Your New Sister~ Haylie Gregory

For those of you who follow us on Facebook, this news will be no surprise. On August 25th, I became a Child of God, a sister to you fellow Christians. Now, you are probably thinking, "What? An editor of a Christian magazine just got saved?! What's up with that??" Well, that is exactly why I am writing to you now. I want to share my story with you and I would LOVE if you shared yours with me and the rest of the LAT staff.

When I was six, I 'got saved', but I don't think I completely understood what I was doing or if I even believed in what I was saying. Here's why. The morning of the day I 'got saved', our pastor at the time was giving out purple ribbons for people to wear. These ribbons were to symbolize that you were saved. I wanted one of those ribbons. I went home and asked my mom why everyone got a ribbon, but I could not have one. She told me that it was because I was not saved. So I asked her how. Later that evening, I got my purple ribbon. I remember how I felt when my dad put that ribbon on me. It wasn't a feeling of amazement because I was saved. It was a "Oh, I'm just like all of you now, so we are equal" feeling. I know that salvation is not a feeling, but looking back on that day, I didn't believe that I had actually accepted Christ as Savior.

A few month ago, I was doubting my salvation. I was not sure if I was saved and I knew that, If I died that day, I had no idea where I would go. Before when I doubted, I'd say a pray, you know, just in case. I never really did feel any sort of relief. (Again, salvation is NOT a feeling.)

On the 25th, I was sitting in my Faith Bible Institute class (FBI for short) that we have at our church. John Yates, the creator of FBI and teacher, was teaching on the doctrine of salvation. That was when it hit me. I knew that very moment that I was not saved. I knew that, if I died on the way home, I'd go to hell and be separated from God forever. I could feel God telling me that I needed to do something then and there. When Mr. Yates was saying the prayer, I said a prayer too, but this prayer was different. This prayer I meant and I said with full belief. I knew I was a sinner and that I was nothing without Christ. I knew that Jesus died for my sins and I knew that I wanted to be His and live for Him. That night, I asked Jesus to come into my heart and save me.

When I finished my prayer and opened my eyes, I felt relief. I felt secure and safe. I knew that, no matter what people told me, I was a child of God. When I got home, I told my parents and they where sort of shocked. They thought that I was already saved. I explained to them what I explained to you (but in more detail) and they rejoiced with me. I called my pastor the next day and told him and asked him what I need to do. He told me that I needed to tell others and to be baptized (a way of telling others).

I will admit, I was scared to tell people that I got saved. I was scared because, I have been apart of my church since I was in the 3rd grade. Everyone knew me and so many younger girls looked up to me. I didn't want people to think I was a hypocrite or something. I just wanted people to know that I was a Christian now, so that is why I am sharing this with you!

If you have not accepted Jesus as your Savior, I encourage you too! Talk to a pastor or contact any one of the staff member here at LAT! We would be more than happy to talk with you! If you'd like to know more about Jesus and all the wonderful things He has done for you, please email us! Also, if you would like to share your testimony, feel free too! We are excited about these things! We'd love to rejoice with you!!

1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."