I was raised in a Catholic church by my real father but I think he went more out of obligation than anything considering the actions of his life. I eventually grew away from my father as my Mom remarried a wonderful man who became "Dad". Unfortunately I didn't go to church, I always believed in Christ but I certainly didn't act like it. I was very angry at him for things that had happened to me and loved ones so I intentionally did things to "punish him" for my pain.


This went on for years until one day I was sitting in a Doctors waiting room looking at a magazine. There was an article about the "Left Behind" series and it caught my eye. When I got home I bought the 1st book and began to read. They started the flicker of hope. Regardless if you agree with the doctrine I think the books are wonderful because of the number of people they have brought to the faith.

It didn't happen quickly but I began to slowly open my eyes to my situation. When my wife became pregnant it really sank in what life was about.

I knew I was destined for hell unless I changed very quickly, we tried a couple of local churches but none felt right. Either we weren't felt welcome or it just seemed to be a party that occasionally mentioned God.

We rent and our landlord has been the most understanding and generous person that I have met in a long time. I asked him if he went to church and lo and behold he was a Deacon at a little local Southern Baptist Church. We went once and realized we found our spiritual home. We felt extremely welcome and could feel the sincerity of everyone. It wasn't long after that that Jesus came into my heart, we were baptized and became members of the Church.


We had our son just a couple of weeks after starting to go and of course being a small church EVERYONE wanted to hold our child. That started conversations which led to friendships.

Now we are very active and attend just about every service there is. Since accepting Christ my life has gotten so much better, not financially or anything, just the inner peace I have. Our financial situation still goes from feast to famine and we still occasionally have to count change to get gas money but we don't worry about it as much now. God will provide, he always had, even before I accepted him, things had a way of working out.

Now I know that no matter what rough times lay ahead, as long as I keep the faith the end will come out great.

[quote=ducktapehero,Feb 20 2006, 03:55 PM]
I was raised in a Catholic church by my real father but I think he went more out of obligation than anything considering the actions of his life. I eventually grew away from my father as my Mom remarried a wonderful man who became "Dad". Unfortunately I didn't go to church, I always believed in Christ but I certainly didn't act like it. I was very angry at him for things that had happened to me and loved ones so I intentionally did things to "punish him" for my pain.


This went on for years until one day I was sitting in a Doctors waiting room looking at a magazine. There was an article about the "Left Behind" series and it caught my eye. When I got home I bought the 1st book and began to read. They started the flicker of hope. Regardless if you agree with the doctrine I think the books are wonderful because of the number of people they have brought to the faith.

It didn't happen quickly but I began to slowly open my eyes to my situation. When my wife became pregnant it really sank in what life was about.

I knew I was destined for hell unless I changed very quickly, we tried a couple of local churches but none felt right. Either we weren't felt welcome or it just seemed to be a party that occasionally mentioned God.

We rent and our landlord has been the most understanding and generous person that I have met in a long time. I asked him if he went to church and lo and behold he was a Deacon at a little local Southern Baptist Church. We went once and realized we found our spiritual home. We felt extremely welcome and could feel the sincerity of everyone. It wasn't long after that that Jesus came into my heart, we were baptized and became members of the Church.


We had our son just a couple of weeks after starting to go and of course being a small church EVERYONE wanted to hold our child. That started conversations which led to friendships.

Now we are very active and attend just about every service there is. Since accepting Christ my life has gotten so much better, not financially or anything, just the inner peace I have. Our financial situation still goes from feast to famine and we still occasionally have to count change to get gas money but we don't worry about it as much now. God will provide, he always had, even before I accepted him, things had a way of working out.

Now I know that no matter what rough times lay ahead, as long as I keep the faith the end will come out great.
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:wub:The LEFT BEHIND series, has been blessed by GOD, it seems, because, I have witnessed many come to CHRIST, from reading just the first of the series of these books. I rekindled after reading them...and I have re-read them also. I am glad that your family has a good church home, and what a blessing for you to hace a child now. My prayer is that your relationship with JESUS, will build your relationship with your earthly father as well. May GOD BLESS you continually.

Thanks for sharing your tesitmony too!