Changed Lives

April 2007

Testimonies in Baptism

More Testimonies Inside OBC

During the next few months we will be sharing the testimonies of several who have recently entered into the waters of baptism to identify themselves with Christ and His Church. This month Luke Anderson will be sharing his testimony.

Luke Anderson's Testimony:

It is a testimony to God's faithfulness in not giving up on me that I'm standing before you today. Even when I put more trust in my own abilities than in God, He has stayed faithful to me.

To years ago, I was asleep on a base just outside Fallujah, Iraq, when in the middle of the night I woke up to a large shower of rocks hitting against the side of my aluminum trailer. Tired from a grueling schedule, I rolled over and went back to sleep. The next morning, I woke to find technicians removing a large rocket that had been fired into our camp and had landed less than 15 feet from our door. It was a dud - had it detonated, I would not be standing here today. At that point, I finally realized who was really in control.

While being saved from death that day is a blessing that I count daily, it is insignificant when compared to Jesus saving me from myself.

Growing up, I was baptized as a baby, attended church and youth group regularly, and accepted Christ when I was six. My parents loved me unconditionally and were a wonderful model for me. I never got into too much trouble as I grew up, but I began to rely on my won talents and abilities instead of relying on God. My relationship with him suffered as I relegated Him further and further to the role of an assistant that I prayed to, learned about, but never fully trusted to come through when the chips were on the table. By the end of high school I was fully assured of my ability to live a life serving God my way.

My first summer at the United Stated Naval Academy flipped that all on its head. Both God and His agents in the military clearly demonstrated that my ability alone was not sufficient. Through a series of "coincidences" that were too perfectly timed to be from anyone but God, He introduced me to a Marine Officer and his family stationed at the Naval Academy, who were models for a relationship with God. Much like God, that family didn't give up when I was initially reluctant to put down my military tough-guy act. As I came to no longer regard my relationship with Christ as a momentary event when I was six to look back on, but as a present relationship to enjoy, and a future glory to hope in, God restored me.

I am confident that saving me was God's first step. I know that He has plans for me that are better than I possibly can fathom. I am so thankful that I can have total security because Jesus didn't give up on me several thousand Easters ago when He died and rose and He still will not give up on me today.