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Being a Christian Part 2 - The Journey to Faith

From the previous post in this beginning series, you will see that I question 'where it all started'. Well, I do not know the answer to that, but I do know some of the steps. 

One of these steps came at the ripe old age of 17. I was living in St. Louis, Missouri and working for a business that closed down residential swimming pools for the winter. It was a seasonal job, and I was put alongside a man who must have been in his late twenties at the time, Randy Lough.

I cannot remember much of the job, but I do remember Randy very well. He was the first Christian I remember meeting. Randy (Randy Clough) loved talking about Jesus. I have no doubt there was an aspect of evangelising, but what pointed me to Jesus was the sincerity, not of what he was saying, but of the evidence of his tears and how his conversion had impacted his life. I did not know Randy previously, so I did not know him when he was not following the Lord, but needless to say, the change had been dramatic; well, at least that is how it was conveyed to me.

I remember Randy praying before he ate his meals, which also impacted me. Randy appeared to be thankful for all God had done and was doing for him. When Randy would talk about Jesus and His saving grace, he would often tear up and sometimes be quite emotional. This impacted me. I enjoyed our conversations, and ultimately, I made a confession of faith in Jesus Christ as my saviour.

This led to me going to Randy's home on Sundays, where I would meet with his family in their home church. I felt the family's kindness, and I was grateful for that. They bought me my first Bible.

After a short while, the job came to an end. I kept going to Randy's home on Sunday for a few months but eventually, I stopped. I can't remember exactly why, but I recall it being a 40-45 minute drive from me. It may have been income-related; I can't remember.

However, I do know that within a few months later, I was virtually back to who I was before I met Randy, though I did have a Bible.

And I did read my Bible, and I would pray. Nevertheless, I was back to my old ways, behaving like the average 18-year-old in the world does.

It would be a long time before I came back to my faith, and it would be at a rather decisive point in my life. I have previously said that this was when I met Jesus; however, I don't think that is the case. Though I got closer to Him, and it certainly impacted my life for the good but it was a false conversion, if one were to call it a conversion.

When I did eventually make a more proper profession of faith and was baptised, about 8 years later, it was then that I found a church to be part of. One that would feature as a part of my life for over 20 years. 

There will be more to come on that next time. 

In the meantime, let's give Glory to God for all He does to lead us to Him.


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