|
Join our e-mail list! |
|
Just type your e-mail address below and
press submit.
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
The Unlikely Testimony
By
Jeff Davis
January 28, 2002
I
must begin this testimony by expressing the honest and frank opinion that I
thought I would be the last person on Earth writing a testimony. I urge you to
keep reading.
My family has always been close to the church. They were taken care of, that’s
all that mattered. But, through the grace of God and the love of Jesus you are
reading this statement. I urge you to keep reading.
With great enthusiasm, I agreed to assist the Pentecostals of Apopka (Florida),
where my family worships, with the musical production “Miracle
on Azusa Street.” I had
some theater background, so I thought it was a nice match.
The church has played such a strong role in their lives and Jesus had blessed
them so well that I wanted to volunteer some time and maybe get to know some of
the people in the church better. I got to know more than just the people in that
church.
On January 12, 2002, the second night of production, (I couldn’t make the
first night because of my job), Sis. Debra Williams, wife of Pastor Michael
Williams, reserved a seat for me in the front row with her mother, Bro.Williams
and Home Missions Director Jack
Cunningham, who was visiting for the run of the production. I thought it strange
that I should sit in such a special place, but I wasn’t going to question the
assignment.
After the Saturday evening show, I felt an urging in my heart to make changes in
my life. I had felt these urges before. I felt them often, for years, but never
allowed myself to really listen and throw away my pride and fear to what might
happen if I followed through.
I stood up and realized that I was already standing at the altar, for the altar
call. Sis. Williams told me later,
with a smile on her face, she placed me there for that reason.
I began to pray. I didn’t quite know how, but I did. Many people prayed for
me, but I resisted, still fearful of the unknown. I wasn’t going to give up. I
wanted this in my life and Jesus wanted it more. Members of the congregation,
pastors and my family helped me pray. They guided me and read my mind when they
told me not to be afraid.
This continued for quite some time, then the Holy Ghost, which was so strong in
the room, descended upon me. It’s hard to describe that feeling. This is so
new to me. I am still experiencing Him everyday.
What I didn’t know was that a few rows behind me, the same thing was happening
to my mother. He knew it was time.
I was baptized that night and I am not looking back. I felt so alone before, but
now I know I am not. Jesus will always be with me.
That night, when I returned to my brother-in-law and sister’s house, I was
completely exhausted. I felt like I had run a marathon, but I didn’t want to
sleep. I stayed up till 3:30 a.m. He was working in me, opening up doors that
had never been opened, feelings long forgotten or never experienced.
Every day feels like a new opportunity to love the Lord and to experience His
love.
It is my job now to learn as much as I can, and to strive to walk with God, so I
can help people experience the joy that I feel. This from the person who never
thought he would write a testimony.
ninetyandnine.com
ã
2002, Jeff Davis
--------
Jeff Davis
is a 34-year-old staff writer for the Florida
Today newspaper in Melbourne, FL. He lives in Merritt Island, FL.
|
