Testimonies From The Lighthouse
Patti Smawley
I grew up in a Christian home. As a young child I remember being taken to church every week and loved to learn about Jesus and His love for me. I was about 5 years old when I prayed and asked Jesus to come and be involved in my life. When I was 11 years old I remember being water baptized because I really wanted to live for Jesus. A year or two later, I had the experience of receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.
I guess I was much like many kids who have grown up in the church all their lives. I sometimes wondered if I was missing out on something. It was during one of these times that I prayed, “God, if you are really out there – I need you to do something in my heart and life to make Yourself real to me or, I’m going to leave the church and see how the other side lives.” Shortly after praying that I was invited to attend a youth meeting at another church. When I walked in I saw something I’d not seen before. There were about 200 young people, standing with hands raised in worship to God. And, they were excited about Jesus! Needless to say, I knew that they had something that I seemed to be missing in my life, even though I knew God. I wanted more of Him! God did such a work in my heart and life that I’ve not ever looked back. God was so faithful me during my teen years and early 20’s. He kept me and protected me from the pain and turmoil that many teens encounter when they make unwise and wrong choices such as drinking, trying drugs, getting hooked with other addictions or doing just what pleased them for a moment in time. There is nothing lasting in these things.
Yes, there did come a time later when the question came up again, “Patti, do you really believe in all those things you’ve been taught, or do you believe because that's what you were brought up to believe?" I can tell you with certainty that I believe in Jesus and His great love and sacrifice for me – because I’ve experienced His love and kindness personally! His great love and faithfulness has kept me through all these years. I’m so grateful to Him.
Today, I have a passion for children and youth that they would make right choices in their lives. From experience, I can tell you that if you choose Jesus to be your Lord and Saviour, to be part of your everyday life, He will never fail you. He has promised “I will never leave you, I will never forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5. You can trust Him – His promises are true. He is a faithful God to all who will put their trust in Him.