"LIVING LIFE'S GREATEST ADVENTURE!"
Ray's Conversion:
I began living life's greatest adventure as a small boy in rural Tensas Parish, Louisiana. My mother had been institutionalized when I was child and remained so for most of my young life. This was the result of domestic abuse and the loss of twin girls at birth. She never fully recovered. My father deserted his family leaving myself and four older brothers in the care of our grandparents. My grandparents then took on the task of raising five boys after having raised five children of their own. My grandfather, the Rev. A.D. Langston, was a mission pastor and served smaller churches at the time. Adding five growing boys to his household resulted in difficult financial conditions. God was faithful and through the kindness of church members, hunting, fishing, and gardening we were able to make ends meet. We even sharecropped a few acres of cotton. I still recall pulling a cotton sack, cutting my hands on the cotton bolls, and the balogna sandwiches and cold cokes for lunch. It was during this time that I learned how to hunt and fish which established in me an early enjoyment of the outdoor life.
More important, however, was the fact that I learned about Jesus at an early age and that God had a plan for my life. I can remember that, periodically, we would have revival services in this small rural community. It was during one of the services, as a nine year old boy, that I remember gripping the back of the pew in front of me under deep conviction that I was lost. My best friend stepped out during the invitation and that was all I needed. I stepped out right behind him and gave my life to Jesus Christ. When Jesus came into my heart that night he made a permanent change in my life. Experiencing his love for me and what that has meant to me through the years could never be completely expressed. I have struggled as all believers do but God began the process of growing me up in Christ and the work he began continues today. I have spent a lifetime discovering the spiritual blessings that I received when I trusted Christ. I am still opening the treasure chest of his promises today and know that this life that he gave me will last for all eternity.
I have had the privilge of traveling all over the world telling people about Jesus. I continue today to tell the same sweet story of the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. If you would like to know more about how you can experience this new life and how you can live “life’s greatest adventure” go to the GOOD NEWS. May God bless you. ---Ray Mears
