Check out the
difference God's greatest gift, Jesus, has meant to some of our members.
I had heard all of my
life about God. But, I didn't really know Him. I was always searching
for acceptance/approval from others to fill up a hole/emptiness in my
life. I did some really stupid things to try and fill the emptiness. But
let's not go there !! Then when I was a teenager 16 or 17, a youth
director (Rob Blackburn) came into my life and introduced me to
God's son JESUS through friendship, example and
unconditional acceptance of who I was and who I could be. My life has
never been the same. My Christian walk has not been without doubts,
hurts and setbacks. But the Joy and purpose my life has is immeasurable.
Thank God for a church like Ortega United Methodist that invested in
youth ministry 30 years ago and continues to do so today. And
thanks to a GOD who loves me unconditionally.
- Scott Lucas
Before I invited Jesus
Christ into my heart to become my Lord and Savior, my religion was
based on God being God and me doing my duty as I had been taught.
Because I was loved and cherished by my family and my church, I did
not have too much trouble believing in the love of God. The
church was always a part of my life from the very beginning. Because
of corporal punishment at home and school, I was frightened of
punishment. When I was punished by my father I reasoned I deserved
it for things I had done and not been caught, even if not for the
things of which I was accused. After I received Jesus as my
Savior and Lord, the assurance of my salvation wavered at first
because my feelings would change and I would fail to live up to the
standards of Christ. I would often go to the altar on Sunday nights
seeking forgiveness and assurance. After I went forward at the
Billy Graham Crusade I did the follow-up Bible Study and came to
understand that my salvation was based on what Christ had done for
me and upon God’s promise in His Word and not my feelings or my
perfection. This gave me more confidence in my relationship with
God.