I accepted Christ when I was 15 years old, but I didn't stay with it for
long. Like many teenagers I fell into the ways of the world. Life went on
and I got married to Betty
but, it got worse and worse, to say the least. I was one of devil's right
hand men.
Every Sunday my wife would invite me to go to church with her and the family. I would always tell her I would be fishing or doing something else instead of going to church.
But Betty and my family were dedicated and prayed that I would come to know God and live for Him.
I was out of the will of God for over 20 years. The funny thing is that always knew I would get saved one day, given enough time. The Lord was dealing with me in a heavy matter. When I would arrive at home after being out doing things I knew I should not be doing and I would see my family, God's spirit of conviction would come over me very strong. I would feel very dirty and I would have a heaviness in my heart.
For a long time I lived under a spirit of conviction in my life. I would cry a lot. I tried to talk to God but it didn't work.
But, the Lord had His ways of bringing me around. Finally, it got to be almost to much to bear. I had tried just about every thing this world can offer. I got tired I what I was doing. Instead of giving my life to God I pledged to quit living a bad lifestyle. I couldn't completely stop all my bad habits. Even though I changed some of my bad habits, I still felt unhappy, and still felt God tugging at my heart.
I had hit a low in my life and Betty asked me to go with her to church. I surprised myself when I said yes. I now know it was only God's hand at work. For about 3 months I went to church, but nothing spiritually changed in me.
One Sunday, I felt God speaking to me stronger than I had ever felt. The devil was whispering in my ear and telling me that if I could only last a few more minutes through the altar call I would be just fine and that I would be out of here. After 20 years, God was telling me that this could be my last chance to accept Him.
As the pastor was saying the closing prayer, I grabbed Betty's hand and ran, not walked, to the altar. It has been wonderful ever since. I have never looked back. I thank God for saving me. Freedom Church has been a big blessing to me and my family.
Rudy and Betty Gazaway
