My Testimony

I grew up in a loving home with a wonderful family. In many ways, it was very much like “Leave it to Beaver” – only I was a bit more like Eddie Haskell (It’s a rough parallel, but you get the idea). I got in trouble quite a bit (or at least that’s how I remember it). I think it was a combination of being overly curious and being very interested in having people like me… even to the extent I would compromise what I knew to be right just to make someone happy with me.

My sophomore year of high school was a wild year for me. During the fall of that year, I lost my virginity at the whopping age of 15 and then was expelled from my religious boarding school when I returned after Christmas break because they found out I'd had sex. To add insult to injury, I had been sexually assaulted over that Christmas break (a fact I didn't mention for the next five years). It wasn't a good time for me. I was "lookin' for love in all the wrong places" and looking for God in the wrong places too.

I grew up in Christian Science - and many of my family members still are Christian Scientists (find out how Christian Science differs from mainstream Christianity). Later I pursued a variety of other "faiths" including new age - tarot, crystals, the works. I finally stopped looking and simply lived a gluttonous, lust-filled existence filled with all types of pornography and perversions.

Among many others, my Aunt and Uncle in Boca Raton witnessed the Lord's goodness to me on many occasions; but ultimately, it was their lives not their words that drew me in. They had something I wanted. They had a peace, joy and love for others that was contagious and exhilarating. I loved to be around them and made visits to seem them as often as possible.

They continued to love me, and share with me God's greatness. They had brought me to Calvary Chapel before, and each time I'd been struck by both the message and the congregation. But on 8 February 1997, Bob (their pastor) gave a teaching from Romans chapter 1, "Man Without Excuse", and the Lord finally got my attention. (The teaching is available on the Calvary Chapel website if you are interested - you can download it for $1)

That night alone in my grandparents' swimming pool, I gave my life to Christ. I wasn't even sure what it meant or how it might change me, but I wanted it. That more than anything surprised me because I thought I was happy - everyone thought I was happy - but I had a hole inside me that only God could fill and I needed Him even though at the time I didn't know how badly. That was February 1997.

My life was changed dramatically for the better! I wish I could say that everything has been perfect since that day, but the reality is - I am still human and still a sinner. What I rejoice in though, is God's ability to use all my stupid mistakes for His own good and the fact that He continues to protect and bless me.

As time has gone by the Holy Spirit continues to convict me one issue at a time - and (not surprisingly), His timing is perfect. More testimony...

If you want to find out more about having a relationship with God, find out about the steps to peace.