When I was seven years of age, I decided I wanted to ask Jesus into my heart and forgive me of my sins.  I made the decision after attending First Baptist Church in Mebane, talking with Grandma Tilley, and my oldest brother, Craig.  I would have never had the nerve to stand up in front of the congregation without the faith of Grandma Tilley and Craig.  Standing up in front of a congregation can be daunting even for a pastor, so you can imagine then, how it would be for a boy at the age of seven.

Craig went with me to Reverend Lemley’s office where I would talk to him about salvation, and the Reverend wanted to make sure that I understood what was going on, and once he learned that I knew, he shook my hand and said, “Congratulations!” and I could come up to the altar if I wanted to.  I did not think walking up to the altar would be that big of a deal, but the more it sank into my heart and my brain, I realized it was the biggest deal of my life.

When the time came, I did not want to go before the congregation because I was scared, but luckily, Craig was sitting beside me and asked me, “Do you want me to go up there with you?”,and I said, “Yes.”  So with Craig by my side, we walked to the front of the altar; Reverend Lemley told the congregation about my decision to become saved.  Everyone clapped for me, and after service, most of the church members came by the altar and shook our hands.  It was really the best moment of my life; it reminds me of my favorite hymn: “Surely The Presence Of The Lord Is In This Place.”

Take care, and God bless!

Chris