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VIEW PERSONAL BELIEFS
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POSTED BY:
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prisonchaplain
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DATE:
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04.07.2008 |
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SUBJECT:
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prisonchaplain converts |
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LOCATION:
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Federal Way, WA, United States
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In late October 1974 two gentlement came to my neighborhood. They were passing out candy and balloons, and told us kids that we could get more, if we'd come to Sunday School. My older friend went, and found out that if he would bring someone else, he'd get a candbar. So, next week there I was (he was bigger than me, too). The teacher explained that if we would believe in Jesus, confess our sins to him, he would forgive us and help us to be better kids. I raised my hand, said the prayer, and never looked back.
In 7th grade I took the Foundations of Faith class (similar to one that might be offered on the Articles of Faith). One lesson was on something called the baptism in the Holy Spirit. It sounded wonderful. If I were filled with the Holy Spirit, I could more easily live out the fruits of the Spirit. Oh I wanted that! So, the next year, they had a contest. Whoever memorized the most verses in the Bible would win a free trip to Bible camp. I had heard that camp was where people often were baptized in the Holy Spirit. So, the first three weeks I memorized 10 verses each week. Everyone else gave up, and I easily won. Sure enough, on the second night of camp, they called for anyone who wanted to be baptized in the Holy Spirit to come up front for prayer. We prayed, we worshipped, and finally, I sensed the mighty infilling of the Holy Spirit. I got home, and my unchurched parents were unphased. They figured it was just something I was going through--surely I would grow out of it. Hint--I never did!
A couple of years later, the Church started asking me to volunteer--teaching Sunday School, scouting, being a camp counselor, etc. I always said yes. And, for the next 15 years, that was my Christian life. Saying yes to opportunities to help out.
In 1990 that changed. I received a direct revelation from God. The work I was doing--teaching English Bible studies to Korean university students, was no longer to be about me helping out. God was calling me to mission. So, I went home on break, and my church commissioned me as a missionary. Three years after that (I taught for a total of six years), God called me to study divinity and seminary. And, then, rather than send me back to Korea, he called me to prison chaplaincy.
Today I received my Ten Years Government Service Award. My joy is to be commissioned to eternal service to my Sovereign, Lord Jesus! God bless you, and thank you for making me welcome in this place.
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