OREN S. BOYD’S TESTIMONY (01-11)
BEFORE FULL
COMMITMENT When growing up, I never felt I had a relationship with my father. He verbally mistreated me until after my mother had passed away two years before his death.
Thanks to my mother and grandmother, I came to realize that my Spiritual Father would be with me all my life. From Bible lessons (John 3:16, etc.), I learned that His son, Jesus had come to earth and died on the cross for my sins. By simply believing this and that God would forgive me allowed me to have everlasting life and a lifelong relationship with Him! Now, I had a Spiritual Father plus His Son Jesus that I could talk to when I had a problem. Although, I occasionally broke some of God’s laws growing up, I knew He was always there for me.
When I left home to go to college, I didn’t stay as close to Him as I should have. I dated a young woman for four years in college, and we were married. However, I did not provide the spiritual leadership for my family that I should have. We joined churches wherever we lived, but would stop attending on a regular basis and drift away. I tended to let worldly things worry me too much and didn’t turn over certain areas of my life to God (I didn't put Jesus number one in my life in all areas). I found myself not being the FATHER I should have been to my own son!
HOW By the time my son was a teenager, I realized he needed help. He was diagnosed with mental illness. I had a stroke when I was in my late forties, and had to spend three months in rehabilitation – I was unable to go back to my job. I was forced to take early social security disability retirement.
I made a new commitment to God (I made Jesus Lord of my entire life!). My son needed me, and the Lord let me live with my family here on earth so I could be a better FATHER. I would finally turn my complete life over to Christ.
AFTER I started reading and studying the Bible and Christian books every day. My personality would change, reflecting the enjoyment of learning more about God’s principles and the Bible. And, last, but not least, I would take a more active role in church and family, being that father for my son and family that leads to His glory!
Some of the blessings I’ve experienced since recommitting myself to Jesus include: Our son got a job sacking groceries and he has been able to keep it with the same company for over twenty-one years. He also has a love for the Lord that I am proud of (He is my hero)! Before my father passed away, I was able to forgive him for the way he had treated me. My daughter also has had mental problems and has needed her family’s support. My wife was able to retire while still in her fifties. My family was able to become comletely free of debt before she retired. My wife (Barbara) and I have been married over forty-two years! We have learned to turn our problems over to God and depend on Him one day at a time. However, the greatest benefit is I know my family will be going to Heaven because I have done what God wanted me to do as a FATHER!
My goal as a born-again Christian is to become more like Jesus and grow the kingdom of Jesus each day. I want to become a disciple servant of Christ telling others about Jesus and what He has done for me. I want to give God the glory for what I am able to do here on earth. Finally, when I arrive at my home in Heaven, I want Jesus to greet me by saying “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” (Matt. 25:21)
