When I was 8 my mom was saved and after that we always went to Sunday school and gospel meetings. My dad died when I was 4 but thankfully he was saved We had no car but we only lived two houses from the hall. I tried to get saved for many years. I was scared of the Lords coming which was preached often in those days. Many nights I would go to mom’s room and see if she was there and go back to my bed relieved that He hadn’t come yet. Another thing I feared was that the Lord would stop striving with me. As I got older, about 13, many of my second cousins also went to gospel meeting so because of pride we didn’t want to appear concerned.

I spent many hours reading, trying to believe but in my heart there was no repentance, I felt I was better than my friends who drank or smoked…

On November 11, 1973 mom and I (I was 15 ) went to Avonport conference with Lionel and Mackie Cress. That night Mr. Bingham and Arnold Gratton spoke. I don’t remember what was said but I knew I was going to hell. I told Mr. Bingham on the way out that I wanted to be saved. Mr. Gratton spoke to me, It was so dark. He read many verses, then he read John 3:36.

John 3:36 KJV
[36] He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

I thought “I’m in the second part of that verse and I don’t know how to believe” It seemed that the wrath of God was hanging over my head. Then it dawned on me that’s why Christ died so I wouldn’t have to be in hell, I told Mr. Gratton and we got on our knees and He prayed. I felt such relief and rest. I remember getting up the next morning being so thrilled that I was finally saved.

A few months later two older preachers were having meetings in Clementsvale and they came up to visit one day when mom wasn’t home. They asked if I was saved and I told them trembling ( as I was very scared of most preachers) how I got saved. They said that’s not how you get saved.

So for many months I was very confused, and searching the bible. One night I told the Lord I need this settled tonight. I read for a long time then in Isaiah 53:6 the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. The Lord gave me assurance that I was saved and He has been my Heavenly Father for many years now. It’s thrilling just to tell it again, How good is the God we adore!