Sun, 14 Jan 2007
Dear Jed & Cindy,
It was so good to chat with you, Jed, over the phone a few weeks ago. As promised, I'd like to share a few words of testimony.
I grew up in a non-Christian home in Upstate New York, where my family attended church somewhat regularly. However, in all that time, I never heard the Gospel message. Growing up in the '70s, I bought into all the pop psychology's of the day and did all the wrong things for all the wrong reasons. Let's face it..........I was lost! Therefore, I lived like it.
In 1981, Brother Jed and Sister Cindy were preaching on campus at University of Florida. As one might expect, I was offended by there fiery delivery. I had real objections to their threats of the Lake of Fire and the need to be "born again," whatever that meant. As far as I was concerned, being born again was something the wackos on TV did. I thought I was a good Christian because I was confirmed in my church at age 14, went to church, prayed occasionally ( usually when I wanted something ) and had never done anything "really bad," like murder, etc.
Quite sure of myself, I approached Jed and told him I didn't think I was that bad. I went on to tell him what I thought about all that being "born again" stuff. You can imagine my surprise when Jed started opening his Bible and showing me, out of scripture, that we ALL were really that bad, that sin was real, judgment and wrath were coming against sin, and I needed a savior. That was NOT the positive, feel good message one was used to hearing in church, but that really got my attention! I felt I could argue with people, but I couldn't argue with the scripture.
Jed was one of many faithful brothers God sent my way to show me I was lost in my sin headed for hell. For the first time in my life, I realized I was NOT a Christian, and NOT a child of God. I had no right to call God my Father, unless I confessed my sin and invited Jesus Christ into my life as Lord, as well as Savior. I did that on December 9th, 1981 in Gainesville, Florida, and I have not been the same since. I have God's assurance of eternal life with Him, as well as His perfect peace.
Thank you, Jed and Cindy, for being faithful to share the Gospel. A lot of you may not understand; God will use different styles of evangelism to reach those in different conditions. I needed the style of evangelism God used Jed and Cindy to deliver at that time. It offended me, but looking back on those days, I needed to be offended, otherwise I might not have investigated Jesus Christ.
Bless you guys,
John Hornberger
Merry Christmas from John
(first letter from him)
Dear Jed, Cindy & Family,
Grace, Peace & Merry Christmas to you all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ!!
Jed and Cindy, you don't remember me, but I fondly remember you two from my days in Gainesville, FL in the early '80s. You were the first people to show me I was not right with God and headed for hell. God used you to wake me up to my lost condition, leading to my salvation experience on DEC 9, 1981. Thank you so much for your faithfulness. I know you were back in G-ville earlier this month, but I couldn't get away to come up and see you. Nevertheless, you were in my prayers daily that week. How is "Radical Bill?" He's actually a sweet guy once you get past the "act" he puts on.
Jed, you and I spoke a few years back, after I had returned from my 1st deployment overseas (Iraq). I've just recently returned from my 2nd deployment (Kuwait). Both times God has been faithful to give me opportunities to minister, for which I'm truly thankful. He has graciously promoted me to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, which puts me in a good position to influence soldiers positively and lead (read "serve") them. Please pray for me that I'd always remember the true role of a leader.
Karen is still busy home-schooling the kids, and leading a discipleship group for young girls, called Bright Lights. I'm using my Navigator training (thanks God!!) in meeting with a few men in the area.
Well, blessings to you!
