I was raised in a Christian home, which had a tremendous influence on my life.  Growing up, everything I saw, heard, and knew was centered around the Church.  As a young child I was taught right from wrong, and I knew about Jesus - His death, burial, and resurrection - and I knew that He had died for me, a little boy from Ansted, WV.

        When I was about seven years old, I attended a great Christian summer camp for a week in Charleston.  It was held on an island and the only way back to shore was across a swinging bridge.  I was having a good time, but something was bothering me.  I really wasn't sure what it was because I didn't know much about conviction and the Holy Spirit calling.

        On Thursday all the kids were playing and having a great time except for me.  I was sitting all alone on a picnic table when a counselor noticed me and walked over to talk to me.

        Looking back on it now, the Lord specifically sent that man to me.  How do I know this? Well, a man usually asks, "Did somebody upset you?" ; "Did you get into a fight?" ; or "Will they not let you play?"  Instead, he asked, "Tim, what's wrong? Are you saved?"

        I said, "no."

        He said, "do you want to be?"

        I immediately told him yes.  I accepted the Lord into my heart, the chains of sin were loosened, and I was Heaven-bound! PRAISE THE LORD!!!