My name is Annette Yechout, and this is my story. I was in spiritual darkness for almost all of my life. I not only had on blinders, but I also shut my eyes and plugged my ears to anything which would conflict with my religion. You see, I had been married for 40 plus years and raised eleven children in the catholic religion. We went to church every Sunday, we celebrated the sacraments, and we supported our church and school. I thought there was no religion better than this. Little did I know just how blind I was to God’s truth.
I Thought I Was a Pretty Good Person
-Rudy Yechout
-Rudy Yechout
The fall of 1999, I was driving back home after dropping my youngest son off at college. My wife was trying to find something good on the radio to listen to for the ride home. She was changing stations and came to a Christian radio station where a man was preaching about Jesus and the crucifixion. We were pretty bored as it was a dreary Sunday afternoon, so we listened to him as he spoke. As we listened, we begin to hear the gospel preached like we had never heard it before.
My Good Works Could Not Get Me to Heaven!
-Jackie Wolf
-Jackie Wolf
My name is Jackie Wolf, and this is my story. I was raised in the Zion Lutheran Church in Sunbury, PA. My dad worked most Sundays, but it was a ritual for my mom and me to attend every week. I wasn’t too excited about church because I had no friends there. There was no fellowshipping, the singing was morbid, we never took our Bibles, and the sermons were just reading and repeating after the pastor from a Lutheran book.
9/11 – Day of Decision
-Debbie Wilhite
-Debbie Wilhite
For years, the Lord patiently paved the way to finally show me my need for the Savior. Looking back, I am amazed at His grace and mercy. My name is Debbie Wilhite, and this is my story.
Four Words That Changed My Life
-Jerry Wilhite
-Jerry Wilhite
Growing up in the mid-western state of Iowa, I had all a boy could want – a solid home life with parents who loved me; a 120-acre farm on which to hunt, fish, hike, and ride my motorcycle; a small school where four major sports were offered; multiple job opportunities; wholesome friends; and, eventually, a car I could call my own – a blue Volkswagen Bug.
I Came for Baptism,
but Found I Needed Salvation First
-Jisela Starr
but Found I Needed Salvation First
-Jisela Starr
When I was young, neither of my parents belonged to or visited any church. In the area where I lived there was not much for children to do on the weekends. My neighborhood friends used to go to Catechism on Saturday afternoons, so I decided to join them. I completed the studies necessary for my confession and confirmation. Later, I attended church some, but going to church was more of a routine than anything else.
I Thought I Had it All
-Mike Starr
-Mike Starr
I was raised as an only child with my father in the military, so we moved around a lot. I pretty much kept to myself and was quiet growing up. My family did not get out to church very often, so I did not know a whole lot about spiritual things. What little I knew came from my mother, and she basically said I just needed to believe in God.
My Pilgrimage from Ritual to Relationship
-Gerry Seltzer
-Gerry Seltzer
My name is Gerry Seltzer, and this is my story. When I think about my religious or spiritual experience during the first 45 years of my life, it would be most accurately described by words such as rituals, rules and regulations.
I Was Just Playing Church
-Amy Rupert
-Amy Rupert
Growing up in a loving family, I had a very happy childhood. I have many wonderful memories of spending time together with my parents and a younger sister and brother. My memories also included our weekly attendance and active involvement in our church, the United Church of Christ in Berwick, PA. After graduating from high school, I remained faithful in church, but allowed the sinful nature with which we are all born, (Romans 3:10,23) to control my life.
I Didn’t Know Where I Stood with God
-Ed Reiss
-Ed Reiss
As far back in my life as I can remember, I always went to a United Church of Christ every Sunday. As a young child, I had some bizarre ideas about God and my relationship with Him. As I got older, the ideas didn’t change much. Although I attended both Sunday school and church, and was confirmed as a teenager, I never learned the teachings of the Bible, nor did I have the desire to learn them.