We came from Holland to Canada in 1952 as a family of ten children, I being the oldest. We were a little bit religious, but did not go to church often. We first came to the Lethbridge area in Alberta, from there to High River, then to Taber, and on to Abbotsford, B.C. Finally, we moved to Port Alberni in 1956 where I met my wife. In 1968 we came in contact with the gospel through my brother Ron and his wife Willie. Then some brethren from Vancouver area assemblies came to our door and spoke with us; that day my wife was saved. After seeing the change in her, I also became troubled about my soul, and we went to a couple of gospel meetings. After a meeting we were invited to my brother’s for tea, where I met a local brother who spoke the gospel to us. After that I went to see him and he showed me many gospel verses, such as Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” I knew I did not know the Lord Jesus as my Savior. I continued speaking to this brother almost every night for the next two weeks, and went through many scriptures, such as John 3:3, “Ye must be born again” and John 3:16, “For God so loved the world.”
November 3rd was a great day in the U.S.A. It was Election Day and millions of people cast their vote to choose a new president. Little did I know that I also would make a choice that evening. As I was in deep soul trouble, we read 1 Kings 18:21, where Elijah said, “How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow Him.” We read other verses, such as 1 John 5:12-13 and Acts 4:12, “There is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” Then we went down on our knees and I told the Lord I was a sinner and asked for forgiveness. After reading “Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor 6:2), I received the Lord Jesus as my Savior that evening while on my knees before the sofa. I had peace with God knowing I was saved, and the joy of salvation filled my heart. Wondrous grace of God!
Now, looking back almost 35 years, I realize I had been trying to hide from God. I had liked the way I was living and that was enough for me. I think of Adam (Gen 3) when he disobeyed and ate of the fruit. God called and said, “Where art thou?” (Gen 3:9). Adam said, “I was afraid.” He knew he had sinned, so he hid himself like so many people today who think they are not so bad. Others are hiding in their religious beliefs. Some think they can pay their own way, and have many other excuses. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” There are no exceptions, and so everyone needs salvation. 1 Timothy 1:15 says, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” When on the cross, the Lord Jesus cried, “It is finished!” He had paid the debt in full for all who believe on Him. You too can know your sins forgiven. Why not today?
By faith the Lamb of God I see
Expiring on the cross for me
He paid the mighty debt I owe
He died because He loved me so.
