Archive for Testimonies
August 24, 2010 at 4:00 am · Filed under Faith, Friends, Life Stories, Testimonies, Womanhood
by Jolene
In the spirit of the True Woman Movement, I thought it appropriate to recognize the true women in my life who have drawn me closer to Jesus. Through their Christlike attitudes and actions, I have come to the knowledge of Jesus as my savior and grown more deeply in love with Him! I created a list in my journal a while back of all the people who have impacted my walk, and it is truly fitting, as all the people on this list turned out to be women! Where would I be without the impact of these faithful women?
I will start with Mrs. Poppen and Mrs. King. These two lovely ladies were my pre-school teachers. I went to a Lutheran pre-school, and these women sowed the seed of faith in me at an early age. I didn’t go to church growing up, but they taught me that He’s got the whole world in his hands! Thank you!
Bonnie. Dear sweet, Jesus Freak, Bonnie! We became friends in elementary school. I remember going to her house for a sleepover in middle school. The smell of leather sofas always triggers a memory of that party. It was at this party where I first heard of d.c. Talk – and I was introduced to “Jesus Freak.” I still didn’t get it then either, but the pouring out of faith was a testimony! It was at Bonnie’s church where I first accepted Christ. She took me up to the pastor one Wednesday night, and there I was accepting the Lord! Thank you!
In high school, in addition to Bonnie, were Rachel and Annette. We were the fearsome threesome! Rachel took Annette and I to her Baptist church where I attended youth group and learned what it’s like to really know Jesus! It was a youth leader, Mrs. Radel, that kept me going as her life was a powerful witness of what it meant to be a TRUE Bible-believing Christian! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
College can be a rough time, as young adults face challenges to their faith. I was no different. I swayed back and forth before returning home and attending Roberts Wesleyan. It was here I met Shelly. Shelly! Oh, how I have been blessed by the continuous and deep faith in Jesus she has! While I don’t see her often, Shelly is one of my few Christian friends who really gets me. I have been inspired to grow in my own faith because of her. Thank you!
Last, and certainly not least, is my dear friend Elizabeth. Yes, our dear administrator here at Godly Gals! I believe God destined us to be friends and partners in this ministry! I’ve known her only 6 years, yet I have known her a lifetime! We have so much in common, especially our faith and perspective on the world around us. It is important to have allies, and she is one of my strongest. She has sharpened me and I am stronger in my faith today for it. Thank you!
These are my True Women. Who are yours?
January 19, 2010 at 7:33 pm · Filed under Books, Testimonies
On impulse a few weeks ago I picked up this 145 page book after Sunday service. I attend a Calvary Chapel, and my interested was piqued by the tag line on the cover; “Gang members, drug addicts, mental patients, society’s rejects…Chuck Smith’s amazing story of Calvary Chapel and the unlikely leaders that God Called.”
I have a basic knowledge of how Calvary Chapels got started, but I didn’t know much, and this book was good in that it provided a cursory look at how God has used some very unlikely men to bring people to Jesus.
When I say cursory, though, it is just that. Chuck shares the stories of nine men whose lives were transformed by the awesome power of God. I read with great interest and was left wanting more of their stories. He does provide names of books that give you more of the story for many of these pastors
The last chapter focuses on Chuck’s own lessons and principles for ministry that I believe are exceptional. If you’ve ever thought of starting a Bible study or church, then these principles are some that you would want to get your hands on. He provides a basic overview, but this overview is simple – exactly what Smith wants them to be. He believes in simply teaching the Bible simply, so that people can understand!
There were a few things that distracted me while I was reading; namely, the presence of more than a few typographical errors. Granted The Word for Today is not a huge publishing house, I was still slightly disappointed considering this was not a first printing. I was also distracted by an aside that Smith took during one of the stories to speak his mind on a particular issue. It wasn’t that I disagreed with the point he was making, it just didn’t seem to fit.
Overall, it was a quick and interesting read. It gives you a glimpse of the great things God has done through the weak and wounded He calls. I learned a lot about the 1960’s hippie and drug culture that I knew nothing about. If you’ve never listened to Chuck Smith, or have heard about Calvary Chapels you might just enjoy and learn something new from this book!
January 17, 2010 at 5:42 pm · Filed under Announcements, Podcast, Testimonies
On Tuesday, January 26, 2010 we will be discussing the topic of anxiety from a Christian perspective. If you have suffered from anxiety or panic attacks or have overcome them, AND if you’re willing to share your testimony, please email Jolene at jolene@godlygals.com. We would like to share some of these testimonies on the podcast, and will welcome call ins for that show as well.
The Godly Gals Podcast – Overcoming Anxiety
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
7pm EST/6 Central
@ http://www.godlygals.com
Email Jolene at jolene@godlygals.com by Sunday Jan. 24th to share your testimony on the podcast
Call into the show by calling GodlyGals on Skype
December 9, 2009 at 6:20 pm · Filed under Brothers in Christ, Evangelism, Testimonies
December 5, 2009
Last Sunday, a missionary came to speak at church. I am usually very interested to hear what is going on in the lives of these devoted people, and I was particularly engrossed in the story of how chaplains are being trained for the South Sudanese Army. (Google Far Reaching Ministries if you’re interested in learning more about this.)
It got me thinking.
This week, while conversing with a friend about the heart of a missionary, I busied myself with the dishes. I do believe I complained about doing those dishes, and a few other things. I made note of the seemingly lacking characteristics I’d need to be a missionary myself. While going about my business, I happened to glance over at the fridge and noticed the family photo of the only missionary I have ever known personally.
Would you allow me to share the story and the heart of a man set on serving the Lord?
My story starts about 15 years ago. I was in 8th grade and ready to quit band. My mother MADE me stick it out until the end of freshman year. Everything changes once you get to high school. Isn’t that true…
Freshman year of band. Bruce McFarland. It was a great year. Mr. McFarland was our director; a dedicated musician and teacher, and unbeknownst to me, a Christian. I can see it in hind sight. He encouraged me to be the best that I could be – not just in music, but in all of life. He taught us to give it our all, and live for something. I never heard Christ mentioned, but Mr. McFarland was living what he believed.
The following year, after a disappointing turn of events with Mr. McFarland leaving the high school band program, I became a Christian, and I learned through the friends who brought me to church that MC (as we had lovingly called him) was a Christian too.
Over the course of a few years, MC and his wife, Paula, decided to return to missions. They had previously been missionaries in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and had been called to go back. Wycliffe Bible Translators was is still working on translating the Bible into the languages of PNG. MC had the opportunity to go back and serve in this country as a music teacher in a school for the children of missionaries. He and his wife have also served the people of PNG in other ways too.
Bruce McFarland is a man of courage, integrity, and love. He is hardworking, generous, not concerned with material things. He has been kind, positive, and humble. He loves Jesus and wants to see His Word reach all peoples. He is fulfilling the command of Acts 1:8. Bruce and Paula are self-less – they had always been giving of themselves, willing to give it all up for the sake of the cross; their house, their cars, everything to go halfway around the world to a people desperate for Jesus.
Now, PNG isn’t necessarily a war zone. But it isn’t a walk in the park either. There are dangers and life has taken its toll on the McFarlands. Bruce was diagnosed with MS and has not forsaken the call. They have been apart from some of their children for a time now as the older kids have returned to the United States for college. The wide expanse that separates family can be a difficult one to deal with.
I admire my 9th grade band teacher. I think he has done wonderful things, but I know that he has only accomplished the work because he has committed himself to Jesus Christ. It is only through Jesus that any of us can accomplish anything for the Father. We are nothing on our own, and we have to recognize that and humble ourselves. We have to check our hearts, our minds, and hold them to the standard that has been set.
In a way, we are all missionaries. Just because we haven’t gone overseas doesn’t mean we should disregard the expectations. God has called each and every one of his people to share the message. I asked myself if I could do this. Could I leave everything if God asked me? And more importantly – is my heart set like that of a devoted missionary? What about you? Do you have a missionary’s heart? Join me in considering these questions as we work towards a greater devotion to Christ.
Are you submitted to Him?
Have you humbled yourself?
Is your heart set on glorifying God and not yourself?
Do you serve with a generous heart?
Are you willing to give up all?
Have you thought about the needs of others before yourself?
Do you love unselfishly?
Are you armed with the Word of God for the battles that lay before you?
December 1, 2009 at 7:57 pm · Filed under Testimonies
Considering all of the complaining I have been doing lately regarding my job and how far away it is, I thought I should dwell on my circumstances and seek the Lord.
I have to admit that I am tired. Driving 2 hours each day is an arduous task that I have been carrying out every week of the last 1.5 school years. I’m nearing 2 years in a few months. I could complain more now, but I think maybe the time for complaining is over.
The notion of a long journey is one that is repeated over and over again in the Bible. Maybe my long journeys are God’s way of teaching me something. Israel took a long journey despite his age and health to be with his son. The Israelites were on a long journey through the wilderness after escaping Egypt. Mary and Joseph journeyed time and time again as they returned to Bethlehem and then fled to Egypt. There are more examples of journeying in the Bible, but these stand out at me. And you know, these journeys were ordained by God. They were for a specific purpose – to reunite family, to provide emancipation, and protect from harm. All are good things from the Lord.
So why should I doubt that my journeys are anything but a good thing from the Lord? I know God has called me to work where I am – at least for now – and I know it is only through God’s grace that I am able to make a difference. It is not I, but He who is accomplishing works in my life. And if these are all good things… maybe I need to change my perspective on my “arduous” journeys.
Thinking about my commute this morning in a driving lake-effect snow, wipers going wild, and both hands on the wheel – maybe that’s more of what I need to be doing in my spiritual life! Maybe I need to pay closer attention to the flurries of life going on around me. Is it possible that I haven’t had both hands on the driving force for my life – the Word? I admit I haven’t delved deep lately. I’ve been lazy and have let my time in the word slip. And what of my eyes being open and watchful. The Day of the Lord will come like a thief and I’m not sure I’ve been as alert as I should.
Why haven’t my daily journeys been a time for me to focus on the Lord? Why do I sing Christian songs for an hour but haven’t changed the channel to a Bible study? Why don’t I use this time for a little bit of my own personal praise and worship to the Lord who has given me so many things. Why do I not spend this time glorifying the One who is using me to do great things in a small classroom in a small town school? I hear so many people say, “she’s doing such a great job” and I know that it’s not me – but HIM doing these great things.
I’m re-starting today. Ok – tomorrow morning. I’m going to make a more concerted effort to accept my journey as a gift from God. I’m going to make my journey a more fruitful time of prayer and thanksgiving, and see it as an opportunity for me to grow in my faith.
And maybe then I won’t complain so much about it.
