Experiences with God – Gerhard Thiessen

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In Psalm 73:25-26, Asaph wrote very beautiful words: “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

My mother taught me to pray, and so as a child, I had prayed often; however, I was still bound in sin. At age 17, I surrendered to the Lord and received a new life in Jesus. My heart was so light! I wanted to share this with everyone, and I was able to share with many how good it was to have a clear conscience and to know that I was saved. I often had exceptional opportunities when I would offer walking travelers a ride and in our conversation would say: “Perhaps this is my only chance to speak with you. And so I would like to share with you what a privilege it is to serve the Lord.” I would then continue to relate how I found Jesus and how I received victory over sin.

The opportunity arose for me to become a teacher. I began teaching Classes One and Two in a village in Chihuahua, Mexico. This was such a wonderful time for me! When I reflect back, I would love to do it all over again.

After Jesus questioned Peter: “Do you love me?” Peter answered: “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” Then came the reply from Jesus: “Tend My sheep.” I was also able to say I loved the Lord. And so I received the privilege from the Lord to take care of His lambs. I had such joy in showing the children Jesus and His great love for them. After three years, I married a young lady whom God had chosen for me. The following three years, with my wife’s help, I taught school in Santa Rita. After becoming acquainted with the Church of God, we moved to Neustaedt and found our spiritual home in the Church of God there. Many teachings from God’s Word were totally new for us, as we had been taught differently. However, we received the Word as God’s eternal truth and served the Lord with joy. In Neustaedt, I was able to teach in the school and also assisted in the church services with certain duties. After about nine years, we were called into the ministry to tend not only the lambs but also the sheep of Jesus. Our next placement was in Barrhead, AB, Canada, followed by serving in the mission field in Bolivia for thirteen years, where we shared the blessed Gospel of Jesus to the souls living there. In December 2017, we returned to Canada to retire.

Recently, I celebrated my sixty-sixth birthday with family and friends, with whom I could confidently share: If I were to live my life over again, I would absolutely serve the Lord, Jesus Christ, and never be without Him!

To God be all honor and glory!

Gerhard Thiessen

Barrhead, Alberta

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