My Faith Story

Dear Friends and Family,

I received a Christmas Newsletter from my cousin who is a missionary in Mexico. He has asked for faith stories this Christmas, and plans to share them in January. Here is mine, which I decided to share with you as well.

Merry Christmas! I love you all.
Abby

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Dear Ron,

When I was eight years old, I accepted Jesus in Sunday School class. I had no idea what I was doing really, but when the teacher asked us if we wanted Jesus in our heart I knew I did. I raised my hand and I think she came around and prayed with me. Her name was Carolyn Golson. I went out, sat down in the folding chairs that made up the sanctuary and told my parents. They asked me if I knew what I had done, really, and I said yes. Next thing I knew I was baptized.

Miss Carolyn said now that Jesus was in our hearts, we could ask Jesus for help with anything and he would be there for us. Later I broke a little girl's doll at school and I was so scared I prayed for Jesus to help me. Even though Leanne Ledbetter threatened me and glared at me all day, nothing ever came of it. I attributed this to the forgiveness of Jesus and ever since have lived under the same attitude of grace.

I am so grateful for Miss Carolyn who asked us for a decision, never doubting that her class of eight year olds could be trusted to make the most important decision of their lives. It is so true what the Bible says, that you must come with the trust of a little child. Just reach out and take it...it is a gift.

The best gift in the world is to live under grace, with the intact heart of an 8 year old child. Children have no "agenda", they simply be and are. To me, this is what living by faith is.