Testimonies

Beau B.

I was born and raised in Canada. Because my parents are US citizens, I hold dual citizenship with the United States. While in high school, I developed a desire to join the U.S. Coast Guard. Upon graduating in 1997, I finally pursued that dream.
     Church was not a significant part of my childhood, although my mother did occasionally take my sister and me. I do remember going to a church camp one summer. I also remember my grandfather talking to me about God and church. My grandparents have been faithful believers and strong Christian pillars in our family long before I was born. Grandpa would often emphasize the need for me to have a personal relationship with Jesus. Because I was more interested in self-gratification and living the party lifestyle, I found it convenient to keep God at a distance. I joined the U.S. Coast Guard fresh out of high school and journeyed headlong toward a life of self-centeredness. The sailor life offered the opportunity for an unbridled journey of partying and pleasure.

At various times through my adventures at sea, I would get a letter from my mother or grandmother telling me they were praying for me. I recall my grandfather telling me sternly that I needed to find and good church. After getting drunk with my friends in celebration of my 22nd birthday, I wondered about life's meaning. I realized that the more I pursued success, money, and social life, the more empty and meaningless my life felt. I wondered if it would even matter what I achieved in this life if, in the end, I ended up in the grave.
     My grandfather's words started coming back to me. His desire to help me find good Baptist churches while I was in the military led me to attend a specific church he recommended in Astoria, Oregon. I started attending infrequently while enjoying partying on the side - or rather, partying while enjoying church on the side. One service I heard about an upcoming revival meeting the church was hosting. I decided right away that I would attend all five nights, even though I had no clue what it entailed. It was at one of these meetings that God spoke to me about the direction my life was heading.
     I heard that my decisions to disobey God were separating me from Him and that the price for my disobedience was death. When I heard that Jesus paid the death penalty for me and sacrificed His life for mine, so that I could have a clean relationship with God, I felt instantly unworthy. I can't believe He died on the cross for my rebellion against Him, and yet, that is exactly what I believed in that very night. He knew no sin of His own, but paid for all my willful disobedience that was leading me to a life of emptiness and sorrow. My sin which held me down, couldn't hold Him down. He rose again triumphant over death - my death! I knew right away that God was challenging me to stop living for myself and to start living for Him. I repented of my sins, asked Christ to save me, and turned away from my self-centered ways.
     After meeting Christ, my life changed completely. Jesus has satisfied where the bottle never could. He gives such lasting joy that no party on earth can compare. Because of Him, I no longer need to find meaning in my job, myself, my friends, or my choices of entertainment. He cleaned up my vulgar mouth and gave me new taste buds.

Jesus has given me meaning and validated my life. I have found joy, contentment, and peace with God. I will be with Christ forever - Now that's something to party about!