Billy Hegwood

Growing up my parents told me Bible stories every night and made sure I was in church every Sunday. My parents loved the Lord and made sure I knew who Jesus was and that Jesus loved me.

When I was seven years my parents took me to a revival service at a local church. I only remember one thing the preacher said and it started me on a path that changed my life. It was the same thing my parents had told me before but on that night it hit me. The preacher’s message was this – it is not enough knowing who Jesus is and being a good person. It is not enough going to church every Sunday, you must allow Jesus to have first place in your life. I went home and talked to my parents about what I heard. They shared a prayer with me where I asked God to forgive me for the things I had done the were displeasing to him. I then asked Jesus to be the Lord of my life.

After accepting Jesus and submitting to his will and leading I was able to face the world’s temptations and not give in. However, there were times I decided to make my own decisions without God’s guidance it was then I experienced despair and loneliness. However, God faithfully forgave me when I ask for forgiveness and restored my hope. Still I experienced the difficulties other people experienced, job loss, financial problems, personal and family illness, and the death of loved one. Jesus always provided hope that better days would come, fellow believers who provide a shoulder to cry on and encouraging words, and even physical assistance when needed. Looking back at my life I see one undeniable truth…. Jesus never fails and he is life.

Billy Hegwood