Neil’s Story

A Neighbor, a Bible, and a Savior: A Journey of Faith with My Lifelong Partner

I was raised Roman Catholic, yet I lived without the certainty of salvation. Around the age of 18, I turned to Jesus in prayer, asking for a good wife. In His grace, He answered and brought Mary Anthony into my life. We met while working at the MeToo grocery store, and for the past 72 years, we’ve been inseparable partners in life and faith.

After we married, we settled into our first home in Cedar Rapids. While building an addition onto the house, God placed a divine appointment in my life—a neighbor who shared the life-changing truth of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for me. Through this encounter, I eventually accepted Jesus as my Savior.

Then one day, there came a knock at the door. It was a man selling Bibles. His name was Job, and with a wry smile, he told me, “I have his name, but not his patience.” I purchased a King James Bible from him, and as I read it, my life was transformed. When I reached John 1:12, I saw these powerful words: “But as many as received Him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” At that moment, I gained the assurance of salvation I’d been longing for. Since that day, the King James Bible has been my steadfast guide—it feels like the voice of God speaking directly to me.

Years later, my family moved to Benton County. We joined a church in Shellsburg, where we worshiped for 15 years. However, God stirred within us a desire for greater outreach. With His leading, we invited a preacher from Virginia to start a church in Vinton. During a trip to Tennessee, we learned about a soul-winning booth ministry from Brother Gardener. Inspired, we launched similar booths at fairs, including the Benton County fair, state fairs, farm shows, the World Pork Expo, and the World Dairy Expo.

People often asked us, “How many souls have been won to Christ through this ministry?” Only the Lord knows, for He alone gives the increase. For 10 joyful years, we shared the gospel across countless venues. Even as our health required us to slow down, we continued the Benton County fair for as long as we could.

If you’re wondering how you, too, can have the assurance of heaven and eternal life, I encourage you to take a step of faith. Click the link below to learn more about receiving Jesus as your Savior.