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Discussion in 'Prayer Requests & Praise' started by ajg1959, Dec 16, 2008.

  1. ajg1959

    ajg1959 New Member

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    I am looking to start my life anew. I still dont want to live if it means going back to what i was, but i do have some hope now.

    I would have to write a whole testimonial to explain everything, but let me sum it up by saying this.

    I was called to ministry way back in 1985. My church ordained me with a license to preach and i started seminary. shortly after that, my life went into a turmoil...everything went wrong. I quit the church, the seminary, and my family.

    Soon after that, i went to prison for property crimes. And yes i was guilty, and deserved way more time than I got. From 1986, all the way thru my prison time (it was extendened because i escaped for 3 years) I was in rebellon against God. i thought that either he wasnt real, or, like some of you Calvanists would say, I wasnt one of His chosen.

    It took till 2003 for me to go back to church and start to get my life right again. I immediately felt the call to the ministry again, but this time my heart went out to the homeless, addicted, and the ex cons. That is the ministry that I hope to work in someday. I set up an online bible course thru a baptist Seminary to get my BA in pastoral studies, but kept putting off starting it for one reason or the other.

    Then I met Sherry. We got married and had Joshua. I thought we would be a godly family and that I would start seminary again, but Sherry has rebelled against going to church. She refuses to go, and when i do talk her into it, she gets rude with everyone there and just really makes a scene. She has told me many times that she doesnt want our family and home to revolve around God. She just wants us to be "normal". Anyway, she has left me, and doesnt want to talk to me or let me talk to my son, so I am free to find my place in God's work without her interfereing.

    I have told her many times that I cant just live "normal". That I have to follow god and His plan for me, or follow Satan. I dont have a choice of mediocrocy.

    She doesnt care. And now she has taken my 3 year old son off somewhre and refuses to talk to me, much less tell me where my son is.

    I am practically homeless and destitute. Do any of you know where I can go to find a good church, and eventually get into a good Bible College, so that I can make good on my vow that i made to God 25 years ago?

    I am not tied down anywhere, ao i can go anywhere, I just need to get spiritually grounded and start school.

    BTW, I am a welder, and can get a job anywhere almost.

    Can any of you point me in the right direction?

    Thanks for your prayers

    AJ

    PS....I just left the recovery program today and checked my email, and there was a message from my daughter that i havent heard from in several years. It just said "I love you Dad".

    If that is not hope, then I dont know what is.
     
    #1 ajg1959, Dec 16, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 16, 2008
  2. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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    I would hope we can keep this thread away from criticism.
     
  3. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    AJ, I can't tell you how good it is to hear from you. Bless you, son. I pray that all will lead you in His light and open avenues of learning and service. See, your daughter loves you, and so do we in Christ.

    I am sure people closer to you and younger than me can offer more practical help.

    Cheers and God bless,

    Jim
     
  4. ajg1959

    ajg1959 New Member

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    Ah Jim, I have learned not to expect much.

    AJ
     
  5. Amy.G

    Amy.G New Member

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    AJ!!! :love2: :love2:


    I thank the Lord Jesus for you! Bless your heart, you have been through so much. I pray God carries you in His arms right now. You're going to make it!

    Is it possible to move where your daughter is? Maybe there's a blessing in the making there?
     
  6. ajg1959

    ajg1959 New Member

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    I would move to her in a heartbeat, but she wouldnt like that I am sure.

    Her husband is in the Navy and I believe they live in San Diego, but I am not sure. She does have a 3 year old (my grandson) that i have never seen or spoken to though.

    Pray for us.

    AJ
     
  7. annsni

    annsni Well-Known Member
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    AJ, brother - My prayers are with you. I don't know of anyplace that could take you personally but I know that God has a plan for you. Stay in His will and He will lead you.
     
  8. Amy.G

    Amy.G New Member

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    Maybe you could start out slow and just talk on the phone or email and get to know each other. But I don't want to try and tell you what you should do. You know better than me for sure, but I'll pray God for wisdom to make the right decisions.

    :1_grouphug:
     
  9. mcdirector

    mcdirector Active Member

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    AJ!

    I was so tickled to get home and find this thread that you have started! I have been thinking about you and praying for you.

    Thanks so much for sharing with us and keeping us updated. I've got no advice now but will continue to pray.

    Bitsy
     
  10. blackbird

    blackbird Active Member

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    AJ

    Glad to see you posting again, Brother---------Our prayers are certainly with you as you begin new--------the Lord Jesus has a plan for you---all you have to do is show up at the right time and place and He will lead you there

    On another note-----this thread is posted in a debate forum and I feel like I must move it elsewhere to keep with protocal

    I will move it to Pastoral Ministries

    Take care

    Bro. David
    aka Blackbird
     
  11. rbell

    rbell Active Member

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    Welcome back, aj, and you continue to be in our prayers.

    Don't know where you're from...but I know they are looking for lots of help in Coastal Texas and South Louisiana (reconstruction from hurricanes). Your trade would come in handy.

    Anyhow...God bless ya, and welcome back.
     
  12. TomVols

    TomVols New Member

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    May you be lifted up in prayer by all who name the name of Christ.
     
  13. John Toppass

    John Toppass Active Member
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    AJ, just to hear from you is answered prayer. I will continue lifting you up in prayer and you continue seeking His will.
     
  14. Magnetic Poles

    Magnetic Poles New Member

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    AJ, you do not know the joy your posting has brought me. I have been keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, and while worried, have been entrusting God to keep you safe. Things will definitely get better for you. Not to say there will not be challenges, but one thing I have learned is that there is always hope and restoration.

    God's richest blessings to you, my friend and brother.
     
  15. NiteShift

    NiteShift New Member

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    AJ, they employ alot of welders at Jeffboat in Jeffersonville, IN. Here is a LINK

    On this side of the river is the Louisville Bible College, and here's a LINK to that. I know of a couple of people who attended there, but don't know anything about the school really. At least one of them has a church now.
     
  16. PJ

    PJ Active Member
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    AJ!!!!!!!!!!! I'm thrilled you've started this thread! I'm not sure where you live, but some really great advice has been shared. As God's child, you are special ~ both to He and to us. Stay in a forward motion and please keep us updated as we pray for God's leading and healing in your life. :wavey:
     
  17. ajg1959

    ajg1959 New Member

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    Louisville is a good possibility, because I have worked for a company from there before and I am sure I could go back if they have an opening.

    Also, I believe Sherry has my son in the Indianapolis area, so that wouldnt be too awful far to go see him once she comes to her senses.

    Thanks for the tip, and I am looking at Louisville Bible College now.

    AJ

    Obviously I need to find a good church and get grounded before i start Bible College, so I am hoping to start next fall.
     
    #17 ajg1959, Dec 19, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 19, 2008
  18. ajg1959

    ajg1959 New Member

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    Sorry Niteshift, I cant go to LBC, I just read their statement of faith, and they believe in salvation thru baptism, which I believe equates to a work of man and not the grace of Jesus. But, I will keep looking, thanks for trying.

    AJ
     
  19. SaggyWoman

    SaggyWoman Active Member

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    AJ, just a note to let you know that we are all praying for you.

    All others, remember this is a prayer forum, and all requests are to be addressed as requests, not debates, etc.
     
  20. PJ

    PJ Active Member
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    I keep your name on post-it note close by, AJ, so I won't get busy and forget to pray for you. Hope you're having a good day today ... :wavey:
     
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