Tina Rapier

The Lord has completely changed my life! At the age of 16, I became an alcoholic. I used the alcohol to help me forget or cover deep feelings that I didn't want to remember or deal with. I used it to help feel accepted and good enough. At around the age of 20, I began to experiment with drugs. I also developed an eating disorder, which was later diagnosed as bulimia/anorexia. At this point I was addicted to drugs, alcohol and suffering with bulimia. It was around this time that I met Pastor Maynard and was introduced to the church. I attended a few times and drifted deeper into my addictions.

Over the years, Pastor Maynard kept communication lines open and had the church continue to pray. It's as if he kept those doors open because he knew that God had called me here. After about 8 more years and many self-induced trials, hardships and a final tragedy in my life, I surrendered to Jesus. Pastor Maynard and the church welcomed me and I have been serving the Lord for almost 12 years. I have been clean from my former addictions since September 17th of 1995. A strong Pastor who obeys the Word and the leading of God and a supportive church were definitely tools that the Lord used as a part of the transformation in my life.

Today, I can say with a thankful heart that I have been set free! God has cleaned my heart of the hurts of the past, helped me to deal with it, forgive it, and go forward. He has given me a new life! I do not go the places I used to go or do the things that I used to do. He has given me a new direction, new friends, and a church family. He has given me a Godly husband and three children to love and care for. We are so thankful for a merciful, powerful, forgiving, and saving God! We are also thankful for Him placing us in our church. My testimony and the things God has done for me are so much more and in-depth that I couldn't write it all, but I am always happy to share with anyone who would like to hear it or that it may help.

Careleen Griffen

"What really is the peace beyond all understanding?"
"What is the meaning of ‘He will never leave me or forsake me'?
"Is there for sure a place in heaven for me someday?"
"Does the Lord really hear my sincere prayers?"
February 2, 2002, will forever remain a special day for me, because on that day, the Lord totally and completely revealed all the answers to these questions that so confused me when facing cancer.

I always believed all the Lord's promises and teachings yet there was so much I did not understand especially when facing trials & hardships. The wonder of this is that you can believe and have hope without really understanding. Consider the creation and birth of a baby, a bird making it's nest, the sun warming the earth, and a delicate brain that helps us talk, think and function (to name only a few). "How can unbelievable, miracle-like situations such as these exist?" Just as it is concerning God; there is much I do not understand, and yet I believe it to be. 

On February 2nd 2002, after what seemed to be endless weeks of x-rays, lab work, ultra-sounds, and biopsies, I was waiting for the final results. It was almost an hour past the appointment time and I began to feel fear about the outcome. I asked myself, "Just where is God in all this?" With all my soul, I silently asked again for help and strength. Instantly it occurred to me, most of the time, all I do is ask!! I very seldom gave praise. "What if you had a friend asking favors constantly and very seldom gave you genuine appreciation?" At that moment I gave praise with all sincerity. There was praise for the doctor's knowledge & help, for my family, friends, pastor, church, and even reliable transportation for getting there, etc. After only a few minutes, the Lord's presence surrounded me! I knew it was the peace beyond all understanding from above because no words then or now can explain it! There was total peace and no fear! Within minuets my name was called to see the doctor. Peace & praise filled my heart! It did not matter any more what I would hear from the doctor. Of course I would have rejoiced if only minor surgery was needed. There was such peace; if given only six months to live, there was praise in my soul to have time to get my affairs in order. And yet also if the cancer was terminal, there was the peace and joy to know there definitely was a home in heaven waiting for me!

Because of cancer I know the Lord will never leave me or forsake me! I know He will give me peace in all troubled situations and I know without doubt there is a heaven that awaits me. It has been five years since this amazing experience and I still feel the peace that only He can give. The Lord will go with you all the way, and will never leave you or forsake you!

Careleen Griffen

I had a home daycare for nineteen years, however after a bout with cancer, I could not find an affordable medical insurance. I knew the time had come to seriously seek employment outside my home. I did not know if a job with medical benefits was possible anywhere since I was still being considered a cancer risk. Children were a complete blessing and such a joy to teach I wanted nothing else and did not know what I would be qualified enough to do.
For four and a half months I prayed, praised, and believed the Lord for a job. On Thursday, January 5th, 2006 a position became available that I had no experience in. I could not stop thinking about it. All night it was on my mind, as I kept asking myself questions like, "Is it really possible to get a job with no experience?" "Did I really want to chance traveling to and from work (since transportation at this time was not very dependable)?"  Also, it was a night position and there was some fear about working in a crime area (where I applied for the position). Before falling to sleep I simply asked the Lord again for His will in my decision.
The urge to apply was still strong in the morning so I gave praise for the opportunity. It was Friday, January 6th and I was officially hired that Monday!! This position offered full medical benefits plus life insurance and dental for only a small
co-pay. The site assigned to me permanently was only a five-minute drive form my home (I did not have to travel).
I am extremely contented with this job, because even more than to give praise for it is the fact, it is the easiest job I ever had!
There is no doubt the Lord provided all this for me!
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength…" Isaiah 40:31
Pray….Praise….Believe

Diane Gilley

My God is an awesome God!!

I transferred to Rockford 3 ½ years ago with my employer.  My plant was on the market to be sold. So my employment future was uncertain.  My manager called me in his office one day to notify me that he thought I had a great future in HR and had found me a job in Belvidere, Illinois.  I was shocked! I was just an HR Generalist. There were several executive management employees that were not allowed to transfer out of the plant and were forced to stay with the new owner.

The year before moving to Rockford I divorced my husband who I had been with almost 14 years. We had a great life.  Big house setting on 3 acres, of land that was beautifully landscaped, an in ground pool, a hot tub, 3 gold fish ponds, 3 dogs and 1 cat.  DINC’s- double income no child.  We could travel anywhere, anytime we wanted.  He golfed regularly and I played in the flower beds.  Even though we had the idea life together I was always missing something.  Searching for something more and really not sure what it was that I missing.  Several times over the years I had requested that we try going to church.  He never would.  So that was my excuse for not attending church. Our marriage ended in divorce but the outcome may have been different if I had just attended church on my own.

So here I am in Rockford; 700 hundred miles away from my family and friends.  Change of location did not change that empty feeling - something was still missing.  Deep down inside I knew it was really God that brought me here – not luck. And everything happens for a reason. I started attending church and seeking God.  I received the Holy Ghost and was baptized in Jesus name and things have not been same.  Praise God!!

Now I am a Sunday school teacher and a hostess on the Welcome Team. Nothing can compare to the personal satisfaction I receive from helping in God’s kingdom.

God takes care of all his children even when they are not living like they should be living.  He loves you when nobody else will love you.  He is a deliverer, redeemer, and healer.  He will be your rock and fortress and will keep you calm during a life storm.  All you have to do is call on his name and ask for him to come into your life!