My Testimony, in Part

[Itsbygrayce]

Alone in a run-down hotel, owned and operated by a motorcycle gang,  I was a teenager, alone, and 3000 miles from home, and I had just given birth to a baby.  I was coerced, right after delivery to sign papers, surrendering my girl for adoption.  It hadn't taken much for the social worker to convince me that I simply was not good enough, or worthy to be a mother.  Through tears, I signed on the dotted line, still in the recovery room.

Only days after the birth, with empty arms and a hollow heart, I cried out  "God, if you are real, I need you."  The worthlessness I felt was over powering, and I thought of suicide.  I didn't see any reason to live.

I remembered the words a certain disciple had read to me, some months earlier.  They were from Romans 10:9 and 10.  "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."   I honestly do not recall the actual words that I spoke next, but I knew I needed a savior, a comforter.   Even as I write this, the memory of how much pain I was in, reverberates in me, and brings me to tears.

God in HIS mercy guided me from that moment.  How little I knew, yet a hunger was birthed within me.  I sought to understand God.  I quickly embraced the good news I read in a paperback edition of "Good News for Modern Man."  (the New Testament in modern English)

A few years later I married a wonderful guy, Drew, and together we embarked on a journey, seeking to have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.   Over time we became more and more committed to serving God, and His people.  Unfortunately my womb never produced another child.  Although I struggled with that for many years, I finally surrendered my struggles to HIM.  Opportunities arose where we were used to minister to many children and youth.  We were youth leaders in several churches, and poured into many lives. We also had the blessing of caring for around 15 foster children over the years.

Our hearts are knit together in service to our Father.  Today we are ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, with a new vision.  Although we had always been a part of worship teams, with hearts of gratitude and adoration, and we still do, we are being more drawn to reach the un-churched.   I find myself drawn more and more to people who may be defined as "sub-cultures."  Being a nature photographer, I have opportunity to interact with "nature lovers" and photographers, many of whom worship the creation and not the creator.  I am gifted in ways to touch them on their level with the love of God.   We have two commandments.  Love God, and love our neighbor.  That is our Father's heart, and it is my mission.

Doors have been opened to me to volunteer in "visitor interpretation" programs and centers,  sharing insight and knowledge about nature with the public.  What they also receive is a gentle reminder, from me, that an awesome God created it all.   Photography has also provided venues for me to share in like manner, to other artists.

Our vision, that we are certain has been given to us by the Holy Spirit, is to "GO!"  We are told in scripture to "Go into all the world."  Indeed the entire world is a mission field.   The mission field he is calling us to is National Parks, State Parks, and campgrounds.   My heart is to share God's love, and use nature as one means of illustration, along with practical ways of sharing it.  I envision gathering people around a campfire, feeding them, and sharing the gospel.  

We have been blessed to cook for and serve people from all walks of life.  Having once been a chef, including a private chef for a prominent billionaire,  as well as cooking and serving in a soup kitchen, I see no boundaries in class or culture when it comes to sharing God's love.  We've served populations as diverse as prison inmates, nursing home residents, handicapped people, youth, the richest, the poorest, etc.  

Doors have been opened to sell several of my photographs.  Most recently one of my photos, of a Slinky, has been on the cover of 450,000 math text books.  Some have also been published in National Wildlife Federation,  books, calendars,  BBC Wildlife Magazine,  and with several conservation organizations' websites.  Nikon featured me on their website, and interviewed me.  Etches of God is a new nature magazine from the creationist viewpoint.  I have contributed articles and photos that have been published in there.

We are excited with anticipation at how the lord is going to work all this out.  We are trusting him to provide an RV or some sort for us to travel in, and to become completely debt free, so we would "GO" in complete liberty, doing the work of the ministry.  Of course I'd keep shooting pictures wherever he places me.  

I want to end this with the good news that my daughter and I were reunited when she turned 18.  That was over 21 years ago!  Through us, she came to know the lord, and married a precious brother in the faith.  They have 4 children and are also worshippers, seeking a closer walk with HIM.

[JudyB]

OH WOW!!!  What a story!  Praise goes to God!!!

[Al Moak]

That's a great testimony, Grayce!  Now I see why your sig is itsbygrace.  Grace it is!

[Itsbygrayce]

Yes, all glory to God!  I have been so blessed.  It has been close to forty years that I have been walking with the lord.  I can't imagine my life without HIM.
I'm not sure I put this in the right place. 

[JudyB]

Just fine here!!!

[Ruth]

Your testimony is proof that God is Good.

My wish is that you have a wonderful relationship with your daughter and also the other family that she was a part of.

[juanital]

Wow-Great testimony-Thank you Jesus Christ our Lord and Brother and Our Father, Great-God Almighty-Glory to you be!!! Bless you-ItsByGrace for through trials and tests you have found the true way to live!!! How Gracious and Merciful is He!!!

[Jeanne Lee]

A wonderful testimony!  And a blessing to all who read it.