Gary Simpkins

Both of my parents were Christians so our family was very active in church activities. At the age of 9 I asked Jesus to come into my life. As I grew older, I made decisions that took me away from the church and God. In my mind I seemed to be happy, but people I loved told me I had changed into a frustrated, angry person. I ran from God even though I was attending church. I was trying to act like a Christian by doing what I thought people expected of me. I was struggling at home, around friends and with myself. I knew something had to change or I would lose everything I wanted to hold on to. I remembered a Bible verse my mother encouraged me to memorize: II Timothy 2:15 "Study to show thyself approved unto God a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth".

My mother passed away in 1995 and I remember being so broken, depressed, and angry. I was not angry at God - I was angry because she died. One night I started reading the Bible verse my mother always wanted me to remember. I began weeping deeply and hard. It was at that moment I recommitted my life to serving Christ and living so He would know I meant business. I promised God I would spend the rest of my days being His representative, studying His word and communicating with Him, if He would help me clean up my life. For the first time in my life I took what I said to God seriously. God has been faithful.

Since I made this commitment I have been faithful to Him and my life has been blessed more than I can put into words. My relationship with my family and friends has been the best it has ever been. I truly enjoy studying Gods word, praying for others and being His representative.

Gary Simpkins