a) Where was your life before meeting Jesus?
b) When and why did you come to ask Jesus into your life?
c) How has your life been transformed since encountering Jesus?
b) When and why did you come to ask Jesus into your life?
c) How has your life been transformed since encountering Jesus?
a) I was a completely different person that i am now today. my heart and soul was in a dark place and i could not see the light in anything i do.
ReplyDeleteb) in 2008, i felt more happier and felt that jesus was calling me to come back and rejoice in the light and in the holy bible.
c)my life has changed mentaly and spiritually since ive comed to the crossing church.
A) I've been a Christ follower since very young. 4 or 5. Anna Democheck, my church's toddlers Sunday School class teacher was probably the person who helped show me the love of Jesus. I've never known anything else. I grew up in church with strong believers, gracious Sunday school teacher and caring youth workers. Through difficult moments, painful, hope crushing moments I could reflect on Psalm 23. I've counted on the leadership and shepherding of Jesus. I know that in every situation, he has been right there. Sad with me, joyful with me, hurting with me, comforting me in my anger, soothing the human emotions that used to develop.
ReplyDeleteB) I'd have to say that asking Jesus into my heart would have come from an early sense of needing love. My parent's love was great, but God's love was complete. He loved me. (period) Simply put, the idea of having a gentle shepherd in my life to love me every day, in every circumstance, good or bad- made sense. I also believe God knew the road I would walk and what the enemy had planned for me. God in his infinite wisdom knew that I wouldn't make it without Him, so the day Jesus went to the cross, he did it for me. Jesus had no guarantees that anyone would every accept what he had done as the final prophetic sacrifice that would span the gap of sin and connect us to our father God. But, in his ever presence, God's ability to be in my here and now and my yesterday, He knew, that I'd need his son Jesus. That is why I am a Christ follower, that is why I love Him. Because he loved me first, that love demands a response and my response is YES.
C) My life, although I've always believed in sin and hell, has had a few less than ideal moments. But each of those has been transformed into a story of grace. That's pretty much it. My life's efforts wrapped in rags handed to Him, covered by his grace and given back to me as a gift, a reminder of His love for me.
a) Before meeting Jesus I went faithfully to Catholic church each week. I would put my hour in and then go live my life the way I wanted to. I partied a lot because that is how I got my confidence. I was looking for love at bars and I wondered why I kept meeting the wrong type of guy.
ReplyDeleteb) I asked Jesus into my life in November 1999. My roommate at the time said she was sick of doing things her way and was going to try it God's way. I had just gotten home from a date with a guy that I knew was so wrong for me but I wanted to hold on to him because it was better than nothing. My roommate and I talked about what it would mean to live God's way. It sounded so hard since it wouldn't be all about me. By the end of our conversation I came around and told her I would try it too. The next day was seriously the best day of my life. I felt God's presence the whole day and it was like He was telling me "see how peaceful you feel now, this is what I can offer you." It was so indescribable since my day was really ordinary but I felt God calling me the whole day. I knew I had made the right decision.
c) My life has truly been transformed. Even though I still have just as many problems as before I have so much more peace and joy. I truly want to live for Jesus and His will. I still stumble many times and want things my way but I know that Jesus is right there to pick me up and get me back on track. His love is unfailing and it is so comforting to know that I can go to Him anytime and He is there for me.
a) Where was your life before meeting Jesus?
ReplyDeleteI strongly believe that God hand picked me to be apart of his kingdom from the day I was born. My Dad was the Children's Pastor at First Baptist Church of Modesto (the city I was born). A fellow Pastor at the church heard about a baby girl who had been physically abused at just a few months old. My Mom and Dad (Marks) visited me at the hospital (fell in love) and decided they would provide a safe home for me. At 5 months old I came to live with the Marks family and was adopted Nov. 1 the day before my 2nd birthday. Considering the fact my Dad was a Pastor, its a given that I grew up knowing Jesus as my personal Savior. I can't ever remember a time in my life where God wasn't by my side (even when I turned away and made poor choices for myself).
b) When and why did you come to ask Jesus into your life?
I was 9 years old when I was baptized and made Jesus my personal savior. I made Jesus my personal Savior because I understood his love for me. Later in my life I came to understand his Grace.
c) How has your life been transformed since encountering Jesus?
Since I was so young (a few months old) I would rather not think about what my life could have been apart from God. But in my poor choices as an adult, when I had gone side ways in my relationship with him, the second I cried out to him/reached for him/yearned for him/asked for forgiveness. He has used those opportunities to strengthen me, shape me, and sharpen me. These are the times that I have experienced the most growth in my life and relationship with him.
A) I grew up in a Baptist church and accepted Christ at a young age. But I've always felt that I never really made that decision for myself. Looking back, I know that my little heart didn’t really know what I was saying yes too. So, as a teen and adult I drifted away from church and the Lord. I lived a completely worldly life, filled with all kinds of self destructive and unfulfilling things. I was trying to fill that huge hole inside. And, in a word; I was completely lost.
ReplyDeleteB) But, I’ve known for about 25 years that I needed to turn my life around. I just didn’t want to do the work! I instinctively knew that living a GOD honoring life was going to be hard work. It wasn’t going to be easy, or popular. And, I was going to have to change and do stuff I didn’t want to do, and think of other people all the time. I mean really…..all the time? But, even knowing all that I pretty much fell on my knees and gave my life to his awesome holiness in 2002. I was desperate for the peace I knew I’d find.
C) My life has never felt so right since I gave myself to HIM. Serving at the Crossing, reading HIS word, fellowshipping with other Christians, talking and hanging out with Jesus, and even blasting the car stereo and singing off key to Christian radio is what I live for today. Most days knowing who I am in HIM is enough for me. Even though my life is far from perfect, I fully trust HIM and know he loves me.
Kim Hoffman
BEFORE I SURRENDERED TO CHRIST
ReplyDeleteI confessed to be a Christian all of my life, yet most of the time, I relied on my own strength. I didn’t know the real meaning of having a personal relationship with Christ. I was physically sick, scared of life, hopeless, stuck, a victim, self reliant, and spiritually dead. Fear completely ruled my life, and had a strong grip on me. I was afraid to get up and face each day. I was not free, and in a way, felt like I was in prison. I was totally dependent on a drug that fully controlled every aspect of my life, and it gave me some courage for a time. I didn’t seek God or look to Him, although I believed in Him. I believe that my dependence on drugs kept me separate and blocked from God.
James 4:9-10 Let there be tears for the wrong things you have done. If you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on Him, He will lift you up and give you honor.
HOW I REALIZED I NEEDED JESUS
There were many times that I believe the Lord was trying to get my attention. I heard Him PERSONALLY talking to me in a meeting at Forest Home in 1990… four years before I finally gave up my drug, but I was too scared to live without it. On April 9, 1994, I couldn’t keep up with trying to manage my drug anymore. It clouded my mind and kept me separate from God. I was sick and DEFEATED. When I woke up in the hospital ER from a grand-maul seizure, many realizations of needing the Lord were put in my heart. I knew that I couldn’t take one more pill, and from that point on, I was told that I was an addict, and needed help
HOW I COMMITTED MY LIFE TO JESUS
During my two week hospital stay, I admitted I was spiritually broken, lost, and confused. I surrendered my whole life to the Lord. The next biggest commitment came in 2001, when I joined a Bible Study at the Crossing. That is when I REALLY RECEIVED who Jesus was at a deep personal level because I was getting to know Him through His Word.
THE DIFFERENCE JESUS HAS MADE IN MY LIFE
Oh my gosh. I am NOT the same anymore. I am 17 years clean today! I am devoted to follow Jesus at all costs, love Him completely and live forgiven. He has given me many opportunities to serve Him and help others seek Him. I know I’m loved, and I stay focused on all He teaches me through the Word, through other believers, through worship. I’ve come to know Him as a Holy God and a Lord who will never leave me, nor forsake me. I’m His completely.
a) Before meeting Jesus, my life was filled with failed relationships, strained family interactions and a divorce that left my young son in a broken home.
ReplyDeleteI lived an empty, self-destructive life ... chasing after meaningless things. I was lost.
b) In 2002, I met Kim, a member of The Crossing. After getting to know her and seeing her inner beauty, I knew that I wanted the peace and love that she had in Jesus.
I began attending church with her and eventually Pastor Tim’s messages began to open up that part of my heart that had been sealed for so long.
Shortly thereafter, I got baptized and became an active member of the worship team at the church.
c) Since turning my life over to Christ, I feel that I have been healed. I, now, sense the meaning that was missing from life ... we are here to serve others and to bring glory to God.
Kim and I were married in 2003 and have led a couples Bible Study in our home ever since. I am extremely proud that I was able to help lead my teenage son, from my first marriage, to get baptized as well.
Thanks to the people of The Crossing for all you have done for me and my family.
I grew up believing in God and Jesus and went to church (Sunday School) irregularly. Our family had a bible, but, it was just collecting dust. My teenage years were my party years and at 17 became pregnant and married to someone just as immature. The abusive marriage lasted for 17 years but produced 3 beautiful children. I was lost and alone and my identity was through my kids. A choice I eventually made, ended in severe consequences, as sin always does.
ReplyDeleteI found CCNM and was introduced to Tim. I told him my whole story, and he and members of the church graciously helped me through a very difficult time. Years later, I fell away. I was damaged by "Christians" who were judgemental and hypocritical about what I had done. I always felt insecure and unworthy with God. I stopped going to church. I still had never read the bible. However, God still pursued me even though I kept pushing him away. Finally, I started a job in a dental office and didn't find out until later that this dentist treated pastors and missionaries, the same ones that I was rejecting. God placed me in this office to teach me His love and forgiveness. As I drove home every night, I would drive by The Crossing as the tent was going up. God was calling me back to church. I started going back, read the bible for the first time, and finally accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Saviour. As I look back, I see how God's hand was in so many things but my pride ignored Him. I am a changed woman because of His mercy, His grace, His abundant blessings and His overwhelming love in my life. And I am very thankful that God has put The Crossing in my life which through wonderful teachers and people, my walk continues to flourish.
a) very dark and selfish
ReplyDeleteb) Patrick's sermon during the Beatitude's series in Summer 2006 - Blessed are the pure at heart - Congruency of saying you love your wife and your actions.
c) Revelation 21:4 & Psalm 27:13
Holly Schwartz
ReplyDeletePersonal Testimonies
a) Where was your life before meeting Jesus?
Before meeting Jesus I was living for myself and trying so hard to make things happen by my own will. I was selfish and greedy. I am still dealing with these issues but have so much more peace and insight knowing that Jesus is my foundation and has everything all worked out. Ultimately everything doesn't revolve around me. It's about Him.
b) When and why did you come to ask Jesus into your life?
I was raised going to church and accepted Jesus when I was 13 and officially baptized. However I strayed from that for a period until I was about 23. I started to realize that I was lacking purpose and through church, wise relatives and friends, and lots of reading I came back around to answering Jesus' invitation to be part of my life.
c) How has your life been transformed since encountering Jesus?
Every day is a gift. While it's still so easy to get caught up in the world and other desires, overall knowing I am here serving the Lord brings me great peace and purpose. I am learning to live more for others and less for me. I look to Jesus as my role model and trust in His ways and message. I've learned great truths and have better perspective. I know that there's so much more to learn and for that I am thankful.
Before i post my three answers, may i say what a wonderful place The Crossing Church is in Costa Mesa. All the Pastors and Mentors are caring, time giving, wise and very encouraging. Patrick Detken is one of the best. Since joining a Fuel Class in January 2011 and Going on a Men's retreat, all organized by Patrick my life has positively changed fo the better. I have the up most respect for Patrick and the things he says. You will to when you get to know him.
ReplyDeletea)My life before meeting Jesus was drunken, ill mannered and directionless. I was running on a path of self destruction.
b)January 2011 was when i asked Jesus for help. My Wife and the Police had told me to rent a room for the night at The Tahiti Inn on Harbor. I was attending The Crossing and a Fuel Class within a week. That is how positive the message from Christ was!!!!!
c)My life has totally transformed since encountering Christ. Both my wife and I and the Father In law now attend The Crossing services. I am more patient, thoughtful, helpful, community orientated the list could go on for a long time. My life is so POSITIVE since i have started walking with the Lord. All the good things in my life i give THANKS TO THE LORD. HE IS TRULY LIFE CHANGING. God Bless You All, Iggy.
My life before Christ was one of thinking my husband had to meet all my needs. I rationalized and lied my way through my first marriage until Jesus got a hold of my heart and began the transformation to be more like Him.
ReplyDeleteNow, in this new marriage to Lou, it is out of respect and reverence to Jesus and what He did on the cross for me that I will love, honor and cherish my husband even if he does not meet all my needs. I want my life to be a living testimony of how Jesus is changing me from the inside out, day by day as I surrender all to Him!
a)I grew up in the church so I am no memories of living without Christ.
ReplyDeleteb)I dont remember the time when I dedicated my life as a child.I do however remember the moments at The Crossing as I was first attending, I knew something was missing. There was just something different! It was learning how to apply and truly with Christ. In 2009 I re dedicated myself. Following that we dedicated our children and we were baptized.
C)What hasnt changed?! Even as I walked through the toughest times it is "easier" than before. It is easier in the sense that I know God has a plan and His timing!
A. Confused, worried, depressed, sad.I did not see a great future for me, as I kept going in circles, trying to figure out things on my own. I was afraid to be a Christian. Past experiences with 'those people' pushed me away for years. I moved to Costa Mesa in '01 and found the church on 23rd. But I still did not truly connect until 2009. The connections with the people of The Crossing Church have a lot to do with my coming to Christ. A lot of them have helped me in this road to redemption. I see a future now...I see goals I can reach. Doubt still plays with my heart, mind, and soul, but I know God has my back now.
ReplyDeleteB. During those years I think I asked Jesus in about 100 times! Always thinking that the 1st time I didn't do it right, or it wasn't enough. In 2009 at the Easter Good Friday service is when the light really came on. It was a birthday night at LifeLines and I was serving with a friend who was just a constant in my years of struggling...Sandy Schooler. After we filled up the trays for communion, I went into the tent and saw so many people that we didn't have enough chairs! It was standing room only, and it seemed the whole church was there. As I waited for my 'duty' of the night, I listened to stories of those in Recovery. I was thinking that these people had so many more walls to conquer than I could ever imagine...and it brought me to a place I kept trying not to go....surrender.
About 2 weeks later, Tim had folks that desired prayer come to the front of the stage. I was alone that day, and I went forward not knowing what was going to happen. When Tim's prayer was over, I turned around to see this woman with a beautiful smile, and open arms. I went into her arms and she hugged me and prayed for me for several minutes. Monique Denger is her name. I call her my prayer warrior.
After that day, I started serving again, as I did years before...but the difference was, I came to service also...didn't just serve and leave. One more woman helped with this...Debbie Collette. She was another person that knew me and just waited for me with open arms every time I saw her. She put me on her husband Rob's team and I have been there ever since. I have become friends with these folks. I care deeply about them and their families. I connected.
I have gone to FUEL, RE-FUEL, volunteered at events, and am now in the Kids Lifelines program. Through all of this, Sandy is still a steadfast and true friend, and now we are walking through Chazown together. Her love for me amazes me, and her love for Jesus is an inspiration. I call her my Angel on earth.
I know this was long...but if it weren't for these people of The Crossing, I would never have 'connected', and that is the most important thing when you are a struggling Christian.
C. I look to God for answers now. I don't try to go through this life on my own anymore. I still struggle with so many things as I keep on learning. Sometimes I am kicking and screaming into this new life...afraid to let go of the old junk. The difference now is I know He is true and real and He loves me. He is still transforming me...I think He always will be, and I am grateful for that. So grateful.
a) Where was your life before meeting Jesus?
ReplyDeleteBefore meeting Jesus I was someone who believed in God, but I didn't have a relationship with Him, so it didn't make much difference in my life. Since, I grew up going to the Catholic Church I tried to be a "good" person, but it didn't always work. As I got older and neared college graduation, I became increasingly empty inside and very scared, hopeless, and anxious about my future, as I had no real purpose for living.
b) When and why did you come to ask Jesus into your life?
Adding to my confusion, my friend's father, who was a pastor in Korea, shared with me some things he said was from the Bible. I had never heard these things before and they sounded strange to me. But, it reminded me that I had never read the Bible before and that I didn't really know what it said. So, I was convicted that I should read the Bible for myself. The only problem was that I didn't have a Bible and I wasn't going to church at the time. God solved this problem by sending some men from Gideon's to CSUF where I was attending to give me a little green pocket Bible for free. That was just what I needed. I carried it everywhere and read it every chance I got. After reading it from cover to cover I gave my life to Jesus for the first time and began a relationship with Him that has changed my life dramatically.
c) How has your life been transformed since encountering Jesus?
Since beginning a relationship with Jesus that emptiness inside has been filled by His unconditional love, forgiveness, and grace. He has given my a purpose for living, as I grow in my relationship with Him, with others, and share His love with those who don't know Him yet. I am no longer anxious or scared about my future, as I know He has a purpose and plan for my life and a place for me in heaven!
1. For me I don't really have a before meeting Jesus, it's more of a inbetween knowing Jesus. I grew up Christian and knowing a believing in Jesus but definitely strayed in high school. In those years, I was very selfish, dishonest, and empty. I looked for meaning in music and took influence from ungodly sources like friends or media.
ReplyDelete2. For someone as stubborn as me, God had to send a train-wreck my way to get my attention. Early my freshman year of college, my entire life fell apart. God used this to help me find my way back to him. I realized that God truly loves me and is the only one that can complete my life and bring me happiness. I'm so grateful for the way he has changed my life and steered me toward a beautiful future.
3. Since encountering Jesus, I've become a better person. I am more sensitive to those around me, much less self-centered, and much more convicted. I see myself go through seasons, though, of how committed I am to my relationship with Jesus. Like Tim was talking about this weekend, I tend to straddle the fence, my flame goes in and out. It's something I've struggled with for a long time and it's part of the reason I want to go through the mentoring process.
a) Where was your life before meeting Jesus?
ReplyDeleteI am a missionary kid so was born into a family that served Christ. However, my “wild oat sowing” season away from the “God of my Childhood” lasted 17 years during which time I pursued answers to life through the world’s wisdom. This left me in control of many things but with deep feelings of emptiness. I married an unbeliever, had children, and was living the proverbial “American dream”. However, I continued to be deeply dissatisfied and began seeking spiritual connection through astrology, Buddhism, psychics and new age religion.
b) When and why did you come to ask Jesus into your life?
I reconnected with “the God of my childhood”, Jesus Christ, at my dining room table while I was alone in my home. I had just left my husband of over ten years, had two young children, and was lost. My best efforts to hold my life, marriage, and home together on my own had failed miserably and I found myself calling out to God for forgiveness and help. He met me, right then and there, in a supernatural way. I felt a warm presence fall on me and heard his voice tell me that he had been waiting so long for this day. He had always been there, loved me, forgave me, and wanted to hold me close. He gave me hope, unconditional love, and the desire to learn who He was, really was, as my personal savior instead of just the “God of my childhood”.
c) How has your life been transformed since encountering Jesus?
Everything is different. I now understand that only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can satisfy our deepest needs. I am learning the path to peace is paved with surrender. I fall more and more in love everyday with my Savior as He confirms, over-and-over, that His love is unfailing and perfected in my weakness. I am learning to see through His eyes, hear with His ears, and feel with His heart.
Kim Bellew