Testimonies Looking back on my childhood, I have fond memories of my mother reading the bible to my sister and me before bed. I remember loving to go to Sunday school and learning about the Lord. Some of the best memories I have were listening to family play and sing those old gospel songs like "Inside the Gate, and I'll fly away." These cherished memories that I hold so dear would set my feet on a path in search for higher ground, and my soul in search for eternal salvation. I was seventeen the first time the Lord convicted me. In July 1987, I was attending a revival at Rock Springs United Baptist Church in Kentucky, Brother Doyle was preaching that night. I'm not sure my ears heard a thing he said, but my heart sure did. It was on fire. At the invitation, Brother Doyle reached for my hand and the tears began to pour out of my eyes. I was scared and went to the altar praying that the Lord would save me. My burden seemed to have subsided. I thought for sure I'd been saved. I would go on to find that what I thought was salvation was only a temporary relief from a burden I still carried. Through time, I searched every outlet for fulfillment and every avenue to lighten my load. It took me ten hard years to realize that more than anything and more than ever before I desperately needed the Lord, visit October of 1996 would start the beginning of my true search for the Lord I began reading the bible again, and going to church. I knelt many times at my bedside and altars and prayed to be saved. I asked the Lord what have I done wrong and why don't I feel anything? Then on April 13,1998, the Lord answered my prayers. I was standing at the kitchen sink when I felt the Lord's conviction again. It was so strong. My ears seemed muffled as if the Lord were trying to block out every sound but his voice. He told me I had to surrender everything unto him in order to be saved. My stomach was in knots and my chest was so heavy I could barely breathe. I knew I needed to go somewhere that I could be alone with God. J ran to the bathroom, locked the door and knelt at the side of the tub. My heart was broken, and I knew this time I wasn't going to stop praying until the only voice I heard was the voice of my Savior. I don't know how long I was there praying, it seemed like time stood still, there was nothing else more important to me that the condition of my soul. My eyes were closed and full of tears, it seemed like pure blackness. The instant I laid open my heart, the Lord saved me. My eyes saw no more darkness, only the color of sunshine. I felt warmth all around me as if He'd taken me into his arms. There were no more tears, he'd wiped them away and my broken heart was completely mended. There was no doubting this time the Lord had truly saved my soul. I was so happy, I came barreling out of the bathroom laughing, crying, and hugging my husband and children telling them how much 1 loved them. I'm so thankful for what the Lord has done for me. He has made my life worth living. Without him I am nothing. Please help me pray for my family. And for Jesse and Jody, it is my prayer that you both earnestly seek the Lord in all you do. Life is tough, as you will soon find out, but the journey will be far easier if you walk closely with the lord Jesus Christ. I won't be around forever, but know that your Father in Heaven has been here since the beginning of time and He will be with you in the end if you will trust in him. I'll be looking for you in heaven, Will you be there? I pray that you will, in Jesus name... 
My Salvation Experience
by Candace Kramer
