I was born at Fort Bragg, NC to parents who were committed to being career military. Both of my parents love the Lord and always found a chruch to attend wherever we were living. My brother and I were taught that God's word is the Truth by which one must live. Over the years, our family saw God's protection, miracles and direction in their lives; each one has been recorded and written on the tablets of our hearts forever.
Most of my younger life was spent in Germany, with 4 years in West Berlin where it was common for us to hear about people trying to escape from East Berlin and losing their lives in the process. This helped me develop a strong appreciation for the freedom America provides us and played a strong part in giving me the sense of humor I have. I always say, "Leave them laughing - positive vibes are Godly! Even so, remember what Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose."
I am so fortunate that God gave me to Christian parents, and that I was able to live in the places I would never be able to afford to visit today. I've walked on the streets of Bavaria and played in the snow at the mountain base in Innsbruck, Austria. I've slept in feather beds and stood on the soil at the Dachau Concentration Camp where our dear Jewish brothers and sisters lost their lives. Ive ridden the cog rail to the top of Pike's Peak, Colorado and looked down through the top of clouds to the plains of Colorado Springs. These sites will always make me wonder, how must God feel when He surveys all of His creation?
We returned from Germany in 1979. I had attended church or chapel all of my life from the time that I was 9 days old. My mother would tell me every story of the Bible with such passion that it left me wanting to devour the words from the stories. When I was about 11 years old, my mother began to impress upon me that I would need to make a decision about following Christ. One morning after waking - I was about 12 years old - I saw a vision. My eyes were open and I knew this was not a dream. I saw this vision of Jesus in the Spirit, and an Angel. I remember it as if it was an hour ago! I was frightened, but I'm not sure why because He was so glorious and bright. He touched my arm and told me not to be afraid, but His mouth didn't open - He was speaking to my heart without audible words. I felt great Peace and Love, and I knew that He was in control of my life, that He had a mission for me, and that I wanted to serve Him. The next Sunday at church, I went forward to dedicate my life to the Lord and was baptized. The following weeks were an evangelizing mission for me - I held prayer meetings with my friends and witness about Jesus from the top of the sliding board - and it worked!
I belive we each have a calling and a mission - mine is to be a helpmate, servant, and watchman. I am thankful to be serving here at CCS with the aftercare program and sharing God's love with the students and their families. To this day, I have never forgotten seeing the Lord standing by my bed. The Love that I saw in His eyes, no word can describe. God is good to me; His mercy has endured all my life. And when He returns very soon, my only desire when we meet again face to face is to hear Him say, "Well done my good and faithful servant!"
