Steve Hogg

I was raised in a family that never attended church and knew very little about God. But as a kid, I was always interested in God. I remember taking the one Bible in our home to my bedroom, closing the door and reading it. But I didn’t understand much of it.

I had an uncle who lived in Detroit who was a very devoted Christian and leader in his church. Every time he visited us in Kentucky he would go to church if it was a Sunday. That really made impression on me. He would also ask permission to say a prayer before our family meals. We never prayed in our home, so that was different – and I noticed.

I remember sitting with him one day and he helped me memorize John 3:16 that says: “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life.” He explained that I had sinned and the punishment of my sin was hell. But God loved me and Jesus died on the cross to pay for my sins and that if I asked Jesus to forgive me and give me eternal life, He would.

A few months later I was home alone and thinking about all he had told me. I decided that was what I wanted, so I prayed and asked Jesus to forgive me and give me eternal life. I felt different and I knew Jesus had answered my prayer.

Eventually I was able to attend church and be baptized. I felt like a sponge, soaking up God’s word. It made sense to me. It was like blinders had been removed from my eyes and I saw the world differently. Suddenly I my life had a purpose and every day when I get out of bed, I know why I exist.

Steve Hogg