My story is really quite simple. I was raised in a Christian home by two very devout and committed Christians, my mom and dad, Bob and Dorothy Henry. I grew up attending Bridgewater Baptist Church in Montrose, PA, where I was born and raised. My brother Craig, my sister Cheryl and I attended church every Sunday and on Wednesday for prayer meeting. We also went to Awana, a children’s Bible club, on Monday evenings.

As I look back now I realize that growing up in a small town was the best life anyone could ever hope for; of course, at the time I didn’t see things that way. I thought small town life was boring and I was missing out on something. I thought that life would be more exciting in the big city. I thought life should be as they portrayed on television, all the people being beautiful and rich and one big party.

I thought my parents were too strict and never allowed me to do any of the things my friends did. After I graduated from high school, I moved to New Jersey to get some of the action the world told I had been missing. I was out to conquer the world! As it turned out, the world conquered me! After a swift kick in the pants from that ever so exciting world, I decided that the ride wasn’t all that great after all. Like the prodigal son I returned home to my very loving and forgiving parents. I repented of my sin and rededicated my life to the Lord.

I was actually saved in my early teens, although I didn’t understand what that really meant at the time. I know now that one must be fully dedicated to living for Christ on a daily basis, every moment of everyday. I am talking about a personal relationship with the Lord. The reason I am here today is because my parents cared enough to teach me about my Savior. They did the job they were commissioned to do. I feel that this life is a journey; we experience good things and bad. It’s all about what we do with what we learn on this journey. Being a Christian doesn’t mean life is going to be easy, but Jesus will guide us through the good times and the bad.

Two years after I got my life back on track, my father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. We were told he had only six months left to live. That was the most painful time in my life. I thought I would die too. I wanted to die, to go in his place. I asked God “Why? Why now? I finally got my act together and for the first time in my life I am living for You God and now You choose to take my precious father away from me.”

I still don’t know why God chose to take Dad when He did. I may never know. But I do know this; my father never lost sight of the Lord. He held on to his faith and when he died he went home to be with his Savior.

I remember that day like it was yesterday. My father died on July the 5th 1997 at 5:05 PM. He died a peaceful death, not painless, none the less, peaceful He was surrounded by His family and closest friends, Pastor Jay Best and Pastor Bruce and my friend Andrea. We sang praise hymns to Dad as he drifted quietly into the arms of Jesus and when he slipped away there was a look of peace and ever so slight smile on his face.

“Thank You God for my wonderful father who was and still is an inspiration to me. He had the gift of music and a love for it that he shared with me. Thank You, God, for a loving mother and the best brother and sister anyone could ask for. Thank You for my Christian friends and church family. Thank You for a faithful Pastor and his wife. I am truly blessed.” Still learning on this journey, I believe the best is yet to come for one day I will once again be with my dear father and also my heavenly Father...... Until then, Dad..... That is my story.

Testimony #2: Shirley Iyoob

My walk with the Lord grows better day by day. I feel his presence with me every minute. I am thankful that he led me to the Community Bible Church, for I have truly learned so much from our Bible Studies. I always remember going to church as a child--my fondest memories being in the Finch Hill Baptist Church. I give my great grandmother much credit as she was a real Christian example to me. We called her Grandman Gardner, or Grandma Annie. Her playing hymns and singing at the piano stay fondly in my memory.

I was not really saved however until my early 20’s.  At this time in my life I became very apprehensive about why we were really here on this earth and what was it really all about. I became quite a nervous wreck for no reason, my nerves seem to be short in my 20’s.  One day in despair I just cried and asked the Lord to please help me because I realized I could do nothing for myself.  As I randomly opened my Bible, God led me to John 14:8--”I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you.”--that was my turning point.  I knew Jesus would take care of  me and see me through.  He slowly but surely pulled me out of it and I  have never again had those feelings. I accepted him that day as my Lord and Savior.  It was the best thing I ever did, some 30 years ago.  It is  now my desire to live every day for him and to help others however I can for his honor and glory.

Testimony #3: Vicki McHugh

Growing up in the church, I always believed in God, but didn’t always follow His ways.  It wasn’t until the adoption of our son did I realizethe importance of God, my faith, and a Christian life.  We started going to a small community church and coming back to the Lord. There was a conflict within the church which caused a split.  I believe at that time I made a choice to follow Jesus and accept Him into my heart.

I also knew I wanted our son to grow up in a Christian family (home and church).  I was “hungry” for the Word, so through worship, Bible study, and other Christian groups I learned much and grew in my faith journey. I am looking forward to learning more, growing closer to the Lord, and sharing this with our son.

I am thankful knowing the Lord will always be with me and there is always hope.  One of my favorite verses from the Bible is I Corinthians 13:13:  “And now these three remain:  Faith, Hope and Love; and the greatest of these is Love.”