MY TESTIMONY
My Testimony of how I came to trust Jesus and what “faith in Him means to me”-spans my lifetime. I have had many single events that over time proved to me-that I am on the same path as the Lord. He taught me how to love and serve others with my successes and failures as a human being. I am dependent on God to live this life. I can not do anything with out Him. I gave my life to Jesus and have never wavered from my desire to serve humanity. I am truly humbled as I serve others. It is an honor and a privilege to be a Christian.
My mother taught me aboutJesus at a very early age. She demonstrated what it meant to trust His power in our lives. Though out my life, my faith in God has grown to the degree that I am unshakeable in my devotion to Him. I depend on the Lord daily. He is my best friend. Serving others for God has brought my life true meaning. I have a passion for people. I enjoy sharing Jesus’ love for the world. I believe it has always been my destiny and purpose in this life.
When I was in fourth grade, my large family moved to a small logging town called Hyampom, in California. We discovered that the only church that met, in the old one room school house, was Catholic. My mom got in touch with a nondenominational church in Eureka, and ask for support to plant a church using the same building. The church accepted our request and made quarterly visits after the initial set up.
My mother began leading Bible study and worship each Sunday morning. I assisted her in leading singing for worship. I began a youth ministry at that time, having some experience in Junior Worship in churches we had been members. I am the third of seven children and was raised to be responsible of my young siblings and other children.
We later moved to Clewiston Florida and became members of a local Presbyterian church. I approached the Paster with the idea to organize a Junior Worship. Being twelve and already having three years experience, he gave me the task. Each Sunday I enjoyed teaching and leading worship for the children in our church. It was here that I began using puppets into the lessons and organized a team of puppeteers who would also perform for special events in the regular worship. I also organized events such as Harvest Fest, and Christmas Caroling. I worked with the Youth Minister helping arrange field trips for the teens. I got my neighborhood friends involved which helped our youth group grow.
My family was on the lower economic scale and depended on the Lord daily. The members of the local church would help us with food and clothing from time to time. My mother’s deep faith kept us turning to Jesus. We never went hungry or homeless even though my mom was a single mom raising seven children. She was a nurse and worked nights. My father deserted us when I was twelve and didn’t send support. We knew from many years of blessings, that the Lord would come through for what ever we needed. I knew that Jesus loved me and cared for my family. My family has continued to be very loving and supportive throughout the years. All seven of us are faithful Christians and active in or local churches.
I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior when I was attending church camp and was baptized. I realized that I wanted to continue to serve the Lord. I decided that I would like to attend a Christian College. Preachers and youth leaders encouraged me and I took advantage of High School Days at David Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, and Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas.
After High School Graduation my family and I moved back to California. I became involved in a Missionary group involving teens that visited small congregations in California conducting their Vacation Bible Schools and Church Camps.We conducted Youth Rallies and had a Puppet Ministry. In order to be accepted into “Victor Rodrigues Youth Group”, I was put through rigorous course study. Before taking the test I was required to memorize over 200 scriptures and write several themed papers on such topics as Love, Faith, and trust in the Lord. I was then hired as the teen women’s leader and served for a year. Our ministry was evangelistic and I was fortunate to be involved with bringing several people to Christ. I was supported by my local congregation, who later gave me a contribution for College registration.
As a result of this experience I was introduced to a small Christian college in Portland, Oregon. I attended and graduated from Columbia Christian College from 1976-1981. Being a part of Columbia was a fantastic experience and helped increase my love and faith in Jesus. Bible was a required subject each quarter and I graduated with a Minor in Bible and a Bachelor Degree in Counseling Education. I was blessed beyond my imagination at Columbia and remain close to former teachers and students. I am currently a volunteer counselor at Columbia Christian Schools two days a week.
During my years at Columbia and beyond, I was active in youth ministry using puppets, “Joy Bus” and Sunday School classes for all ages. I have been a part of the Worship team for many years and have led countless classes and groups. I have been the keynote speaker at ladies lectureships, retreats, seminars and camps. I have also been a part of several Ladies singing groups. We would perform at weddings, funerals and senior residents and hospitals. Leading others in groups as well as individual activities comes natural for me and is one of my gifts.
I decided to go to Seminary and graduated from George Fox University in 1999 with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. I enjoyed studying the Bible at the Master’s level and was able to excel because of the excellent Bible classes at Columbia Christian. I have a passion for teaching the Bible, no matter what the age of the class, toddlers to adult singles. My teaching experience spans ages 2 to 92 for over forty years.
In 2012, I published my book, “Escape from the Pit of Despair”. It is a twelve chapter Christian workbook designed to help those suffering with depression and low self- esteem. Using Biblical truths and personal anecdotes, I try to help my readers escape and face the fears that create a low self-esteem. My book also helps others to manage the emotions that can push them into the pit of despair. It’s main message is that we all need Jesus in our lives to be truly happy and healthy. There are undeniable truths in the Bible that show how valuable you are in the world and to God. “Escape from the Pit of Despair”, takes the reader on a personal journey of self-discovery and scriptural exploration helping further develop a relationship with Jesus. My book is a great tool to use as an adult class for a period of ten to twelve weeks.
I have lived my life for Christ my entire life. The joy and fulfillment I receive from being a Believer in Jesus is too filled with emotion to successfully be put into words. It brings me true happiness that nothing else in the world could ever offer. I will continue to serve Him and others for as long as I am alive. As a Ordained Minister, I am exited to be looking for the next chapter in my life. I look forward to seeing the direction God will lead me to serve.
Matthew 28: 19-20 ” Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have command you and low I am with you always even to the end of the age.”
Sincerely,
Kim M. Yeager