Feb. 19 – Merileen’s Story

Lent is a time to remember and reflect.  So we’ve asked a number of people to share their stories with us.  Today, we hear from Merileen Thorson, a member of our Deacon team…

I heard the Gospel presented many times growing up. Billy Graham Crusades on television…Youth for Christ rallies…church services…Bible camp. Growing up in a Christian home, there were many chances to hear and respond to the salvation message. It seemed if the church doors were open, we were there. And if an invitation to accept Christ was given, I was ready. It wasn’t until I was in high school that the passage in Revelation 3:20 registered for me, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I WILL come in…” Somehow I had missed that assurance.

Moving on to college years, I had opportunities to grow and learn what the decision to follow Jesus I had made so many times as a young person really meant. It did not mean there would not be challenges or difficulties, but it meant there was Someone to walk with me.

The words of the old hymn, “Just as I am, without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me And that Thou bidst me come to Thee

Oh Lamb of God I come, I come” remind me of a decision that has directed my life.