I Don’t Have to Fear Hell Anymore
-Paula Williams

My name is Paula Williams, and this is my story. I grew up in Illinois. Our family attended the Lutheran Church for a few years, then stopped going to church altogether. When I was 12 years old, I was enrolled in LaSalle-Peru Christian School. This is where I heard about salvation. I knew that if I died without being saved, I would go to hell. I was so afraid of going to hell that one day I prayed and asked God to save me from hell.

9/11 – Day of Decision
-Debbie Wilhite

For years, the Lord patiently paved the way to finally show me my need for the Savior. Looking back, I am amazed at His grace and mercy. My name is Debbie Wilhite, and this is my story.

Four Words That Changed My Life
-Jerry Wilhite

Growing up in the mid-western state of Iowa, I had all a boy could want – a solid home life with parents who loved me; a 120-acre farm on which to hunt, fish, hike, and ride my motorcycle; a small school where four major sports were offered; multiple job opportunities; wholesome friends; and, eventually, a car I could call my own – a blue Volkswagen Bug.

The Truth Can Set You Free
-Jim Stuber

I lived a life of enslavement to sin which dragged me through the pains of divorce, jail, addiction, and defeat. Many would have looked at my life and thought there was no hope for someone like me, but God lovingly kept getting my attention and finally set me free. My name is Jim Stuber, and this is my story.

I Came for Baptism,
but Found I Needed Salvation First
-Jisela Starr

When I was young, neither of my parents belonged to or visited any church. In the area where I lived there was not much for children to do on the weekends. My neighborhood friends used to go to Catechism on Saturday afternoons, so I decided to join them. I completed the studies necessary for my confession and confirmation. Later, I attended church some, but going to church was more of a routine than anything else.

I Thought I Had it All
-Mike Starr

I was raised as an only child with my father in the military, so we moved around a lot. I pretty much kept to myself and was quiet growing up. My family did not get out to church very often, so I did not know a whole lot about spiritual things. What little I knew came from my mother, and she basically said I just needed to believe in God.

My Pilgrimage from Ritual to Relationship
-Gerry Seltzer

My name is Gerry Seltzer, and this is my story. When I think about my religious or spiritual experience during the first 45 years of my life, it would be most accurately described by words such as rituals, rules and regulations.

I Was Just Playing Church
-Amy Rupert

Growing up in a loving family, I had a very happy childhood. I have many wonderful memories of spending time together with my parents and a younger sister and brother. My memories also included our weekly attendance and active involvement in our church, the United Church of Christ in Berwick, PA. After graduating from high school, I remained faithful in church, but allowed the sinful nature with which we are all born, (Romans 3:10,23) to control my life.

I Was a Good Girl,
Headed for a Bad Place
-Elizabeth Roy

When I was sixteen I was considered a “good girl.” I had attended the Presbyterian Church from the time I could walk; I was baptized as an infant, I was an active church member, I obeyed my parents and did well in school. And, just to make sure—I made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. I viewed it as an insurance policy just in case “being good” wasn’t enough.

There Is Nothing I Could Do to Get Myself into Heaven
-Sheri Reiss

While growing up, I went to church every Sunday. My grandfather made sure of that, since I would stay with him because my mother worked. I went every weekend, until the summer I turned 16 years old and got a job. I would still go to church every Sunday that I didn’t have to work.