I was privileged to have been born into a Christian home where the bible was read daily, and I was prayed for before I was born.
From the earliest I can remember, I was taken to hear the Gospel, and attended Sunday School where I was taught the Word of God, and memorized a verse of scripture each week. This foundation gave me the knowledge, like Timothy, "and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Jesus Christ." 1 Timothy 3:15.

As a boy, I was stirred, at time, as to my need of salvation. God in his graciousness used different experiences to cause my thoughts to be on eternal things. Accidents in the area, deaths in the family, disappointments in life etc., were with out doubt, the finger of God
in my life.

In 1958, a Gospel tent was pitched on our farm, and several souls were saved, under the preaching of the late Lorne McBain and Herbert Dobson. Among these were my sister and two of my younger brothers.
The world had begun to get a hold on me, and though I attended most of the meetings, I didn't get saved in these meetings. However, through Isaiah 55:8-9, I learned that my thoughts were wrong about God and about myself.

In 1959 a tent was pitched in Lakeshore Ontario, with the brethren Norman Crawford, and the late James Lipke preaching the Gospel. I had by this time, began to blame God for not saving, but had to learn that I didn't deserve to be saved. I found out that I couldn't figure out God's salvation, so I was lost. While I was privileged to be under the influence of Gospel preaching, I learned that I was no different than anyone else. "For there is no difference, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23.

On August 26, 1959, I had reached an end of myself, and knew I was going to be in Hell. That afternoon, while reading Isaiah 53:6, I realized I was among the "All" at the beginning of the verse. "ALL we like sheep have gone astray." Not only by what I had done, did I know this, but because God has said it, it was true. Also, I had willfully gone my own way. Joy flooded my soul as I read "the Lord hath laid on him, the iniquity of us ALL." I was in this last all as well. God laid on his son my sin. I was saved from all that my sins deserved. John 3:36 gave me the assurance of salvation. "He that believeth on the son hath everlasting life."

For 43 years now, I have had the assurance of sins forgiven, and the enjoyment of a present and eternal salvation. The hope that salvation brings, is more than words can express. What a hope we have, heaven for all eternity!