Testimonies



My Salvation Experience
 by Buena Key
 

I was born in Sumner County Tennessee, a small farm community called Union Hill, on the 21st day of June 1937, to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Willie Key. I was the third child born in this family. I remember my childhood very vividly. My Mama and Daddy were members of Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Daddy passed away when I was 5 years old, leaving Mama with four children to raise. I won't relate to the hardships that we had, other than to mention the two-room house we lived in that sat on the side of a hill. I guess it stands out in my memory. I'll just say that I thank God for letting me be born into this family and close to one of his churches where Mama could walk and take us, for it was at Union Hill where Brother F. L. Ray was pastor that I heard the gospel of my Savior. Mama took us to revivals when one was close enough to walk, and I guess I tried to wear out all the mourner’s benches. I was ten years old when I went to the mourner’s bench the first time. I tried the best way I thought I could to get saved to no avail. Every revival that came I always searched for God, even thought the conviction was not there. I wanted to be saved. I remember crawling up under the little house as far as I could to pray, nothing worked. Then in September of 1950, two young preachers started a revival in a tent at a little place called Grabball, it was about a mile and half from our house. I remember it just as plain as though it was yesterday. It was on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in September, the convicting power of the Holy Spirit was dealing with me. I was sick to my soul; it was something I wish every lost person could feel today. I can't remember sleeping that night and I was too sick to eat. When we went to church on Sunday morning, it was still with me. I shed many tears and tried to pray the best I could. As we walked to the revival that night I think it got only worse. I remember walking way behind everyone else, crying and praying for God to save me. Before the preaching was over that night I was on the mourner’s bench. I reached the point to where I wanted to be saved so badly that I was ready to die if it took it. I believe I actually felt that way. I put my trust in Him that night and He saved my soul; the peace I felt in my soul was so sweet. To those who are unsaved I'll just have to say that there is no way I can describe it, and it is my prayer that you will have that peace before you part this walk of life. And to those who are saved, you know what I'm talking about. I joined Union Hill shortly after that and was baptized by Brother Ray. That was the last of September 1950. We moved to Indianapolis in January of 1951, and we never went to church very much for many years in which I'm very sorry for.

After my wife and I were married and our two children were born and in school, I joined Bethel Church on credit of letter along with my wife who was baptized by Bethel. Many mistakes I have made in my Christian life in which God has forgiven me and I ask Him every time I pray to forgive my shortcomings. My love and prayers are for Bethel Church, to see her grow in God’s grace, and to see all our lost saved. I have a desire to see lost people saved everywhere. Pray for me and my family and I’ll pray for you.