My Story

Before meeting Jesus I was rather arrogant, self-consumed teenager. Spiritual things held no interest for me at all. My friends, my sports teams and fun were all that mattered.

During this time I had a good friend whose father died. I went to the funeral and, even as a teen, I was struck by hopelessness of the situation. The pastor who spoke at the service obviously didn't know the deceased. Everyone in the family seemed either hysterical or cavalier. I remember telling my parents that I wanted to go to church so that when I died the pastor would know me and have something worthwhile to say! This thought led me to consider my own mortality and to think about eternity for the first time.

When I was sixteen, a friend invited me to a youth revival at a local church. Many students in our high school had been impacted by this revival meeting, so I was vaguely interested in what was happening there. The sanctuary was filled to capacity and many of my friends were there, smiling and singing. At the close of the service, after the gospel had been presented, the invitation was given to trust Jesus. As the congregation sang, I stepped forward to receive counseling for salvation. I was saved that night!

My life was completely changed in that moment. My desires, appetites, ambitions, and values all changed. I found joy that I had never known before and assurance that Heaven was my eternal home.

Not long after I was saved, I was in a horrible car accident. Driving through South Carolina at the age of 18, I fell asleep at the wheel and veered off the road. My car tumbled for hundreds of feet, rolling over several times. I remember the deep sense of peace that I felt while being tossed around in the wreckage. I was certain that I would see Jesus at any moment!

For more than three decades now, this has been my certain confidence, I know without a doubt that Heaven is my home. Death holds no terror for me.