Sarah's Testimony
In the Beginning: My life began in the church. My mom was a One-God Apostolic before I was even born. She had been in the church about 2 years before I was born. I grew in the church learning about the ONE true God and reciting small memory verses and Sunday school songs. My first verse I learned at the age of two was “ Thanks be to God”. Around age 8, my mom started slipping from church. She eventually backslid and as a result being young, I had to follow my mom. As time went on my family life was getting more and more hectic. My mom and dad started to get in much more arguments and by the time I was 14 had decided to divorce. I always knew who God was and would talk to God when I was alone. Often I would talk at night lying in bed and prayed that I would be saved. I knew I needed to be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. I would often tell God to please find a way for me. I didn’t know how it would happen..But I knew God cared for me.
“Train Up A Child in the way he should go:and when he is old,
he will not depart from it” Proverbs 22:6.
New Beginnings: At age 15, I was doing a horrible job in school. I missed so many days and I was more than likely not going to graduate. God had a plan for my life that I did not yet see. One day while driving by a UPC church, I seen a sign that said, “ Now enrolling k-12”.. I don’t know why but I instantly told my mom I wanted to go there. I didn’t even know it was a UPC church. I just felt I wanted to go there, which is not like me at all. Everything fell into place and I began going there that summer (1997). A lady who my mom had known for years went there and her daughters had played with me when we were little. They were me and my sisters ages. I quickly became good friends with the girls and they played a huge part in getting me back into the church. Every Wednesday at school we had chapel, which was just a small service for us. I enjoyed it very much since I didn’t get a chance to go to church often. I started to seek the Holy Ghost in chapel services and really felt God touching me and changing my life. In October (’97) I convinced my mom to come with me to a Sunday morning service. It was then that I received the wonderful gift of the Holy Ghost. It felt wonderful. I never felt so great! I wanted to get baptized that day but my mom said to wait to invite my dad. So due to that I wasn’t baptized until 2 yrs later when I finally said Ive gotta do this, I cant wait any longer. I knew it had to be done. Going down in the water and coming up was the most wonderful clean feeling. I kept saying my skin felt like Ivory. It was awesome. After that day I never was the same again.
“And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God;
many shall see it and fear, and shall trust in the Lord” Psalm 40:3
Following His will: As I look back at my life I realize just how God had his hand on me. It didn’t matter where I was he was always there to protect and keep me. Teaching Sunday school I often think of myself as a little child and find joy in knowing God has a plan for the children. From the ages of 17 until now I have devoted my life to the Lord and have tried to do my best to do his will. About 2 years ago he blessed me with a wonderful, God-fearing man, who became my husband on 3-16-02. Now I no longer live for God alone but am joined with my husband to fulfill his divine plan. I know that there is nothing impossible for God. He continues to amaze me with His compassion and patience towards me. I thank Him for all he has done for me and continues to do for me. Most of all I thank Him for loving me when I was in sin. He seen beyond my sin and looked into my soul. I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for my family and me. Only time will tell. For now I will strive to do my best to fulfill what He desires of me and to become the best woman of God I can become.
“I delight to do thy will, O My God: yea, thy law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8