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As I look back on the past 35 years, I cannot grasp the reality of just how much God has accomplished in a small but focused ministry. —Dr. Stephen Phinney
M
Y STORY: I cannot thank the Lord enough for my spiritual father, Dr. Charles Solomon. I can thank many who God used to guide and direct me through the years, but none quite like my spiritual father Chuck. It was through the Lord's influence in and through him that God provided a biblical, Christ as Life, foundation of Truth for my life and ministry. I grew up in what the world classifies as a "dysfunctional home." My father was the son of a great man of God and preacher who was used to reform the church. Rumor has it that my father was named after my grandfather's role model, Charles Finney. Because of growing up in a spiritual environment that was ever so public, my father decided to go the opposite direction of his calling. Therefore, my father did not allow Christianity to be talked about in our home. His sins were extensive and his calling was replaced by becoming a career man for the United States government. Bitterness and fear ruled our household.
February 2015
tion of children and their fathers. In the mid-1970's, while working for an organization that served the handicapped, I found myself in a state of unrest. I knew I was bornagain and I served the Lord the best I knew how - sharing the Word of God and leading Bible studies on what I heard preached. I was active in church outreach, but deep down inside there remained a yearning, a spiritual thirst for a deeper walk with Christ. I desired a life of victory and triumph, rather than one of fear and performance.
Continued inside...
Out of a family of six children, I was the one whom God chose, for some reason, to start the process of restoring our lineage back to the pathway of the Cross. I accepted Christ as my Savior at age of 16. It was a "radical" conversion and transformation and, because of it, I was rejected severely by my father and siblings. I was labeled a "Jesus Freak" and considered to be on drugs. These rejections ultimately led to my father committing to "never" acknowledging my conversion or service unto the Lord, until shortly before his death. As a result of my conversion, God began to use my "zealous" heart to minister to each family member. Salvation followed for my mother; supposedly, four (4) of my siblings; and yes, ultimately, my father several years before his death. Keith Fredrickson, my GFI (Grace Fellowship Int.) Intern Supervisor, was used by God to resolve my bitterness and hatred toward my father. One significant intern assignment was given - pack my bags, travel back to Northwest Iowa, sit down with my father, and seek his forgiveness for the sins that I had committed against him. This act of the Cross is what started the process of my own father being led back to the Cross and life of Jesus Christ. I will be forever grateful for this assignment. I use this service act in my counseling to this very day. I have endless testimonies of the restora-
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