Stephen Martone

"Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord!"

I can only sit back, amazed at how God has orchestrated events and circumstances in my life to bring me to an understanding of my need for Him. My childhood revolved around God, His Word, and church from the time of my birth. The earliest church service I attended occurred when I was just 2 weeks old. My parents took me to "big church" and placed me on a pillow next to them in the worship center. Although I do not remember that service, I can tell you that knowing God, and making Him known was the ultimate priority in our family.

Now I know you may have heard many stories about "minister's kids," and as a child of a minister I could testify to some of those antics. But God drew me to Him as an eleven year old, and I came to know Him personally as my Savior. We were in an "authentic" tent revival in Arlington, Texas during August of 1971-trust me it was hot-and on Thursday evening I realized that although I knew about God, I had never placed my faith in Him to redeem and save me. I went forward during the invitation and met my father at the altar, explaining my need for salvation and he led me to the Lord. It was amazing as I realized that my sins were forgiven and understood what Jesus Christ had done for me. Two weeks later I was baptized, and became a member of our church.

I continued to grow in my faith, and became an active part of our church ministry. Later, as a 15 year old, I realized that God had a plan for my life and surrendered to His Lordship, and to serve Him any way He chose. I attended a Christian University, met my wife, have two wonderful children, and have seen God provide and lead through that simple act of obedience of an eleven year old. Jesus Christ is amazing, and I have learned that I must "never offer back to the Lord that which cost me nothing." Soli Deo