait to see him. When he hugged me, it was as if God himself was hugging me. Pure love, without any of the motives or baggage that we "regular" people have in us. Anyway, when he was in the hospital, we all prayed. For me, it was the first time in a long time. But I did feel God told me he was going to heal him. Then he died. And a big part of me (and all the family) died with him. he was 44. I spun out. Bitterness and resentment filled me. I wanted nothing to do with God, and his punishment. So, I walked like that for about 2 years. I told my oldest kid how I felt, and poisened her mind with my feelings. And even my 2nd child as well. I will say that the traditional church we raised them in was not working for them at all, either. Then, a very good friend of mine, left the church they were attending. (the same one my wife and 2 younger girls went to) I had known him and been great friends for 24 years. They even had moved to GA a few months after us. Anyway, I saw his struggle, and talked much with him. We had always griped and complained about the regimented services, the traditions, etc. We just never knew what to do about it. Not long after, while out to dinner with them, I was talking about Lannie, and how I felt God told me he was going to heal him. As I was saying those words, He whispered to me again. "I did heal him, completely!" Lannie is in Heaven now, waiting for us, whole and healed, thank youi Jesus. During this time a friend of his, started his own church. He had been a missionary to Lebenon, and felt God call him back to the USA and start a work here. In the early stages of this, is where I again found God. When I turned back to Him, he was right there to meet me. We felt Gods presence so strong. Tongues, interpretations, waiting on God. Awsome! We (us 3 men) would get together on Monday mornings and talk, pray, eat, fellowship, etc. We talked about the direction we wanted from God. His will, His spirit, His leading. It was good for about 8 months. Then my dear brother(the "pastor") took a turn towards the more traditional service. Three songs, preach, alter call, announcements, etc. Also, he took over the leadership. It was now "do what I say" I am the pastor kind of mentality. God began to withdraw from our services. My good friend ran into obstacles with the "pastor". Everything changed. My friend and his prescious family left that "church". (not to backslide, but to move closer to God)I hung on. I tslked to my wife and kids. We prayed. We sought after God. I knew He was leading us. I took a trip up to see my folks. During this trip, my friend called me and told me to pick up a book, Pagan Christianity. He was a guy who has been into books for years. I never once, wanted to, felt compelled to, or did read any book he suggested. For only God knows His timing. I felt to go get the book. I bought it. I read it. The veil was rent! All the things that so easily beset me, were gone. Don't get me wrong, that book is not in all Truth, but it opened my eyes to what God wanted to show me. We have left the steeple. We are now growing in God like never before. This is not the path of the faint hearted. Its not easy. But we are determined that He is able! He has, in His good timing, answered my prayers. Never have I been closer to God, everyday, then at this point in my life. My wife was a couple steps behind me, but has more than caught the vision we now share. So- if you have read this, you can see where God has brought us. We have left Babylon, and are going to rebuild His temple.God is good, all the time! May God Bless you all on the journey! |
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| Mama Hen | Jul 8 2008, 09:03 AM Post #2 |
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Conni
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God is so awesome! Thank you for taking the time to share your testimony!!! |
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10:30 AM Jul 11