The Words of My Testimony

1979 A Testimony of a New Life A Cry from My Heart in a Dorm Room God continued to pursue me into my first year of college at LSU. I wanted to do something different. So instead of joining my high school friends, who were almost all going to the dormitory where the sorority girls were headed, I went potluck on a roommate in the dorm that looked the most convenient by location, and God used the situation. I ended up with a Baptist roommate, who didn’t go out partying like most students, and spoke of Jesus. She was a weak Christian, and it wasn’t long before she began to compromise. When we came home to our dorm room one night she got down on her knees by her bed and was crying. I remember thinking how pathetic she was. She got up, looked at me, and said, “Lisa, I’m forgiven and have peace with God.” My heart was so moved. When I got in bed and the lights went out, tears began to fill my eyes and I thought, “I want to know God like she does, but I can’t ask her about it.” (I was proud and had resisted her ideas) Though as a child I was hungry to know God, by the time I was in college I’d become more entwined in the ways of the world and wasn’t as open and warm-hearted to the things of God. Fortunately, God’s love pursued me even in my pride. He softened my heart, and I began searching for answers. God heard my cry and had a plan to open my eyes to see the Truth and receive eternal life. Searching for the Truth, I went to a Campus Crusade for Christ Meeting. They were promoting an Andre Kole presentation on campus. Andre used his Magician show to share the gospel. I jumped in and offered to help them promote it (I don’t know if they realized I didn’t even know God yet.) When I went to the show, and when he shared about Jesus’ death and resurrection, my eyes were opened, and I understood. It was no longer information or knowledge, but an understanding in my heart, and my response was repentance and faith—I believed. The next day I was aware of so many changes within me, as if I were a different person. I didn’t want to do things I usually did. I wanted to do things I didn’t do previously. I had an immediate desire to change my ways. It seemed to come from who I now was, that I hadn’t been before. I had a hunger for God and His Word. I borrowed a bible from my roommate. I broke up with my boyfriend (just didn’t seem right anymore), and I began going to bible studies and seeking friendships with others who spoke of Jesus. That began an adventure with God that has continued for almost half a century. The change in me seemed so dramatic at the time. Things changed rapidly. Yet at the same time, the changes were a process—God has so much to do in me, and I initially had so little understanding of His ways. He had to renew my mind by His Word. He had to increase my faith and love. He had to give me understanding, wisdom, and knowledge to walk the path He prepared for me. I now know God. I know His voice. I know His comfort and strength. He gave me a new life by the power of His Holy Spirit. He answers me and directs me. In Him, I am forgiven and have victory over sin and condemnation. I have peace and joy that is beyond comprehension. He has delivered me from so many fears and troubles. I am growing up in Him, and He will complete the work He began in me. Ultimately, I will be with Him and those who believe in Him for eternity. I eagerly anticipate His return to take me where He is. I could not write of all the things God has done for me and through me—it’s too much. God was pursuing me from the time I was a child, and sent many people to reach me, but something happened when I heard the gospel preached at that Andre Kole show—I believed in my heart. I met the Lord and have been getting to know Him better ever since.