Hello,
I'm new here, and decided I should give my testimony.
The first 25 yrs. of my life, I lived very rebellious, and alcohol was a very real problem. I also delved into the occult, witchcraft, and astrology. I had a natural attraction for the supernatural, but didn't know why. This kind of living caused me much grief, and by the time I reached my 20's, I was old already. There were times I wanted to die, and satan almost did in several accidents I should have been killed in. God in His mercy had His hand on me even then. But I also became very cynical, and hard in my heart. My family felt there was no hope for me.
Shortly after my father's death, I had an emotional breakdown, and could not face the public anymore, and became a recluse. Only my family members saw me, but left me to myself, because I was unpredictable. They never new what I might say or do.
But, one day I sat reading a christian book given to me by a sister, and alone in my house on a cold day in March 1978, I received Christ as Savior, and filled with the Holy Spirit a couple of months later. I received tongues, and knew I was hearing the interpretation of the lady next to me who was praying in the Spirit, though I didn't understand HOW I KNEW. The lady I came with who was older in the Lord explained what was going on with me when I told her this "message".
The first thing I did was get rid of all of the books, materials, objects of the past sins of sorcery, witchcraft, and occult. I burned them all, and repented of all of it. I renounced these sins, and asked for cleansing. The very first book I read in the bible was Revelations, and read it 3 times in one day. As I read it, I cried all thru it, and felt God's presence so strong I new He was there right in that house with me. After reading the 3rd time, I heard His voice say "you will be here when I return".
From this point on, the operation of the gifts of prophecy, interpretation, and words of knowledge have been given to me, along with dreams and visions. There have been times when I've wanted to run away from it, and not allow the Lord to use me, but finally, about 10 yrs. ago, I said ENOUGH, HAVE YOUR WAY LORD. I became tired of knowing I was grieving him because of my disobediance. Any persecution, or scorn is nothing compared to knowing I am hurting Him.
Shortly after my salvation, my husband threatened me saying, "you will have to decide whether to believe in your Jesus our stay with me. If you choose Jesus, you will have to leave." He meant it, and I had to leave with our 8 yr. old daughter. I lived alone for two yrs., but kept praying for him. On Jan. 2, 1981, we were remarried. However, this was the beginning of more sorrow. Six months after our remarriage, he had a major heart attack, and almost died. He wasn't saved, and as I stood by his bed and looked at him hooked up to all the equipment, I prayed he wouldn't die and go to hell. The Lord's presence came into the room, and I heard him say "he will not die, I will raise him up, but he will take medications the rest of his life." It happened just as I heard. He lived another 24 yrs., but had to take medications every day. He did receive Christ 9 months before he died.
At the age of 30, the Lord called me to the work of intercession and prophecy, for New England, and the U.S., and many other areas of the world. Over the yrs. I've served as prayer chairman for Aglow Fellowship, and other organizations, and in the local churches in my area. I teach men at a Teen Challenge complex here in my state of Vermont.
As I said, there has been times when I've dug in my heels and said no, I am ashamed to say.
At this place in my life now, He has become my husband, as well as Lord. Though I step out in fear and trembling, I've made up my mind to obey Him, whatever the cost. I know His coming is very near. I want to bring Him honor and glory with the rest of my days.
a servant, Lorna
