Taste and See
Taste and See That the Lord is Good! Psalm 34:8
Peter's Story
“From the bar stool to the pulpit–God’s mercy rewrote my story.”
I had wonderful parents, a great childhood and grew up attending church but did not come to know the Lord until later in life.
It all started right after I graduated from high school and drank a beer at my cousin’s wedding. It was awful, but I somehow managed to choke it down because I wanted to be an adult and I wanted to be cool. It began to become a problem for me in college when I spent more time partying than studying. It wasn’t long before I dropped out of school, got married and joined the workforce. After 10 difficult years of car accidents, court appearances and jail time, my wife finally booted me out of the house.
I moved to an apartment in Waterloo where I was working as a route driver for a bread company. I covered many miles as a route driver, and I got hooked on a radio program called Insight for Living with a Bible teacher named Chuck Swindoll. At the time, I thought I understood what being a Christian was and I didn’t think that God was relevant for my life. I didn’t need religion, I needed money and I needed my marriage fixed! But I listened to Chuck anyway.
Early one morning, at the close of his radio program, he gave an invitation to receive Christ as Savior. I prayed the prayer and it seemed like nothing happened, but nothing was ever the same after that!
It was November of 1981, and I got excited about Jesus! I couldn’t get enough of my Bible teaching radio programs and the guys at work started giving me a bad time about “getting religion”. I even threatened to quit drinking and finally on June 30 of 1982, I went straight home, didn’t stop at the bar after work and never had another drink. I found out years later that the guys at the bar had a “pool” going as to how long I would stay sober. I wonder if anyone ever collected on that pool.
My wife and I got back together and began to rebuild our marriage. It was a long and arduous process of rebuilding relationships and correcting old habits of selfishness and deception. But now that I’ve been a Christian for 44 years and sober for 43 and married for almost 54, it has been so worth it! God has been very, very good to me, someone who is the least deserving of His favor!
I kind of came into ministry through the back door when the pastor left our local church in Greeley, Iowa. I started filling in as we searched for a new pastor and I filled in for 14 years! I also served as pastor of St. John’s Congregational Church in Garber for 8 years and Colesburg Community Church as well.
We answered the call to come back to Vinton this past summer and are excited about returning. We had originally moved here in 1976 and moved away when our youngest graduated from Vinton-Shellsburg High School in 1995. We have spent our last 25 years in Delaware County helping aging parents who have now graduated from this life. Since we were living here when I was converted, some of you may remember me as a drinker. If so, I apologize for whatever I may have done or said to you!
As I mentioned before, God has been very good to us, and I plan to serve Him in some capacity for as long as I am able. My bride and I look forward to serving First Baptist, meeting new friends and renewing old friendships.
Jason's Story
“I started wondering about lasting joy. Where could I find it?”
My Story – Spring 2025
Jason Falck
I think it’s a fair assumption to say that even though we just met, there are two things we have in common. 1. We both want to be happy. 2. We both have learned more from our failures than many of our successes.
Would you agree?
One way to find joy is to discover a unique talent or skill that sets us apart and gives us a sense of purpose. For some people, it’s their athletic ability. For others it may be their artistic gifts. For many, that sense of joy comes from making one other special person very happy.
For the first two decades of my life, that sense of identity came from my academic performance. Whether or not that was you, I think you can understand a kid who liked acing his tests and being at the top of his class. But there was definitely a twisted joy that came, not only from reaching my potential, but from doing better than the others.
To summarize, I got straight A’s all the way through my second year of college. Then I had the chance to go on a study abroad trip to Oxford for one month. The program required me to write a paper each week and read it aloud, one-on-one, to a tutor—an expert in the subject. It was nerve-wracking. In our first meeting, after I read my half-finished paper, the tutor told me that the average professor would have ripped up my first two pages. That sums up what happened to my self-image that month. I wasn’t devastated. But I was humbled and as I struggled to improve my performance, I grew to really dislike the stress and worry and the unhappiness with myself I was dealing with.
One night, I started wondering about lasting joy. Where could I find it? Was it in money? Romance? Friendships? Everything seemed temporary—everything could be lost.
Now I had been a Christian since childhood. I believed in a holy God and in the afterlife. I knew that I could never be good enough to earn my way to heaven. I had done much to be selfish, proud, lustful, fearful, anxious, conceited, and so on. I needed to be forgiven, and Jesus offered that. He was God in the flesh, who never sinned, but died on the cross as a substitute, to take my sins on him, pay the penalty, which was death, and be raised from the dead. He was already a huge source of my identity, providing hope and purpose. But not enough.
That night, I realized that the only source of joy that was secure was knowing that God was my heavenly Father, and that I could enjoy that relationship of love and security, even in the midst of failure and disappointment. I stopped nourishing this idea of myself as “Jason the smart, straight A student” and accepted my given identity as “Jason, the child of God.”
A verse from the New Testament says that “Nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” If you let that truth sink in, it can change your life.
From that moment on, I worried less and found a deeper joy in my relationship with God—not just as a duty, but as a delight.
So how about you? Have you found a source of joy that is secure? Has God ever seemed like the answer to that deep longing for happiness that we all have?
Rod's Story
“Could God really love someone like me? Could He truly forgive me for all my baggage?”
A Journey from Doubt to Peace: Trusting in God’s Steadfast Love
I grew up on a 160-acre farm, the third of nine siblings. Life was simple, grounded, and shaped by the rhythms of farm life. I attended the Lutheran Parochial School in Newhall, rooted in a foundation of faith, education, and family. But as a child, I wasn’t an overachiever—I was laid-back, maybe a little lazy. Neither a scholar nor an athlete, I often felt out of place. My small school ended at the 8th grade, so I moved on to a public high school in Vinton. That transition was jarring—a culture shock. Suddenly, I found myself navigating the intricate maze of cliques and social groups in a much larger school. I desperately wanted to belong.
During my senior year, something remarkable happened—I met the girl who would later become my wife. One Sunday morning, she invited me to her church. It was a world apart from my own Lutheran upbringing. The congregation was alive with vibrant songs, and the air was filled with an uplifting spirit and a powerful gospel message. It stood in stark contrast to the stoic, rigid services I was used to. I had always known about God, but for the first time, I realized I didn’t truly know Him. I had head knowledge, but my heart felt empty. Something was missing, and I couldn’t ignore it.
As time went on, our relationship grew, and I proposed. I began attending her church more regularly, but she made it clear—she could not marry me unless I had a genuine relationship with the Lord. My pride made it hard to admit that I hadn’t fully surrendered my life to God. I gave the impression that I was already a believer, and we moved forward with premarital counseling. But during one of those sessions, the truth broke through. Conviction gripped my heart—I knew I needed Jesus. That evening, after the pastor prayed, I went home and accepted Christ as my Savior.
We married and began our life together, but over time, doubts crept in. Could God really love someone like me? Could He truly forgive me for all my baggage? I struggled with pride, trying to carry my burdens alone. I felt distant from God—not because He had stepped away, but because I had. My pride, my doubts, and my reluctance to lean fully on Him were creating the distance.
Years later, during a church service, I felt a deep conviction again. I realized I had been holding back, clinging to my own ways. That day, I rededicated my life to Christ and took the step of believer’s baptism. It was a turning point, but the struggle didn’t end there. Pride and doubt still rear their heads from time to time. Yet, I hold fast to God’s promises. As 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds me: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
God has been so good to me. Even in moments when I felt distant from Him, He never moved—He is steadfast. It was always me, letting pride and doubt cloud my walk with Him. Isaiah 41:10 brings me comfort: “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
I’ve learned that when I stay close to God—through prayer and His Word—I feel His peace. When I stray, I make a mess of things. But God, in His infinite love, draws me back. Over time, I’ve found that the things I once desired no longer hold any appeal. As Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Wouldn’t you like to experience that kind of peace—the kind that transcends all understanding? Click below to learn how you can.
Shannon's Story
“While I only see one piece at a time, God sees the completed masterpiece.”
“A Journey of Faith: Finding True Happiness and Contentment in Submission to God”
Have you ever found yourself searching for something deeper—something that brings real joy and contentment?
From a young age, I began a journey many of us share—a search for true happiness and contentment. One of my earliest memories is of my mother singing songs about God to me. “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so” …. or “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.” Another I remember well is “Oh be careful little hands what you do, for the Father up above is looking down in love”, and many, many more. Through my parent’s influence and going to Sunday School, by the time I was 5 or 6, I felt a deep need for Jesus. I prayed and decided to trust and follow Him.
During my teenage and early adult years, I faced doubts and challenges that tested my faith. Doing the right thing was sometimes difficult and often felt impossible. As someone with a very strong will and wanting to do things my way, I was having trouble fully submitting my life’s path to God. It was as if I was holding a part of myself back. However, the more I prayed and read the Bible, the closer I felt to Him and the easier it became to stay on the right path. I learned that submission to God isn’t about losing yourself. It’s about trusting that the One who created us knows what’s best for us—like a loving parent guiding a child. I learned that true happiness is following Jesus‘s example and sharing Him with others.
Looking back at my early faith, I can see how He has guided and prepared me for the circumstances in my life. I am amazed at how God can transform the foolish things we do into blessings for us or others. Equally astounding is how He can use tragedies and turn them into blessings or into a way for us to be closer to Him. I am in awe of God’s incredible work. I’ve lost a couple of very dear people in my life recently, one being my precious grandson. Justin was just 23 years old when he was diagnosed with a rare and very aggressive form of kidney cancer. Sadly, it wasn’t long before he went to be with the Lord. It was a very difficult time for my family and I, but my grandson knew Jesus personally. Knowing what God’s word tells me about those that love the Lord and pass away, gives me complete peace that I will see him again in heaven. I hold onto the truths in the Bible and those truths are what keeps me smiling, happy and close to God. So, my life hasn’t been without its struggles—like everyone, I’ve faced times of doubt, loss, and heartbreak. But even in the hardest moments, like losing my grandson, I found peace and hope that only God can give.
As I reflect on my journey, I often think of life as a puzzle—piece by piece, it takes shape. While I only see one piece at a time, God already sees the completed masterpiece. Trusting Him helps me find purpose in each piece, no matter how confusing it seems. As time passes and another piece is revealed, the more I see the “picture” of growth in my life and I’m so thankful how God has worked in me!
I continue my walk with God and strive to serve Him. I fall short of God’s standard of righteousness and each day; I thank Jesus for what He has done for me on the cross. Because of His grace—an undeserved favor—I will one day see Him face to face. There’s nothing we can do to earn our way to heaven; it is a free gift to accept. (Ephesians 2:8-9) I know that He is not finished with me yet, I have a long way to go. He is the potter and we are the clay. (Isaiah 64:8) He continues to mold us and continues this good work in us until the day of His return. (Philippians 1:6)
If you’ve felt that same longing for peace and joy, I encourage you to take that first step. You can begin by simply believing, repenting (turning away from anything that separates us from God) and trusting Him with your life. This gift of grace is waiting for you—it’s yours to accept. My prayer is that you will accept this wonderful gift. (Romans 10:9-10)
Neils's Story
“Around the age of 18, I turned to Jesus in prayer, asking for a good wife.”
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.
Mary's Story
“My relationship with Him has grown sweeter with each passing year.”
The Gift of Salvation: A Child’s Wonder, A Lifetime of Faithfulness
I was born in 1933 into a family with a Godly heritage. From the very beginning, my dad faithfully brought my siblings and me to church. (Thank you, Dad!) Those early years were filled with wonder as I listened to my Sunday School teacher share incredible stories of the Bible. I often dreamed of witnessing Jesus in action—healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, even raising the dead—all while proclaiming His Father’s love. I longed to be like Him. But in truth, I wasn’t like Him at all. My heart was selfish, filled with anger and unhappiness, and my actions reflected that brokenness.
It wasn’t long before I realized I was a sinner in need of salvation. I Timothy 1:15 speaks directly to me: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” That’s me, a sinner. And John 3:16 reassured me of His immense love: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” I understood that I was the “whosoever” He loved. Then I read 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures: and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” I believed every word of it.
Through the faithful witness of a kind woman in our church, I was led to the Savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He forgave my sins and welcomed me as one of His children. I can never fully express my gratitude for this precious gift of salvation, offered freely to all who accept Him.
As a child, I treasured the moments in church with my family, especially the beautiful songs we sang about Jesus. Those gospel hymns, rich with messages of God’s love, remain some of the most moving music in all the world to me. They’ve stayed with me, filling my heart with hope and joy through every season of life.
Throughout my long life, I have relied on the Lord for everything—and He has been abundantly faithful. He has blessed me in more ways than I can count, and my relationship with Him has grown sweeter with each passing year. The hymn “The Longer I Serve Him the Sweeter He Grows” perfectly captures my life’s journey in Christ.
Have you received this life-changing gift? If not, I invite you to open your heart to Him today. Click the link below to learn how you can begin this incredible journey.
Kevin's Story
“I could hear joyful laughter and beautiful music spilling out into the night.”
I Was Lost, But Now I’m Found
I was raised on a farm, where helping my dad with chores taught me the value of hard work. My parents made sure we attended church every Sunday, and as a child, I heard the gospel and believed I was right with God—but deep down, I wasn’t.
As I grew older, I found myself getting into trouble. My teenage years were no different, and trouble seemed to find me no matter where I went. At 17, I joined the Army, which became a turning point in my life. The Army instilled in me the importance of discipline—getting along with others, good work ethics, and respect for both people and life itself.
Still, despite these lessons, life had its ups and downs. I often felt an emptiness, a longing for something more. One night, as I was walking home, I passed a local Baptist church. I could hear joyful laughter and beautiful music spilling out into the night. Though I kept walking, I couldn’t shake the desire for the kind of joy I’d heard inside. Later that evening, with those sounds still in my heart, I prayed to Jesus. I confessed my faults, asked for His forgiveness, and surrendered my life to Him, promising to follow Him wherever He led me. And though I’ve stumbled many times, He has never abandoned me. What a Savior!
The following Sunday, I couldn’t contain my excitement to visit that church. During the service, when the invitation was given, I boldly went forward to declare my new faith—I had become a child of God just days before. Since that moment, I’ve had complete assurance about where I will spend eternity. I believe the Bible is inerrant and find so much joy in studying and living by it.
My life has been completely transformed. When I returned to my hometown, friends and family immediately noticed the change in me. They saw that I no longer went to the same places or used the same language I once did. Many were curious, and I shared the good news of the gospel with them. Some chose to accept Christ, while others didn’t—but I will never stop sharing what Jesus has done for me!
That doesn’t mean life is perfect. We live in a broken world. I’ve experienced profound loss, saying goodbye to my dad, sister, mom, brother, and so many other loved ones and friends. Yet, I take comfort in knowing that those who accepted Christ are now in His presence, and I will see them again one day.
If you’re searching for something more, I urge you to give God a chance to change your life. You will never regret it. Click the link below to learn more—He’s waiting for you.
Laura's Story
“Childhood joys felt distant—like I was losing myself in an endless cycle of duty.”
My Testimony: From Brokenness to Joy
During my teenage years, my parents divorced, and life became a whirlwind of living between two households. Anger, loneliness, and confusion surrounded me as I navigated a difficult reality. Being the second oldest, with all brothers, I carried the weight of heavy responsibilities simply because I was the only girl. Childhood joys felt distant—like I was losing myself in an endless cycle of duty, discarded and unimportant.
Sometimes, I stayed with my aunt, a devoted Christian who introduced me to the Gospel. Her invitation to join her at church planted seeds of hope, but doubts still clouded my heart. With the chaos of my home life, I struggled with confusion and rebellion, often finding myself lost and in trouble.
As the years passed, I drifted further into a sinful and reckless lifestyle, living as though consequences were an afterthought. Deep down, I felt trapped, dissatisfied with who I had become.
Everything changed when I encountered a man and woman who shared the love of Jesus with me. They explained, through Scripture, what Jesus accomplished on the cross—that He bore the punishment I deserved, offering forgiveness and salvation freely. They told me all I needed to do was repent, believe, and accept Him. I couldn’t earn it or achieve it on my own; He had already paid the price in full.
Their words opened my eyes to God’s amazing grace—that He would willingly save someone as broken and lost as I was. I reflected deeply on their message, and in that moment, I believed, repented, and accepted Christ into my heart. The burden I carried for years lifted as I experienced His transforming love. Jesus made me brand new.
Today, my life is unrecognizable from what it was. I am filled with a profound joy that bubbles up and overflows! I attend church regularly, study the Scriptures with eagerness, and have been baptized—a public declaration of my new faith. My church family has become a source of support and belonging, filling me with gratitude and peace. I’ve never known such freedom, contentment, and happiness.
I am passionate about sharing what Jesus has done for me, so that others can experience this joy, too. If you’re longing for peace, hope, and the overflowing joy I’ve discovered, I invite you to take the step toward Jesus. He’s waiting to transform your life, just as He did for me. Please click the link below.
Shirley's Story
“By the time I was 15, I felt I had no choice but to run away.”
From Longing to Love: Finding My Heavenly Father
I grew up with a longing in my heart—a deep, aching desire to know the love of a father. Raised by my mother, I never knew my biological father. As a little girl, I would often imagine the sound of a knock at the door, hoping it would be him. But that knock never came.
At age 11, my mother married a man who was unkind. My heart continued to yearn for the warmth and safety of a loving father. Life during those years was difficult, and by the time I was 15, I felt I had no choice but to run away. A kind and generous couple in a nearby town took me in, offering me the stability I so desperately needed, though the pain of being disowned by my parents lingered.
As a young woman, I married and started a family of my own, blessed with two beautiful daughters. However, my marriage was far from happy. My husband kept me in poverty, and without the means to even drive, I felt trapped. After five challenging years, that same compassionate couple stepped in once again, helping me find a way out through divorce.
Though life was hard and I often felt alone, my daughters were a source of immense joy. Being a single mother was not easy—caring for a 3-month-old and a 4-year-old on my own was overwhelming at times. But God had more in store for me. One day, I met the man of my dreams, and life began to change. We fell in love, married, and together we blended our family. He welcomed my daughters with open arms, and soon we were blessed with two more girls of our own. Life was full, yet I felt a subtle emptiness, a sense that something was still missing.
Years went by, and our daughters grew, married, and started families of their own. When our youngest daughter was expecting, we were eagerly anticipating the birth of another grandchild. Our precious grandbaby was born with Ring Chromosome 13—a rare condition. In that moment, we were heartbroken and confused. Why would God allow this to happen to an innocent child? In our pain, a couple at the hospital gently reminded us, “God didn’t cause this, but He allowed it to bring your family a special gift.” I couldn’t fully understand those words at the time, but they stayed with me. The world might label my grandchild as imperfect, but when I looked into her face, all I could see was pure beauty. God was beginning to work in our hearts through her precious life.
I began searching for answers. My heart cried out—why? Why would God allow this? My questions led me to a day I will never forget. There was a knock at our door, and this time, it wasn’t the father I had once longed for—it was two women from a nearby church. They shared the story of Jesus with my husband and me, His incredible love, and the sacrifice He made for us. It was as if my heart had been waiting all my life to hear these words. I was overcome with longing for Jesus and, without hesitation, asked Him to be the Lord of my life. Soon after, my husband surrendered his heart to Christ as well.
Our search was over. The missing piece we had been looking for was found at the foot of the cross. God had used our grandchild—our special gift—to lead us to Him. As John 9:2-3 says, even in what the world perceives as hardship, God’s work is revealed.
Since accepting Christ, God has poured out His blessings on our lives. All our children, as well as countless friends and loved ones, have come to know Him. Even my mother and stepfather reconciled with me and found faith. It all began with the life of one precious baby—a gift that changed everything.
I once longed for the love of an earthly father, but my heavenly Father has filled that void completely. His promise to never leave or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5) has been my anchor. Today, I am a part of the Family of God, and I invite you to join us—there’s plenty of room at the foot of the cross. Please click links below.
Sara's Story
“Life taught me that I had to claw my way out of any mess on my own. But encountering Jesus shattered that lie.”
God Rescues Me, and He Can Rescue You Too
Growing up, I believed that no one was coming to save me. Life taught me that I had to claw my way out of any mess on my own. But encountering Jesus shattered that lie.
Though I attended church with my family as a child, I didn’t truly know Jesus until I was 22. People often assumed I was a Christian, but no one had ever asked me directly. The truth is, attending church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
Our church had endured years of poor leadership, but everything changed when a new pastor arrived. He lived out what he preached and wasn’t afraid to ask hard questions. He lovingly challenged me, questioning why I taught Sunday School and served on the board while living in open sin.
At just 18, I had my daughter and lived with her father, who struggled with addiction. One day, a sermon from Ezekiel 36:26 pierced my heart: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” That message marked the start of my personal relationship with Christ.
I used to see my mind as a scratched vinyl record, etched with painful grooves from years of neglect and abuse. But in that encounter with God, I felt Him melting the damaged record of my heart, smoothing it over and making it new—ready for His music. I spent an hour in prayer, pouring out my pain and asking for His healing.
That night, I went home and took the first step of my new life. I told my daughter’s father, who had often been violent, that he had to leave. I was terrified of his reaction, knowing he had nowhere to go. Friends thought I was heartless, but I knew his choices had led to this moment. By God’s grace, he realized I was serious and left. I was no longer unsafe, God had rescued me!
Through it all, God surrounded me with support. My pastor and his wife provided practical help and encouragement. I devoured the Word of God, spending hours studying the Bible. Counseling helped me process my pain and find new tools for healing.
Even now, after 30 years of walking with Christ, I still wrestle with the effects of my early traumas. But I cling to the truth of who I am: His treasured, chosen, and adopted child. Psalm 18:19 says, “He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” That “spacious place” is a refuge, free from the world’s crushing trials.
Romans 8:15 reminds me, “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’”
Jesus is my strength, my peace, and my joy. Do you know Him? He’s waiting to rescue you, too.
Candy's Story
“The desire for old habits vanished.”
“Grace Awakens: Finding Peace in Christ”
When I look back on my life, I see the threads of God’s grace weaving through my story, even when I didn’t fully recognize them. As a child growing up in a small-town church, Sunday school was a place where the seeds of faith were planted in my heart. My grandma, with her gentle love, would tie a dime in the corner of my handkerchief for the offering. It was a simple act, yet it carried profound significance. That little church became the place where I learned stories and songs about Jesus, and in the summer, Bible school filled my days with joy and truth.
At 17, my faith journey took a pivotal turn. My mom brought me to a church in a nearby city for a class about baptism. Week after week, my heart grew more restless, longing for something deeper. It was during one of those classes that I made the most life-changing decision: to trust Jesus and follow Him wholeheartedly. As I knelt in prayer, I declared, “I believe with all my heart that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and I accept Him as my Lord and Savior.” Soon after, I was baptized by immersion—a moment etched in my memory as the start of something beautiful.
But life didn’t unfold perfectly. Though I believed in God, I didn’t fully surrender my life to Him. I went through the motions, charting my own path, and often felt the emptiness that comes from living apart from His will. There were ups and downs, but amidst it all, I felt the stirrings of a deeper hunger for God.
One day, I received a Bible as a gift. I eagerly opened its pages, hoping to find answers, but the words seemed foreign—like a language I couldn’t grasp. Frustrated, I closed it and put it back in the box, unaware that God had something greater in store.
Then, in my forties, I had a life-changing encounter at a Baptist church. As I took a seat, a kind woman asked me, “Are you saved?” Her question pierced my soul. Unsure, I replied, “I guess so.” She invited me to lunch with her and her husband after the service, and I accepted. At their home, they shared scriptures from the book of Romans that illuminated the truth I had been searching for. In that moment, I felt the weight of my sins and the need for transformation. I prayed, repented, and rededicated my life to Christ—a decision that sparked a miraculous change.
The hunger for God’s Word that had once seemed elusive now burned within me. I opened that box, pulled out my Bible, and began reading. This time, the words leapt off the pages, alive and full of meaning. The verse that resonated deeply was 1 Corinthians 2:14: “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” God had opened my heart to understand His Word, and I immersed myself in it, attending every church service and growing in my walk with Christ. I even felt the need to be baptized again—this time, as a bold declaration to the world that I belonged to Jesus.
God’s transformative power became evident in unexpected ways. One night, I found myself at a bar with friends, as I had done many times before. But this time, something was different. Sitting there, I felt out of place—like I didn’t belong. The desire for those old habits vanished, replaced by a yearning for something pure and holy.
As I sought resources to nurture my faith, I discovered a Christian bookstore and the book “Eternal Security” by Charles Stanley. It captivated me, and I couldn’t wait to share my excitement with my sister-in-law. She revealed something remarkable—that same book had been sitting on her coffee table during my last visit, before I accepted Christ. How amazing is God’s timing and His ability to work all things for His purpose?
Today, my life is unrecognizably transformed. I no longer live for myself but for Christ. His love, grace, and guidance infuse every moment with meaning and peace. Every day, I eagerly dive into His Word, seeking the treasures He has for me. I trust Him completely, leaning on Him in every situation. The peace I experience—the peace that surpasses all understanding—is nothing short of a miracle.
This peace is available to you, too. If you’re longing for something greater, for a love that never fails, I invite you to click the link below and discover the life-changing power of Jesus.
Sharon's Story
“Life has not always been easy, I have faced profound sorrow and grief…”
A Daughter of the King: Embracing His Love Through Life’s Storms
I grew up learning about Jesus and His incredible love for me. From a young age, I cherished the stories in the Bible that showed how He helped people and shared His unwavering love with everyone. I learned about Adam and Eve’s sin and how it transformed God’s perfect creation into an imperfect world.
One day in Sunday School, my teacher explained that sin is what made the world imperfect—and it makes us imperfect too. As I grasped this truth, I also learned about Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross, how His blood cleanses sin, and how forgiveness is freely offered to those who ask. That day, at just six or seven years old, I asked Jesus to forgive me and help me live in His light. I gave my heart to Him.
My journey of faith has been one of growth, love, and learning, but life has not always been easy. I have faced profound sorrow and grief: enduring the pain of a loved one’s severe illness, mourning the loss of a grandchild, feeling betrayed by someone close, and living with the daily struggle of physical pain. Yet, through every trial, Jesus has remained by my side, lifting me up when I am weak. He has taught me about love and trust, comforting me every step of the way. He has never left me.
I find joy in knowing that He is my constant companion—faithfully providing for me, guiding me through the bumps in the road, and showering me with love and peace along the way. Even when Satan tries to steal my joy, Jesus reminds me of the unshakable truth: I am a daughter of the King. Praise God!
Life on earth can be difficult, and we all face struggles. If you’re searching for peace, why not open your heart to the One who gives life and joy? He is waiting for you—with open arms. To learn more, please click the link below.
Troy's Story
“Rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery, I came close to death…”
From Brokenness to Redemption: A Journey of Grace”
I grew up in a broken home with four brothers and three sisters. Violence—both physical and verbal—was a constant shadow in my childhood. My mother raised us, while my grandparents faithfully took us to church, where I learned Bible stories and heard about Jesus. Yet, as a child, I never embraced these teachings.
In my teen years, I felt different from others but didn’t understand why. Later in life, I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and dyslexia, which explained my struggles in school. I fell in with the wrong crowd, seeking acceptance where I could find it. With little guidance at home, I was easily influenced, leading me down a destructive path that landed me in a boys’ home. Despite my chaotic life, the story of Jesus lingered in the back of my mind.
The boys’ home didn’t fix me. As I grew older, I turned to alcohol and drugs, which consumed my life and freedom. My criminal behavior led to repeated stints in jail, and I reached a point where I didn’t care if I lived or died. In a moment of anger and desperation, I stabbed myself in the leg, hitting my femoral artery. Rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery, I came close to death. This near-death experience forced me to confront my reality: I didn’t want to die, but I knew I couldn’t continue living the way I was.
During my hospital stay, I met a woman who changed my life. She was kind, loving, and had an innocence that captivated me. Her influence inspired me to start changing. With determination, in my own strength, I managed to stay away from drugs, though I still drank occasionally. But just over a year later, tragedy struck—she died in a house fire. Devastated and filled with anger at God, I fell back into old habits. Still, her kindness and the lessons she taught me remained etched in my heart.
As time passed, I occasionally prayed, wondering if God was listening. The rock band Stone Temple Pilots came out with a song in 1993 called “Shine” that became one of my favorites because of the way it put into words what I was feeling. The first verse says;
Give me a word
Give me a sign
Show me where to look
Tell me, what will I find?
What will I find?
I needed help. I needed direction. There had to be something more, but where could I even look? And what would I find if I had the guts to look? Another verse says:
Love is in the water
Love is in the air
Show me where to look
Tell me, will love be there?
Will love be there?
I hadn’t experienced much love in my life, but that didn’t mean I had stopped hoping I would find it.
Psalm 33:5 in the Bible says, “The earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.” If this was true, how could I experience God’s love?
One day, I felt compelled to call a local Baptist church, where I met Pastor Shane. He opened the Bible and showed me what Jesus had done for me. Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus, the Son of God, lived a perfect live and then died on the cross in my place, to pay the price for my sins so that I could be forgiven, cleansed, and filled with God’s love for me. I recognized my need for a Savior, repented of my sins, and accepted Jesus as my Lord. My life didn’t instantly become perfect, but it became different. I realized I couldn’t rely on my strength to change—only through God’s strength could I find true transformation.
Amazingly, the song “Shine” ends with hope! After praying that heaven’s light would shine on him, the singer says with confidence:
I’m gonna let it shine
I’m gonna let it shine
Heaven’s little light gonna shine on me
And I feel the same way. I’m deeply grateful for God’s grace and that moment when I picked up the phone to call Pastor Shane. My hope is that this testimony speaks to anyone seeking a change. The same God who transformed my life can do the same for you.
Joe's Story
“As I lost my vision, my dad showing tough love said, “You eat here and live here, so you gotta work here.”
Joe’s Testimony
I was born as an identical twin more than three months premature. My twin lived only twelve hours.
In fourth grade, I started to lose my eyesight. Since it was a gradual process which took eight years before I was completely blind, I had time to think about what was happening and to adjust.
Growing up on the farm, I had chores to do as my contribution to the family effort. When I started to lose my vision, my dad showed me tough love and said, “You eat here and live here, so you gotta work here. We’ll just change the jobs you do!” I’m sure that expectation helped me believe that I could continue to make a contribution and earn my way, even without my sight! I graduated from college and was the first blind person to be hired by many companies. One of the jobs I enjoyed most was radio broadcasting.
Although I went to church for many years, I don’t remember the pastor saying anything about the importance of salvation or what it even means to be saved! Some friends of mine who modeled the Christian life well invited me to church as an adult, and in 1976, I asked Jesus to come into my life. Ephesians 2:8-10 says: For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
What this means is that anyone can be saved from God’s anger against our sin, but not by works, or trying to make up for our bad by doing good. We can only be saved by receiving God’s forgiveness as a free gift because 1.) we trust that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins on the cross in our place, and 2.) we desire turn from sin and live for him.
For me, following Jesus has meant serving others. I have served for 24 years in leadership positions at two different churches. This experience helped me grow in my Christian Walk. I only stepped down in 2020 because of health reasons.
I have also had two very good marriages. My first marriage was for 34 years. She suffered from M.S. and for many years, I cared for her needs, even without my sight! She is now with Jesus and I am in year seven of my second marriage.
One of my favorite hymns is “It is Well.” The first verse says:
When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows lie sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well with my soul!”
You may wonder, how can it be well with your soul when sorrows are rolling over you like waves. My favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:31, which says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
God has helped me to know that I am his and he is mine. And if I am his, then he is working through all things for my good, even if the reward for the trials will only fully be realized in heaven.
We are all looking for something to help our soul feel that all is well. If you would like to learn more about what Jesus did for you so that you can know God is for you, than I invite you to click on the link below.