Story story on redemption
Answers
Jeff grew up in the church, but during high school his dad died suddenly of a heart attack. This devastating event caused him to doubt God, and he eventually “got converted” to the world. He pursued a career in rock music as a “roadie,” working on the stage for famous rock bands. Soon his life began to implode with broken relationships and addiction. Months would go by when his family didn’t know where he was. Meanwhile, show after show, Jeff would sit backstage wondering, “Is this really all there is to life?”
But God still had a plan for Jeff. And he used Jeff’s aunt Marilyn and Amazing Facts to play a big role in his revival. For 35 years, Marilyn also had drifted away from God – she was a prodigal daughter. Her own father also died when she was in high school, so she had a special concern for Jeff. But she felt that God could not forgive her for the wrong things she had done and, sadly, she spent 35 years away from God.
But one day, Marilyn met a retired pastor and his wife who asked her if she knew of Doug Batchelor and Amazing Facts. She was invited to their home to watch Millennium of Prophecy and was given a copy of The Richest Caveman to read. Then it clicked. “If God can forgive Pastor Doug, he can forgive me!” And God could also forgive Jeff!
She rejoined the church and her thirsty soul began drinking in the Bible studies, books, videotapes, and television programs from Amazing Facts. She also began to pray for Jeff to give his life back to God.
She started sending Jeff books, magazines, and pamphlets – anything she could find – from Amazing Facts. She prayed for him fervently and sent him the Millennium of Prophecy videos, which he began to watch. During some of those literally “wasted” years, Jeff occasionally tuned in to watch one of our television broadcasts. Sometimes he was actually high on drugs while he watched, but Aunt Marilyn’s prayers were working. And God kept after him.
In 2005, Jeff ended up in prison. A conviction on DUI, an addiction to drugs – his life was headed south. And to make matters worse, Jeff’s mom informed him of her cancer. In Jeff’s mind, he was at the bottom. What more was there?
As Jeff’s aunt continued to pray, Jeff’s life began to take an unusual turn. Those little booklets and magazines he had been getting began to pique his interest and make more sense. So Jeff made a deal with God. He would yield his life to Christ if God would cure his mother. He got down on his knees and surrendered his life to God. Jeff’s mother had surgery, and today she has no signs of cancer. Doctors say there is no medical treatment that could explain her total healing. Jeff believes it was a miracle!
It is friends like you who made this impact on Jeff’s life possible through your support of our television programs, revivals, and publications. Jeff says that for many long years, it was Amazing Facts and Pastor Doug that played an enormous role in his coming back to Christ. “There aren’t any words that can express the impact both have had on my entire family! Pastor Doug’s testimony impacted me so much that I wanted to hear more, and when I did, I knew he was speaking from the Bible. He challenged me to look into the Word and decide for myself!”
The drugs are history. And he was baptized in the church. His life has been changed forever! And he credits it all to the power of Jesus Christ and the ministry of Amazing Facts. Now that’s revival!
This is just one example of the work God is doing through Amazing Facts. He is using your partnership to help change lives and touch families. And, as a faithful friend, you play a critical role in the life-changing process. Thank you for your gifts that make it possible to reach many more like Jeff and Marilyn with the powerful message of the gospel.
Answer:
The words you will read have been written over the course of five to seven years. The process has been healing. I wanted to go over my story again and again to come to a resting, peaceful place. I sought to write from a place of healing instead of bitterness and hurt. I did not take out parts because of pain; in fact, I kept them in. Hardship cannot be forgotten or ignored and when processed in community it can be a source of light to others walking through a similar storyline. Maybe one day, we can exchange war stories we have conquered and not wade in a pool of defeat and sorrow. For some people, like myself, it takes half a decade or longer to get out of the pool to start engaging from a healthy mindset.
Firsthand narratives involve more than author themselves. Personal stories are from the author with their perspective of a series of events. With this mind, and to state the obvious, my story includes other people: friends and family, who are both far and near and some whom I have little to no contact with. I do not write to call someone out nor out of a place of frustration. In reality, as I wrestled with my own brokenness, the mentioned persons, whom God has allowed to graciously place in my life, responded the best they could. I place no one at fault and do not want anyone to read it that way. I know I too have been a stumbling block or a point of frustration for others at some point during their own journey. To honor others, I’ve attempted to change names and dates in order to respect the privacy of others.
I never thought of dedicating this book, but it only seems fitting to do. I dedicate this book to my parents, brother, sister and their spouses and children. I have not had the hardest life by a long shot, yet I cannot imagine what it has been like watching me wrestle through this, and at times, so publicly. In retrospect, it has been as painful for you as it has for me. Thank you for your continuous love and support.
To my Jesus. I have prayed “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me.” Yet, in my own humanity, I did not understand the cup you have given me nor did I want to drink from it. In fact, I only wanted you to take it away. Somehow, through your love, grace and mercy, I can now finish the prayer you once said before Easter Week, “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” Keep making me like you.