Testimonies

“I have Decided to Follow Jesus”

Have you ever heard of Belize? It is a small country on the Caribbean coast, bordering Guatemala and Mexico. This is where I was born and grew up. I was raised in a Christian home, with parents who loved the Lord and sought to know His perfect will. I don’t remember when the first time was that I prayed to receive the Lord into me, but I know it must have happened sometime before I turned 11 years old, because that is when I got baptized. I know I loved the Lord, and really enjoyed learning about Him in the Word; however, for the most part I was just following my parents.

In high school, at the age of 15, I attended a young people conference and the speaking was on Abraham and Lot. God appeared to Abraham, to call him out of his country and Lot followed Abraham out. This was the best thing Lot could have done. However, because he never received a personal appearing from God he eventually left Abraham and went his own way downward, away from where God was leading. I was impressed that it was very good for children to follow their parents, but that if I did not have a personal appearing of the Lord, then eventually there would be nothing to keep me on the way God wants His children to go.

I remember that night after hearing that speaking, I went to my room to be alone. I prayed desperately to God to appear to me. I believe He did, because He was so real to me. I consecrated my life to Him and told Him that even if my parents would not continue to follow Him, I would choose His way. Now, 17 years later, I can say that the Lord has honored this prayer. To this day I’m pursuing the Lord, seeking His will, and loving Him above all else. Praise Him. 

Linda Penner