“Glory to God I know I’m saved, this is the blessing I have craved” joyful and happy I’m reigning over this life of sin and shame.

Thank God for salvation! I count this a privilege and an enormous blessing from God to be saved at a time like this. I often thing of the song that goes “there were millions in the world…why He chose me I’ll never know, Jesus chose me, with Him I’ll go.”

I believe it was in the year of 1997, eleven years ago, somebody prayed for me. They fell down on their knees and prayed for me and my loving infinite heavenly Father heard their prayers. That’s why I am saved today. Giving thanks, praise and honor to the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost. I remember God was dealing with me in my home in Joliet one particular morning. I was sitting at my breakfast table. My mother-in-law (Sis. Bessie Lloyd from Sharon, TN) was there with us. Often times, my family would invite me to attend Sunday service with them. Usually, I would decline. My husband would go to church and I would remain at home, sad and lonely awaiting his return. However, that Sunday was out of the ordinary. My mother-in-law was half way through her breakfast when she said, “Ella why don’t you come and go to church with us today?” Now, I had no intention of going to church that day, but God spoke through me to accept the invitation before I even knew what to reply. My mother-in-law continued the conversation to persuade me to go with her, until she realized and caught herself. Then she said, “What? You will? Well, glory be to God!” I went to church that Sunday and the message Pastor Hodges preached was : What Are You Waiting For or What is Holding Back. The message hit me and the Holy Ghost arrested me and I held up my hands and surrendered all unto God. I opened my heart and received Christ as my personal Savior. I traded my old rags for new rags. I got saved that very day and I will never forget it. Bro. Larry, Pastor Hodges, and all the saints that were worshiping at the YMCA in Joliet were praying and fasting for this old lost soul of mine. Thank you all.

As a youth group leader, I feel confident and inspired to administer the power of prayer into our children as the Lord directs me. For this I know, great things happen while we are on our knees as it did for me. Forces of heaven are released when one person goes to prayer. Prayer can move mountains, it can heal the sick, and best of all prayer can change your life. I pray that each child will understand the essence of communing with God.

Rejoice evermore

Pray without ceasing

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of

God in Christ Jesus concerning you

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18