Personal Testimony

The college group from my parents church at the time were camping in the local mountains. I know this because my parents were leaders for the group. At least that’s how I remember it. My younger brother and I had a fun time tagging along. I’m sure we spent much of the time doing what 5 and 7 year old boys do—running, climbing, and getting dirty. But to tell you the truth I only have flashes of that time. Not sure if the image in my head are real or perhaps pictures I saw later on.

Either way something real did happen at that camp. Something I’ll never forget. It was Saturday evening. All the craziness of the week had ended and now was the time for reflection. The group walked quietly through the woods to an old stone chapel. The flashlights went off as the lights came on. I remember the pews were made out of logs. Mom and Dad lead my brother and me into one of the pews toward the back.

Other than that I really have no memory of what was going on. I was kind of aware that this was a solemn time for the camp participants to share what God had done in their lives over the past week. As a 7 year old there were more important things on my agenda…like picking on my brother. We would play this game there were would hold our finger as close to the other person as possible without touching him. If we did touch each other we immediately said, “Mom, he’s touching me!” I’m sure we were driving our parents nuts at the time, pushing the boundaries of our parents patience and those around us.

I kept waiting for the “shush” or the “settle down” but it never came. I couldn’t believe it! I was pretty sure we were being a disruption but we were getting away with it! Of so I thought. Toward the end of what seemed forever my dad reached out and grabbed both of our hands. I thought, “This is it!” I knew it was coming, it was just a matter of time. It’s going to be bad. Was pretty sure we’d be taken outside and given a spanking. I new we deserved it.

To my horror, however, Dad turned away from the back door and headed toward the front of the chapel with the two of us in tow. This could not be good! What was he going to do? make examples of us in front of everyone? I had nothing but bad scenarios running through my mind.

To my amazement, Dad didn’t mention our behavior at all. In fact he proceeded to tell all who were there how much he loved us, loved his family. I could hardly comprehend what was going on. But I new I didn’t deserve this show of love. I deserved to be marched outside.

As we quietly filed out of the chapel something remarkable happened to me. I can’t really explain it other than God opened my eyes. I looked up at the stars and knew God had saved me. I knew God had shown grace to me just as my father had moments before.