Testimony & Service
Communion
Baptism
My Personal Testimony
In September 1990, my family and I made the exciting move from Nova Scotia, Canada, to the beautiful Shenandoah Valley area of Virginia. We started attending Front Royal Baptist Temple, where Pastor Danny Clegg was leading the congregation. I can’t quite remember the sermon he preached that Sunday night, but the following morning of September 7, 1992, I found myself outside by the old clotheslines, having a heartfelt conversation with my mom about Jesus, the devil, and the paths laid out for my life. After our chat, I felt the urge to explore my thoughts further, so I headed up to my room. Kneeling beside my bunk bed in that charming, creaky old Virginia farmhouse, I quietly asked Jesus to save me.
I distinctly remember the immediate joy that flooded my heart as I ran downstairs and back to my mom. I jumped into her very confused arms yelling, "I got saved!" I was then scripturally baptized not long after by Pastor Clegg there at Front Royal Baptist Temple.
Since this time, I have discovered that salvation, in the sense of sanctification, is a profound journey with Christ. I have witnessed the testing and training of the Holy Spirit in my life. As depicted in the video below, I endured a challenging season of depression and anxiety that led me to question the security and reality of my salvation. Yet, amidst this struggle, God fortified my faith and confidence, offering me comfort that I now share with others (II Cor. 1:3-4).
Reflecting on my original salvation experience and the journey to understanding His call on my life, I find deep gratitude for the grace that mirrors the Apostle Paul’s for it is solely by the grace of God that I am what I am and have been gifted with the care of His people. (I Tim. 1:12; 1Co 15:10)