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Nancy Rush
Born Again: Friday night of the third week in August, 1952
Place: Concord Missionary Baptist Church
Age: 13
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From my earliest remembrance, God was always a
part of my daily being. As a child I shared a room with a praying grandmother,
thus daily prayers about my family were a part of my routine. There were
days when I was alone running in the wind, climbing my favorite tree, or
hanging out the window in the crown of my dad's big barn that God was so
real to me it seemed I could feel his presence on my face. He was my companion.
I was not the perfect child by any means. I had my share of corrections
and reminders of proper behavior. God was just very real to me. As I began
to reach my teen years I remember my gdrandmother's seemingly constant reminder
that at least by age 13 God held one accountable for one's sins. This began
to nag me a little. And then there was a sermon by Brother Prince one Sunday
night on the cross and the sacrifice the Lord Jesus had made for our sins.
That burned in my memory. I also began not to feel as confortable around
the preacher brethren as I had as a child. Other than these feelings, I
didn't experieance the condemnation of the Holy Spirit until August 1952,
my 13th year, on a Friday night of revival almost at the close of service.
Brother Carter preached, but I did not remember the sermon. Several people
were down in the altar for prayer. I was sitting with several of my friends
halfway up the left side of the outside pew next to the aisle. It seemed
the weight of the world fell on my shoulders. I didn't move out of my seat;
however, I dropped my head and began to sob. The congregation was shaking
hands with the people down at the altar thus it was some time before anyone
noticed me. My friends were puzzled. Brother Carter and others in the church
then had prayer for me. I do not remember who prayed; however, I do remember
a lady I had know all my life coming to me and instructing me to get down
on my knees and ask God for mercy on my soul. I immediately went down on
my knees and I begged God for mercy. Later as I journeyed home I remember
only the brightness of the stars. The next morning standing out in the yard
my grandmother asked me if I was saved. God knows that at that time I just
wasn't sure what had happen. I did not have the burden that I felt so strongly
the night before, but I lacked the assurance the sweet Holy Spirit brings.
I couldn't truthfully answer my grandmother.
The answer came to me sometime later in a sermon of Brother Martin's on
the crumb that fell from the rich man's table. God made me know beyond a
doubt that He had indeed granted me the precious crumb of salvation. I couldn't
wait to hug and shake hands with everyone. I later joined the church and
related this experience of salvation.
I have never shouted orally; however, the truth of salvation within my soul
becomes louder and stronger each day that I live. Being saved and being
a member of the Lord Jesus Christ's church is the greatest privilege afforded
me on this earth. I also realize as I get older that this privilege carries
great responsibility. Several years ago I pledged to study and pray every
morning before I start my day. I can truthfully say each day that I keep
my pledge the rewards to me far outweighs my time in prayer and study. Whereas
it was so easy to believe as a child I now know in order to experience His
sweet presence today I must believe and practice a living faith.
"Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the
morning; for in thee do I trust: cuase me to know the way wherein I should
walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee."
[Psalms 143:8]
Nancy is the wife of Kenny
Rush, a Deacon of Independent Missionary Baptist Church,
and the daughter of Eudine Roark.
Both Kenny and Eudine have also shared their testimonies with us. Nancy is an
member of the choir and an active and dedicated member of the church.
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