Servant Leader
Theresa Edwards..... Props Director
Gods earthly journey for me started way back on a very hot summer day in 1952, in Wilmington NC, (according to my Mom). I was raised near where Anointed Vessels is located today, until my parents moved us six kids to near Ocean Isle Beach. That is where I met and married my husband Sam and raised our three children. We now have seven grandchildren (Gods perfect number) with the newest being a set of triplets. Sam and I have faced many challenges in our life, but the one I am about to tell you of is why my spiritual journey is so special.
I believe your life does not begin until you start living it with Jesus, and in fact this is exactly what the Bible tells us. You see, I am not the grandma who has always walked close with the Lord. Oh No, not me. I had to be dragged in kicking and screaming. Being very independent and almost defiant, I wanted salvation on my terms. I know now, how foolish that was, and if you are a true born again Christian, you must have a testimony. Here is mine.
It began with a phone call to my work place on Friday, July 25, 2003 at around 9:00 A.M. You might ask how she can be so exact about all this information. My reply is, sometimes things are so tragic they cannot be forgotten. My worst fears came to pass when I heard my husband saying, Stacey just called, (she was my daughter-in-law) Blake fell into the pool and he is not breathing. At that time, Blake was my youngest grandchild. He was 11 days short of his 2nd birthday when Jesus took him home.
Time goes by; everyone is coping as best they can everyone but me. I fell into a very deep and dark depression. The only emotion I felt for months was sadness. I was void of everything but the pain and emptiness in my heart. I went through the regimen of doctors, Psychology medications, and well meaning friends, to no avail. I was dying. I wanted to die. Every week another part of my body was breaking down. I was not only mentally sick. I was physically ill as well. Living was unbearable. Then the revelation came on Mothers Day 2004. One of those rare occasions where I would get up to shower, I stood looking at myself in the mirror and I knew at that moment that I had only one other option. I cried out to Jesus to either help me or take me out of this world, I did not care which one He chose but I could no longer bear the pain. And in Gods perfect plan, Stacey, (Blakes mother) asked me to go to church with her that night to hear her uncle preach. I rededicated my life to the Lord, and never looked back. I tell you this because nothing is impossible with God, I am living proof.
I am who I am, because Jesus loves me. I am ever reminded that His grace is sufficient, and that I can never praise Him enough for His mercies. Remember faith without works is dead and I am always looking for a way to show my love for the Lord. I teach a Sunday school class in my church, and I am youth director of our youth ministry. Jesus led me to Rev. Diana and Leland because I prayed to be used of Him, not just within my comfort zone, but to be with like-minded Christians proclaiming the Glory of God. This is my third year with AV, and it has been such an awesome adventure. We are a family that belongs to God. We help carry each others burdens and we enjoy in each others blessings. He is worthy of our praise!!
I am reminded in 2 Samuel 12:23 of King David upon learning the death of his son, when questioned by his servants why he chose to dress and eat at that time, his reply was;
But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. So you see, I cannot bring Blake back, but one day I will be able to join him, and we will walk on streets of gold together. I believe the time of His return is near at hand and that we must spread the Word of the Lord, bringing all who will hear to salvation. I am looking to the time when I hear Jesus say well done thou good and faithful servant, come and see the place I have prepared for you.
