Vol. 2, No. 4, November, 1997

My Story of Christ in Me
By Lance Black

I grew up in a Christian home where my parents loved the Lord and brought me up in His ways. We went to church regularly and I attended many of the youth functions. Prayers before each meal were part of our life-style, and at Christmas Mom would pick someone to read aloud the story of Jesus' birth. One scripture passage I had to memorize was John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave His only Begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." I knew I was loved very much.

As I grew older I became influenced by my friends. Any free time between classes was spent drinking beer. Soon it became an everyday thing. And then came the drugs. The more I gave in to drink and dope, the more I began to lose my personality. Hate and anger filled my life. I didn't respect anyone, especially myself. Finally that point in my life came where I was very empty and sad. My life had be- come meaningless. Troubles arose between my girlfriend and me.

Following the suggestion of her mother, that she go to a parish renewal weekend, she went and came back completely different. A new hope was in her - Jesus. She kept wanting to talk about the wonderful experience she had had. What was so great about this renewal weekend, that caused her to only want to talk about Jesus? My curiosity was aroused. How could He change a person so much? What was so special about Jesus that my girlfriend would want to hang up our relationship? I had to know!

For several years my mother had been praying that I might experience the love that Jesus had for me. She kept trying to get me to go on retreats. Believe it or not, a letter came informing me about a retreat. I went and my life was changed. Jesus was special! He was a God of love who desired my life to be full of joy and happiness in knowing Him. Of course, when I told my mom and girlfriend, they rejoiced and we cried tears of joy together. But my friends laughed and said it would blow over in a couple of weeks. Attending bible studies, I began to learn about Jesus and what I could do for Him. I joined a prayer community and made a Life in the Spirit Seminar. Having committed my life to the Lord, it now has meaning and purpose. Three years later, the Lord continues to change me. My girlfriend is my wife and we had our first baby in June. I have also begun my own business.

Following Jesus means serving, and so I am involved in the Catholic Evangelization Training Center as a pastoral leader and in the music ministry.

At age 21, I look forward to the future with great excitement. Jesus has made me a new creation. Though I still have a long way to go, I know He will always be there, helping, guiding, loving, and teaching me. I pray to be the evangelizer that He wishes me to be, for I "know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).