Eglin AFB, Florida, Thanksgiving night, 1970... A friend of my brother, Steve, (who befriended me) picked me up in his car to cruise and talk. We surveyed an old cemetery in Niceville and spoke about many topics. One of these topics focused around a weird experience I had with friends playing with a Ouija board. There was really something happening there. He spoke of instances he knew of that happened in the "spirit world" that manifested into the "physical world". I stopped him by saying how much that stuff freaked me out. When it came to the spirit world, I felt vulnerable and powerless. Steve then asked me if I had ever been "saved". I asked him what that was and he replied that it was asking Jesus into your heart as Lord and Savior. I thought, "You can do that!?" My catholic upbringing told me nothing about being "born again", yet deep down I heard a voice ask, "Rick, isn't that what you have been looking for
all your life?" I then responded to Steve with the desire to be "saved". He then drove me to the
Miracle Strip Parkway in Fort Walton Beach where a woman named Myra resided. Below is a photo of a small apartment where she lived down an alley next to the souvenir shop on the left.
Myra showed me a few scriptures which, to this day, do not remember. I do not remember saying any sinners prayer or such, but God knew my heart that I wanted Jesus. So, I believe the moment I walked out that door, Jesus had forgiven all my sin and taken up residence in my heart. A few weeks later, He made it clear by baptizing me in His Holy Spirit. (another story for later)
Fast forward 50-years to 2020 and I am still walking with Jesus and loving every moment with Him. To commemorate the anniversary, I made a "return to Bethel" pilgrimage back to Fort Walton Beach. It was a fun excursion, and the weather was cold and beautiful.
I was also blessed to meet up with Steve, who led me to Christ 5-decades ago. Thanks Steve!!
This blog is my version of making a pillar of stones as a memorial to what God has done in my life. Jesus is always faithful, and He will keep me until it is time to call me home. Maranatha!
