My name is Jon and I served over 20 year in the United States Navy.

 

Growing up I was exposed early on to religion and faith was something that came very natural to me. I was a regular attendee of my local Baptist church where, at the age of 13, I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior and was saved (It would be many years before I was baptized). I still remember the immense joy I felt in that moment.  However, unlike a well nourished plant that joy would soon fade.

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You see I was taught many things about Jesus Christ. However, the one thing that I don’t recall being taught was about spiritual warfare or what I needed to do to stay strong in my faith. Because I did not have a solid foundation I quickly turned away from God and back to the ways of the world. I cussed and drank and fornicated like you would expect that of a typical Sailor. I thought, “hey I’m good, I’m saved”. Boy was I wrong. What I didn’t realize at the time was, because I had the Holy Ghost in me, yet continued to go against the teachings of Jesus, that it was creating a major conflict inside of me.

 

I had this feeling of total emptiness and helplessness and I didn’t know why. I had reached a VERY low point in my life and on multiple occasions very nearly took my own life. Then on September 18th 2022 (my mom's birthday) I went to church with my mom to watch her be baptized. During the service they asked if anyone else wanted to be baptized and I was overcome with a powerful conviction to go up with her, and so I too got baptized. A few days later I was compelled to start reading the Bible. So I started reading. I read every day and I took lots and lots of notes. Then over a period of time I realized it that emptiness inside of me started going away and I was being filled with an unexplainable happiness and joy similar to what I had back when I was 13 years old.

 

I no longer have the sever emptiness or any other destructive thoughts. I no longer feel compelled to cuss or to drink or to do anything of the things I was doing before. This is not to say I don’t have moments of weakness, because I do. Now, I know to lean on God more and to pray more often to get me through those times.

 

I continue to read the Bible everyday and share the Gospel with all whom will hear it. Having seen my baptism and my rededication to Jesus, both of my daughters have been saved and baptized. I’m praying my testimony will inspire you to do the same.  Just like in the story of the Prodigal Son, I had turned away from God and his ways. 

 

But, after I was humbled and repented, God showed me boundless mercy and willingness to forgive and He undoubtedly will do the same for you!