Redeemed 50 years with Jesus
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Good morning,
This week is a special for me. Fifty years ago, God drew me to Himself. Through a series of events, including a Dear John letter, church members caring for my soul, a university professor who taught God’s word, and the convicting power of the Holy Spirit of God, brought me to my knees in repentance and belief in Jesus Christ.
Let me tell you about it.
CHILDHOOD
I was born in 1948 in Chicago, Illinois.
My mother was born in Czechoslovakia of Jewish heritage. She was the only one of her family who survived the Holocaust. My dad was from a Protestant background. They were married in 1946 and decided that they would not teach their children about anything religious.
When I was 11 my father did not come home. My parents were soon divorced and my life completely changed. This was 1960. Divorce was not common. My brother and I lived with my mother. I was a rebellious child and my mother could not handle me, so I went to live with my dad and his new wife. These events have shaped the way I see divorce and how to deal with it.
MILITARY SERVICE #1
In June 1968 I began my relationship with the military. I began my service career with three years of active duty in the United States Army (1 year in Viet Nam), followed by three years of duty in the Idaho Army National Guard. During this time, I was introduced to the person of Jesus Christ.
BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY
I attended Boise State University from fall 1971 through December 1974. I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. I took a break from the military, 1975 to 1985. Then in 1985 did another twenty-three years on active duty with the Alaska Army National Guard. Followed by five years of being a military contractor.
It is sad not to have known about Jesus until I became an adult. Yet God used that for good, once I received Christ. My desire for the Word, training, and willingness to tell others was intensified.
Tomorrow, salvation.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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