Hello from Mississippi

Hi. I'm never good with introductions as I generally don't like to talk about myself. I'm simply the chiefest of sinners saved by the grace of my Sovereign Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

I go by several titles I guess you could say (I'm a busy man), but you can call me Parker. I'm married to a wonderful woman and God has blessed us with 2 beautiful daughters, 6 and 3. We live in a small community in central Mississippi. I'm an IT Business Analyst, a Music Director, a Training Union leader, a supply preacher, and a Volunteer Fireman.

I have had a very winding life. I was raised in a Congregational Methodist Church and am still influenced by many Wesleyan ideals. I "thought" I was saved at a fairly young age of 12 and was even "sprinkled" at the time. When I got to college I started rebelling big time. I got out of normal church attendance. When I got married I started a job and my boss was a strong atheist... The one's that want to convert you to the "dark side" as he called it. I fought it for about a year, but soon my weak, weak faith was shaken and I too claimed to be a strong atheist for almost 5 years. I laughed at the church, made fun of God, made fun of Christians.... I was miserable.

During these 5 years, my life turned upside down. I was mad at the world. Financial problems grew exponentially. My marriage took a large hit because of my attitude towards it. Yet, deep down I was still searching for something... Or rather someone was searching for me. Almost 3 years ago now some friends from the Fire Department that I volunteer at asked me to come to church with them. I cherished their friendship so decided I'd go... secretly thinking how I would laugh at the preacher inside....Man was I in for a shock!

I walked in the doors and this feeling of being "home" overtook me. The sermon that morning cut like a two-edged sword. I got home and told my wife that she HAD to come back with me that night. She experienced the same feeling that I felt (she had been out of church for some time now too, because of me). We started attending regularly and within a few weeks God had mercy on my poor retched soul and saved me... TRULY saved me. ...The one that had denied Him, that had spit on His word, that had laughed at His people. I was so ashamed, but God forgave me... granted me true repentance... and took me in and treated me like a son. A few weeks later I was baptized with the "Believer's Baptism" (this time with submersion) at Mt. Zion Baptist church where I am still a faithful member today.

It wasn't long after my public confession (maybe a month) that God started dealing with me again that He had bigger plans for me. I accepted His calling on my life into the ministry. Almost the same week, the door opened for me to become the Minister of Music at the church and also the Training Union minister/teacher. The church granted me an "Exhorter's License" and I was able to supply preach at this church when the pastor left a few times and also at some other churches. I continue to lead the Training Union and supply preach as needed today. I still feel that God has plans on me becoming a full time pastor or missionary, but I don't want to force His hand, so I'm walking through the doors He opens and taking things one day at a time.

God has been SOOOOOOOOO merciful to me. I can't begin to describe how humble and grateful I am that He chose me. He saw a broken man, dead in sins, and decided to give me life.

Anyway that's my life and testimony in a nutshell.... I look forward to having progressive discussions with you all in the near future. While I may not always agree with everything everyone here says (I've already read a few), know that I love you and I will always try to be respectful of your beliefs. We are to build up and edify one another, not tear down like so many are prone to do.

God bless you all!

 

In this instance, however, I did so so that God might receive the glory for what He's done in my life. :thumbs: