Testimonies

My testimony of Salvation

I did not grow up in a Christian environment - far from it. My mother was a bartender, and my stepdad was a rodeo cowboy. Still, as far back as I can remember, I have believed God exists. As a child, I vaguely recall attending a backyard Bible class and a vacation Bible school at a church a couple of times. The first time I recall being witnessed to was in seventh grade by Shannan Alexander, a classmate whose dad was one of my stepdad's team roping partners. Shannan had found salvation at Riverview Baptist Church in Pasco, WA, and she began sharing her faith. I remember her witnessing to me, but I didn't agree with her.
     In high school, I attended a Billy Graham meeting at a theater in Walla Walla, WA. I filled out a decision card and joined their mailing list, but I don't recall much else.

At 19, while working in a welding shop, a coworker named Cash Nichols witnessed to me. Though I initially teased and argued with him, Cash said, “Marvin, God is tapping you on the shoulder. You're listening before you argue.” Driving home that night, I began to contemplate. I believed in God and the Easter story, so why wasn't I a Christian? When I approached Cash and asked how to become a Christian, he mentioned something about playing guitar in a park, gave me a “Good News for Modern Man” New Testament, and a book on Christian marriage (though I wouldn't meet my future wife for three more years). Somewhat frustrated, I began watching TV evangelists on Sundays. Traveling for bull riding made my weekends busy, and the Christians I knew from high school weren't the kind I wanted to emulate. The TV evangelists seemed better than the Christians I knew. One Sunday in April 1977, watching Rex Humbard, his wife sang "It Is Finished," and Rex preached a message on the battle for the soul. He urged his audience to accept Christ as Savior. I did.
     Two and a half years later, in December 1979, my Ironworker partner, Mike Riggs, invited me to Cornerstone Baptist Church in Kennewick, WA. I attended the second Sunday of the churchs existence, made my profession of faith public that first morning, and was baptized a couple of weeks later.
     Before my baptism, my Aunt's pastor, Rev. Holiday, told me, “You never know. God could call you into the ministry. If He would call me, he could call you.” I denied it then, but I knew God was calling me into His service.

Mike discipled me before work and during breaks. With his encouragement, I resolved to be “all in” for Christ. I couldn't see a good reason to claim to be a child of God and live otherwise.