January 8 - Joe Anonymous

I was called to share this testimony on Dec 17 after the 10:30am service. I grew up in the Presbyterian Church, but did not have a solid belief in the teachings. Like many others, I strayed away from the Lord in college, and began pursuing worldly values.

Eventually I came to question the purpose of life and what our meaning in this universe is. I began my deep study of other religions, occult practices, and the paranormal. I wanted proof that we we're not all just a bunch of cells that would live out our lives on earth and eventually die.

Maybe we are just limited in seeing things with our five senses? Are there other dimensions? Why can't we comprehend them? I pondered with these types of questions while studying Science. I drew my hypothesis and decided to experiment with the paranormal and occultism first. I ended my search with a few voice recordings, some weird encounters, and some divinations, but nothing substantial. I needed something that would shake me to my core... And the Lord granted me just that.

I was studying genetics late one night in my dorm and my lights begin going crazy. I thought nothing of it at first, because my dorm was flooded before and I thought there were some electrical issues. Then I saw an apparition in the corner of my room appear. I was horrified to the point where I hopped in bed and flipped my covers over my face. I then checked again to make sure that my mind wasn't playing tricks on me, and much to my dismay... It wasn't. It attacked me in my bed, but vanished soon after.

It took a long time, and I studied almost every religion after that, trying to come up with an explanation. I checked my psychological and physical health to make sure it wasn't an issue with my body as well. Just judging from appearance, I concluded that the apparition was probably demonic.

Eventually, with wisdom granted by God, I began picking apart other beliefs and religions. I came to the conclusion that Jesus Christ was the Messiah of the Jewish people, and that he is a gracious and merciful god. Through his work on the cross alone, we are saved. Eventually, by the grace of God, I graduated with my degree, and became a Scientist. After, I decided to look for a church deeply centered in the message and living word of God. My old Church was dying, and the pastor was about to retire. I tried three others before I came upon this church through my friends.

Many churches now accept the values of the world, and try to make people happy. This church is different. It shuns the world and looks toward scripture. I am truly thankful for Lloyd and his team of pastors and people in the church for providing such an environment. God bless you all.