Testimonies

Polly Allen

Born Again: Tuesday morning, the second week in August, 1941
Place: Mount Zion Methodist Church
Age: 22

Her Testimony
I was reading the bible at home one night and I got under conviction. The revival started at Mount Zion church and I went on Tuesday morning. It seemed the preacher preached just to me. He made the altar call and I went. I prayed and asked God to save me. The moment I turned it all over to God he saved me. There was a space of time that I cannot explain, but when I came to myself, I was shouting. There was peace and joy in my heart. That has been fifty-five years ago. If the church was still there, I could take you to the seat where I was sitting.

Sam Allen

Born Again: August, 1930
Place: At home
Age: 15

His Testimony
By the age of fifteen, I had known for some time that I was lost. One day I was working in the wood shed and I was singing and thinking about God's love for me and I became deeply convicted of my sins. Right there I prayed and asked God to save me. The next thing I knew, the burden of sin was gone and I was very happy. For a few years I didn't go to church as I should and I began to wonder if I had really been saved. I was troubled, but every time I tried to pray for myself my mind went back to the wood shed where I found peace with the Lord. I realized I was saved and I united with the church. I have never doubted my salvation since that time. I believe it was necessary for me to join the church to be fully satisfied. That was 66 years ago and I've been happy since that day. (Written in August of 1996.)

Sam went home to be with the Lord on May 10, 2002.
Polly followed on December 18, 2016

Carol Augustine

Born Again: On a Sunday night
Where: At the Altar in Church
In Delbarton, West Virginia

Her Testimony
The Lord saved me on a Sunday night at my home town church in Delbarton, West Virginia. That night after the pastor's message, when he gave an altar call, I went. I was at the altar with him, praying for the Lord to save me. I know that He did because of the peace and joy that was in my heart. I will never forget the song that was being sung, "Just As I Am".

I thank the Lord all the time for saving me. I know when I leave this earth I have an eternal home to go to, "Heaven".

Jim Augustine

Born Again: May 18, 2004
Where: Huntingdon Missionary Baptist Church
Age: 63

His Testimony
I was born October 10, 1940, and I was Born Again" on May 18, 2004. Over 63 years of being a "bad case". Through the help of my wife, asking me to go to church, Brother Lynn Stapleton answered my many, many questions and my life changed.

On May 18th, my wife, Brother Lynn and myself were in the church sanctuary talking and it happened! When the Lord saved me He did not float down on a cloud, He was riding a freight train! Being saved is a feeling you have once in your life, but you will remember it every day.

To anyone who reads this, please do not wait as long as I did. You might not get the chance. Every day of my life now is getting better and better. I know when my time on this earth is over, the Lord will be bringing me home to Him.

Jim went home to be with the Lord on March 22, 2012 and
Carol followed on September 9, 2012

Bonnie Autry

Born Again: On a Monday
Morning in August
Where: Yuma Missionary Baptist Church

Her Testimony
On a Monday morning in August, during Revival at Yuma Missionary Baptist Church, a heaviness was in my heart. Several others were at the altar. When someone came to me it didn't take long until I was at the altar also. The Lord took away that heaviness and when I looked up, I saw pure joy and then immediately began praying for the others around me. I wanted them to feel what I felt.

Years later I began to question my salvation and letting the devil lead me instead of the Lord. After getting down on my knees, the Lord told me He had never left me. I felt reassurance and have never questioned my salvation again.

Bonnie's daughter Reese Dempsey and her son Brad Crider have also shared their testimonies on this site.

Dorothy Barker

Born Again: August, 1954
Place: Yuma Missionary Baptist Church

Her Testimony
When I was a little girl, I attended school at Yuma, Tennessee. When the churches would have revival, the school would dismiss the students that wanted to attend. I enjoyed going to church so I looked forward to going each day. All of us would line up and walk to the church house. I was convicted of my sins one August day of 1954 during a revival at Yuma Missionary Baptist Church. As the preacher was preaching, it seemed like he was preaching only to me. The Lord convicted me and saved me that day.

Vallie Barrett

Born Again: During a Revival Meeting in 1947
Place: Calvary Baptist Church, Chillicothe, Illinois
Age: About 39

Her Testimony
I was raised in a Christian home and was taken to church all my life. When I was about twelve years old, I attended a revival meeting. Some of my friends were being saved, so I got up from prayer and confessed that I had been saved and I joined the church. As I grew older, I moved to Milan, Tennessee and attended church. Later on I moved to Chillicothe, Illinois, and I joined the church there. One night during a revival meeting, an evangelist, Brother Homer Britton, preached. The sermon was so moving that it seemed like the Holy Spirit was speaking to me, just taking the blindfold off my eyes. I could understand everything. How Christ died for my sins. How He took them all on Himself. How He suffered so much so that I could be forgiven of all my sins and have eternal life just by accepting what He did for me. I went home that night rejoicing in my salvation, knowing that there was no doubt that all my sins had been forgiven by His sacrifice. I am confident that when I leave this world I will go to be with Him. What a wonderful Savior to do that for me. I asked the pastor if he would baptize me there and he was happy to do it.

Sandra Umfress Beal

Born Again: In April
Place: The Backyard of Our Family Home
Age: 12

Her Testimony
II was raised in the Church of Christ because of my mother. My dad was raised Baptist, but he went to church with my mom.
As I got older, I heard the sermons and learned the lessons. I became concerned about life after death. The belief in the Church of Christ was to walk to the front of the church and confess belief in Jesus Christ as the son of GOD. Of course I believed that. The problem was - I was too shy to walk down the isle to the front of the church.
In March, I turned twelve years old. Then, I knew if I should die, I would not go to live with God. I was tormented by that thought.

One Sunday in April, I wanted desperately to walk down that isle, but I just could not force myself. That Sunday afternoon, I was outside in the backyard of my family’s home. As I was lying on the grass, looking at the sky, I prayed, “Dear God, please give me the courage to walk down that isle to confess my love for You and Jesus”. I continued to tell him how worried I was and how I needed his help to do the right thing. ALL OF A SUDDEN, A CALM FEELING, OF EVERYTHING IS FINE, came over me.

The very next week, the preacher came to me. He said my dad had asked to be baptized and would I like to also. Since my dad was a shy person, he had asked for a private baptism in the afternoon. Perfect! I did not hve to walk to the front of the church with all those people watching. I was baptized that Sunday afternoon. One week after I prayed for God’s help and was given the “It is O.K. feeling.”

As the years passed, I always felt comfortable with my friend Jesus, but I did not feel comfortable in the Church of Christ. I just never felt like I belonged there.

I started attending Huntingdon Missionary Baptist Church. As I listened to sermons and I heard people give their testimony about being saved, I started praying to be saved. Every single time, the thought of that Sunday afternoon, in the backyard came to my mind. (Not the day I was baptized.) I could even see the clouds I looked up to. I could visualize the exact spot in the backyard. I could feel that sweet relief in my heart. Then, I knew I HAD been SAVED. I just did not know that was what it was. There was and is no doubt in my mind about the time and place.

I told this vaguely to our church and was accepted as a member at Independent Missionary Baptist Church and was baptized there. I have always known that was where I was supposed to be.

I have enjoyed 44 years of salvation. I just did not always know to call it that.

I put off writing my testimony because it seemed complicated to put into words, but with God’s guiding hand; I have put it into words that seem to make sense. (At least to me.)

God has been with me through some hard times and he has given me many great times also. I am very thankful for his saving GRACE and LOVE.

Deborah Bendel

Born Again: At about 10 years of age.
Where: Yuma Missionary Baptist Church.

Her Testimony
I was raised in a home with Christian parents. They carried me to church when we had church which was not every Sunday back then. When Yuma Baptist Church had revival, our school teacher dismissed class to take us to revival. One revival when I was about ten years old I went down to the altar for prayer. Jesus reached down and saved my soul. It was the best thing that ever happened to me an I will never forget it.

Willie Rene Blackwell

Born Again: July
Place: Clarksburg Baptist Church
Age: 15

Her Testimony
I was saved the first day that I was convicted of my sins. During a morning revival service at Clarksburg Baptist Church, I went to the altar, but was not saved. I returned to the revival that evening and was so troubled that I went back to the altar and prayed until I did not know what else to do. I remember telling the Lord, "I have done all I know to do, just take me." At that moment, I felt as though a bright light came down from heaven and was shining all around me. The next thing I remember I was up from the altar shaking hands with everybody and feeling happiness in my soul.

Willie went home to be with the Lord on December 22, 2006.

Olean Blount

Born Again: At a Revival during the Third week in August, 1933
Place: New Hope Baptist Church
Age: 14 years old

Her Testimony
The Lord saved me at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church the third week of August on the last night of the revival. Brother T. M. Boyd preached to me and I became very troubled. When I turned it all over to the Lord I felt a wonderful peace come over me. It was like I went to sleep and woke up in a different world. I wanted to shout but I didn't and it was one year before I told what the Lord had done for me. The Lord saved me 63 years ago. I didn't shout then, but I thank the Lord I did shout years later when my oldest daughter, Elizabeth, was saved.

Olean went home to be with the Lord on May 23, 2021

Alma Bond

Born Again: First Week of August, 1937
Place: Yuma Baptist Church
Age: 14

Her Testimony
I was convicted of my sins when I was thirteen years old. Back then many Christians invited sinners to go to the altar for prayer and I went for some time, but did not get saved. When I was fourteen I was saved sitting in my seat in the church. That day I was so troubled because no one came to me. I felt no one cared if I did go to hell. I realized I had been depending on the people instead of the Lord. I called on the Lord and turned everything over to Him. I had planned to shout, but I didn't. The burden of sin was gone like a flash and a sweet peace came into my heart. I joined the church and was baptized. Brother A. U. Nunnery was pastor of the church at that time.

Alma went home to be with the Lord on February 9, 2010.

Queen Alma Brewer

Born Again: On A Thursday Night in the Winter of 1930
Place: At Onus Redden's House
Age: 13

Her Testimony
When I was eleven years old I joined Prospect Baptist Church in Bruceton, but I was not saved. When I was thirteen, I attended a prayer meeting at Onus Redden's house and became convicted of my sins. I went up for prayer and the Lord saved me that night. I do not remember the exact date, but it was a cold Thursday night in the winter time. I do remember feeling at peace and so happy the Lord saved me. I later married Orin Brewer and he was saved about a year after we married. We joined Davis Chapel Methodist Church and were baptized together. Orin and I joined Independent Baptist Church in 1956 and were baptized by Brother T. L. Campbell.

Queen Alma went home to be with the Lord on May 7, 2009.

Dennis Brooks

Born Again: April 14, 1963
Place: Berclair Baptist Church, Memphis, Tennessee
Age: 16

His Testimony
I thank God so much for His love and mercy in my life. I can still remember some well meaning friends and church members telling me to just walk down the aisle and join the church I attended. I did want to do just that, but I didn't until revival on Thursday night. I remember it was raining when we went into the church. Mike Gilchrist from Missouri was the evangelist. Mike gave his testimony of being saved and when the invitation was given, the Holy Spirit melted my heart and lifted me out of my seat and down the aisle. The next Sunday, Brother Bowen baptized me and others who were saved during the revival.

Linda Brooks

Born Again
Place: At Home
Age: 44

Her Testimony
My true salvation came at a time when my heart was aching with pain and confusion. I, like others, thought I had been saved earlier in my life. After the death of my son, there was no comfort, no order. I really learned to pray sincerely during those long endless nights while searching for answers and understanding, most of all acceptance. The Lord answered my prayers. I can't relate the day or hour, but I will never forget the feeling of peace and love that touched my very soul. In that precious moment, the Lord forgave me of my sins and directed my heart toward the altar to publicly accept him as my Lord and Savior.

Walter Brown

Born Again:The Second Sunday
of June 1985.
Place: Huntingdon Missionary Baptist Church
(Formerly Independent Missionary Baptist Church)

His Testimony
As with most children who grew up in the rural South I was taken to Church as a child, but not on a really regular basis. I learned the Gospel as most did and I cannot remember a time when I did not believe in God or that Jesus died on the cross for our sins.

Unlike most people I just never felt convicted of my sins. I can remember standing in Church as an adult during the invitation and wondering “Why has he not called me?” I understood that no man can come to Jesus unless the Father calls him.

That all changed for me in June of 1985. Bro. Kenneth Massey visited me and my family in our home in May. He asked if I had been saved and I told him that I had not. After prayer, he invited us to come to Huntingdon (Independent) Missionary Baptist Church. We attended the next Sunday and for the first time ever I really felt the Spirit in that building

Within a couple of weeks I started to feel convicted of my sins. I prayed at home, at work, driving in my car. I even went out into the woods so I could pray without interruption. I finally realized that I had to pray at the Alter at Church to meet God’s plan for me.

The conviction became stronger every day until the second Sunday of June. That day it became unbearable and I went to the alter and told Bro. Ronnie Stewart, who was filing in for Bro. Massey that I was lost.

I knelt at the alter and for a few moments just listened to Brent Smith leading prayer. Suddenly God spoke to my heart “Brent can’t do this for you. You have to do it for yourself. I began praying for forgiveness for my sins and for salvation. Suddenly the conviction was gone and an unbelievable peace came over me and I realized that I had just been saved. I was baptized the following Sunday.

I have been through some very good times and some very bad times and God has carried me through them all. I cannot do one thing to repay God for his blessings on me except say “Thank you God for your mercies toward me and I love you with all my heart.

I pray that He will help me lead a life that glorifies His Name.

Walter went home to be with the Lord on February 14, 2009.

Mary Bullington

Born Again: July 1963
Where: New Cross Roads Missionary Baptist Church

Her Testimony
I was attending New Cross Roads Missionary Baptist Church in Huntingdon during their Summer Revival in July of 1963. I became convicted of my sins as Bro. Mitchell Rayburn was preaching the morning sermon. I went to the altar and at some point in my praying and asking God to forgive my sins and save my soul, peace came into my heart. I got up from the floor where I had knelt to pray and sat on a pew. I looked out the church window and everything was aglow. What a beautiful sight! Even the trees seemed to be rejoicing! That was the most beautiful day day of my life
Praise God!

Ermon (Doc) Bush

Born Again: March, 1973
Place: In Western State Hospital
Age: 44

His Testimony
I was raised in a Christian home and went to church almost all of my life. I was baptized and joined the Church of Christ when I was eighteen, but I wasn't saved. I joined New Liberty Baptist Church and was baptized again. I tried to live a Christian life but I had a terrible drinking problem that I could not overcome. One Thursday in 1973 I entered myself into Western State Hospital. While I was there I witnessed a young man die from drinking rubbing alcohol and that made me realize that I was not prepared to die. The young man died on Friday and on Saturday morning I asked the Lord to save my soul and He did. Since that time I have never had a problem with alcohol. I went back to New Liberty and apologized for what I had done and told them that I had been saved. I later joined Independent Baptist Church and was baptized by Brother Kenneth Massey.

"Doc" went home to be with the Lord on December 24, 2005.

Frances Bush

Born Again: 11:50 A.M. July, 1940
Place: First Baptist Church, Dresden, Tennessee
Age: 14

Her Testimony
I was under conviction for a long time. I had gone to Sunday School and Church all my life. Then I didn't want to go. The burden got worse. My family talked to me and prayed with me. The pastor would come and talk to me and pray for me. That was good, but I had to do my own praying. One Sunday morning the Lord saved me on the way to the altar.

Frances followed on February 27, 2011.

Jackie Bush

Born Again: Sunday night, March 3, 2002
Place: Huntingdon Missionary Baptist Church

Her Testimony
I had been attending Huntingdon Missionary Baptist Church with my three children. It was on a Sunday night, March 3, 2002, and the Father’s Four were singing. I came to church alone that night and sat on the far right toward the back. At the end of the singing program, Brother Stapleton was speaking and I don’t even remember hearing him because my heart felt so heavy in my chest and it was pounding so fast and hard it was the only thing I remember hearing. Before I knew it, I felt as if I were being pulled to the altar and I couldn’t get there fast enough. I fell to my knees and prayed a sincere prayer asking for forgiveness of my sins and it seemed as quick as I fell to my knees I was springing back up and peace came to me. I can remember the joy I felt and I was grinning from ear to ear. My heart and soul felt renewed. Then I understood what it meant to be saved.

Tyler Bush

Born Again: June 25, 2008
Place: Huntingdon Missionary Baptist Church
Age: 12

His Testimony
I was 12 years old when I was saved. It was June 25th. On the fourth night (of Revival) I was saved. It was on a Wednesday night. I went up to the altar the three nights before while Brother Massey was preaching. It felt like he was talking directly to me. When I went up it was like I couldn’t control my own body When I was praying I kept looking for some huge breakthrough or vision, but when I stopped looking for something huge and just prayed, God saved me. It was the happiest night of my life. I prayed so long that the preacher dismissed the people, but the people who wanted to stay did. The happiness that I felt was so incredible I can’t explain it in words, but I’ll try. It was like Jesus was right beside me praying with me.

Mildred Butler Byars

Born Again: On a Monday in August, 1952
Place: Yuma Baptist Church
Age: 13

Her Testimony
I was saved in August of 1952 at Yuma Baptist Church. Brother Fred Prince was the pastor. I went to school that Monday morning unable to concentrate on anything. Our teacher let us go to church every day during revival. I knew something was very wrong with me. I was so heavy hearted. I was fighting with the devil and the Lord was dealing with my soul. When Brother Prince had an altar call, Ms. Alpine Lewis came to the row where I was sitting with my friends. She began talking to us. That did it. I was at the altar before I knew it. I was so heavy hearted and I prayed so hard for the Lord to save me. When He spoke peace to my soul, I felt so light, almost like I could fly right into heaven. Everything was so clear. The world was so beautiful. Although I seem to drift away sometimes I still have that sweet peace in my heart today. Thank God for a good Christian home and for his great love.

Buford Campbell

Born Again: Summer
Revival in 1921
Place: Butler Schoolhouse in Bruceton, Tennessee
Age: 14

His Testimony
This is my experience from nature to grace. Years ago, the country schools let out in the fall for cotton picking and also in the spring to get the crops in. At Old Butler Schoolhouse, they would have Sunday School and revival. When I was fourteen years old, I heard a fellow at Prospect Church testify about First Peter 4:18, "And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear." I could not get that verse out of my mind. At one of the revivals at Butler School, I felt so condemned of my sins that I said, "Lord, you have to help me." I was saved at that moment and I thank the Lord so much for what He did for me. My mother was not at the meeting that night, but when I got home she was on the porch waiting for me. I told her what happened to me and she said she had been praying for me and that the burden had suddenly left her. We both embraced and rejoiced in the good news.

"In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul." [Psalms 138:3]

Buford Campbell was a song leader at Huntingdon (formerly Independent) Missionary Baptist Church for many years.

His brother Elder T. L. Campbell was pastor of Independent from 1955 to 1960 .

Buford resided in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, with his daughter, Martha Messick, until he went home to be with the Lord on October 29, 2004.

Shirley White Carroll

Born Again: Friday Night during a Revival
Place: New Liberty
Baptist Church
Age: 16

Her Testimony
I was saved at New Liberty Missionary Baptist Church in a revival meeting. My parents took me to church often and we attended many revivals. I realized I was lost when I was 16. I was under great conviction but put off going to the altar. Brother James Abbott was preaching on Friday night and I felt as though he was preaching only to me. God's amazing grace got hold of me and led me to the altar that night. I asked the Lord, "Please, please, save me. I don't want to go to hell." It seemed like I could see a light from heaven that filled me with sweet peace and my burden was lifted. I know God saved me and I'm glad I opened the door to let Him in.

The Lord said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." [Revelation 3:20]

Alene Carter

Born Again: August 1934
Where: During a revival in a Methodist Church

Her Testimony
I was saved in August of 1934. I was thirteen (13) years old.
My mother used to read the Bible to us, Sue, Louise, Virgil, (my sisters and brother) and me. It helped to bring conviction to my heart. The story of Lazarus and the rich man always stayed with me. I was saved during a revival in a Methodist Church. Sue and I were saved the same night. Four years later, I joined a Missionary Baptist Church. The Church has been such a strength to me. I have had peace in my heart for all these years and my salvation gets more precious as I get older.

Barbara Carter

Born Again: February of 1975
Where: Christian Chapel Church of Christ

Her Testimony
In February of 1975, I attended Christian Chapel Church of Christ. I had been under conviction for quite some time, literally seeing the pits of hell open up directly underneath me. Sometimes I was so afraid I felt that I would black out.

This particular Sunday, I was more afraid than ever and felt that if I didn't move, I would surely die. I did the only think I knew to do - go forward to the front of the church and ask to be baptized. I did so - went through the required actions to take the burden of sin from my shoulders. But when I left the water and was in the small dressing room alone - I realized the burden, the fear and the feeling that I was going to hell was still there. So I raised my eyes toward Heaven and talked to God. "What else do you need me to do?" and "I don't know what else to do" were statements that I remember "thinking out loud." Then I started crying and just threw my hands up and stated "I'll do whatever you want" and surrendered my will to Him because there was nothing left to do. Instantly a peace washed over me. I was at peace, calm and content, feeling that difference in my soul.

Many times Satan has attempted to tell me that my salvation wasn't real because it didn't happen in "The Church" at an altar, but every time I just go back to that little dressing room on the left side of the baptistery at Christian Chapel Church of Christ. I know I've been saved. This is the one constant in my life and is enough to carry me home.

Lee Marvin Carter, M.D.

Born Again: July 2, 1975
Place: At the Altar in Church

His Testimony
On Wednesday morning, July 2, 1975, during the morning service, a congregational testimonial service was held instead of a preaching service. Many good saints of the church stood and told of their experience of salvation and how much God had done for their lives. As always, for those present, it was a wonderful spiritual time. An altar call was given when all had spoken what was placed on their hearts, but I could not respond. I knew mentally at that time that I needed to repent and seek forgiveness for my unbelief, but the weight building inside of me was still bearable. Since no one came forward for prayer, a Christian fellowship handshake was called for. As the members and visitors mingled, shaking hands with one another, hugging one another, and expressing their love for each other, the full weight of my lost spiritual state fell upon my heart. I went forward to the altar with my mother to pray. I know from past experience, that the saved present fell on their knees in the altar and prayed many prayers in my behalf. I remember at one point my mother saying in my ear to "Turn it all over to God and ask him to save you." I remember little of time or space until I heard Sis. Emma Davis praying from the altar for me. Someone watching me saw me relax my hold on my mother and stop crying. Within my spiritual self, I suddenly felt that the weight of sin was no longer upon me and that it was OK to relax. I was no longer burdened and distraught nor repentant as I had sensed just moments before. At that moment, I knew I was no longer lost for God had removed the pain and agony I felt. I had "been to Calvary." No one had to tell me what had happened or what God had done for me because the answer came from inside me. I spoke into my mother's ear and told her that the Lord had saved me. The church rejoiced with me with many shouts of joy. I heard my father say, "My family is now whole in heaven." As the people came around to shake my hand, each face looked brighter than ever before, and I chose not to shake hands but hug every neck that came by. As soon as the service was over, I had my parents carry me to the nearest telephone so I could call my brother to tell him the news. When we spoke, he had already heard it from a cousin who had been at the service that morning, Good news can travel fast.

David Carver

Born Again: September 24, 1978
Where: Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Age: 15

His Testimony
I’m glad my mother took me, my brother and four sisters to church when we were little. The church was Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

Years passed by and when I was fifteen years old, I was sitting on the back row of the church on a Sunday night in September. I don’t know why, but it seemed there was no one else in that church but me. The more the Pastor preached, the more I realized the Lord was calling me to the altar. I looked up and there were four or five others already there. It just overwhelmed me and I could not get to the altar fast enough. I was saved that night by the grace of Jesus.

Kelli Carver

Born Again: June 27, 2005
Where: Huntingdon Missionary Baptist Church
Age: 34

Her Testimony
I was drawn to church on Sunday, June 19, 2005, to pray for my first cousin, Tammy Daws James, who had been in a motorcycle accident the night before. My heart was hurting so badly, and I had been under strong conviction for so long, but I had turned away from the calling.

On Monday, June 27, 2005, I attended Tammy’s funeral and as I left her service, I knew that I could not sleep another night until such time as I had made things right with the Lord. Revival was in progress at Huntingdon Missionary Baptist Church and I went. The message that night was brought by Bro. Brian Oaks and it was titled “What Would You do? (if you knew you only had twelve days or twelve hours to live)”. It seemed every word of his sermon was spoken directly to me. I came to the altar with such a broken, guilty heart. I poured my sin and heartache on the altar and turned it all over to God and was gloriously saved by His grace.

The wonderful thing is, not only was I saved at the altar that night, but my thirteen year old son, Cody Umstead, was right behind me at the altar and was also saved by our wonderful Lord God above! We have been so happy ever since!

Myrtle Cary

Born Again: During a Revival Meeting
Place: Westport Baptist Church
Age: 24

Her Testimony
When I was ten years old I joined the church and was baptized, but I was not saved. When I was twenty-four years old, a revival was going on at Westport and I went. It seemed the preacher talked only to me. I was under conviction so bad and had been for a long time. When the preacher stopped preaching I was at the altar. I don't know what songs were sung or who prayed. I was praying and it was just me and the Lord. Then I could not pray any more. A peace came into me. When I started to get up my whole body was happy. I shouted. That sweet peace is still with me. Thank God for saving me. (Brother L. H. Brown was the pastor at Westport Baptist Church at that time.)

"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
[Isaiah 53:4-5]

Myrtle went to be with her Lord on November 17, 2006.

Nick Coleman

Born Again
Place: First Baptist Church in Huntingdon, Tennessee
Age: 10

His Testimony
I was around the age of 10 years old, at the First Baptist Church in Huntingdon. The whole week was like a change was happening to me; I realized other people had something that I didn’t. I started to worry about it greatly. l knew nothing else to do but to turn to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I was saved by Jesus, not by a preacher or a baptism. Words can’t describe how I felt that day and it continues today.

"Anyone who reads this message, and is lost, who wants to talk, call me. You can reach me through HMBC"

Jane Crawford

Born Again: July of 1992
Place: In My Car

Her Testimony
In July of 1992, I was in my car driving back to work from lunch. I stopped at a traffic light at the corner of 18th and Mitchell in Humboldt, TN. As I was waiting for the light to change, I noticed an old green dilapidated house on my right and no other vehicles around me. I remember hearing my name called faintly, thinking to myself, “Well, I am losing my mind.” My hands were gripping the steering wheel as I closed my eyes and lowered my head, feeling as if all thoughts in my mind emptied. As I heard my name called louder a second time, my head rose up, my eyes opened and looked upward to the right.

HIS voice is so gentle, yet commanding at the same time. The sound of HIS voice causes a yearning to come to HIM.

God spoke these exact words to my mind: “Jane, the only reason you are on this earth is to help others.”

I don’t know how long I was at the light; but as I opened my eyes, the feelings of heartbreak and emotional turmoil had left my heart and the relief that peace brings now filled my heart. I was free from Hell. Thank you Jesus for saving my soul.

I rushed to work and told a co-worker what had happened to me. I rushed home to tell a minister I knew, but he wasn't home. I drove to my mother’s home and as we sat in the porch swing I said to her “Mom, HE is real! HE is right here with us! HE made my mind still so I could hear and know that HE is in control of my life.” My mother put her arms around me and held me for a long time.

In December of 2006, the overwhelming feeling of finding a home where the Word of GOD was preached straight from the BIBLE and where Christians gathered together was weighing heavy on my heart. I knew that I had to be in church before Christmas.

I had a routine checkup with my doctor that month and as he began to leave the room he asked me “Is there anything else I can help you with?” I looked at him and asked if he would close the door. I started crying and telling of my experience, that I didn’t want to be deceived and I did not want to go to Hell. I felt as if I had been silent for too long. He invited me to visit his church. I visited several times and whenever people would greet me, I would tell them that I was looking for a home.

On Sunday morning, January 21, 2007 as I was preparing for church, I noticed myself humming the hymn“Blessed Assurance”. The choir was singing and the sanctuary was filled when I arrived. As I searched for somewhere to sit, someone motioned to me and made room for me just in time to begin singing "Blessed Assurance."

While the preacher was speaking, he asked a question relating to the exact place and date when a person knew that they were saved. He asked people to stand when he called out these places: Home, Work, Car and Church. When the place of "Car" was asked, I felt as if he were speaking directly to me. I was the only person who stood. I knew I had to stand and speak up because I am not a liar. I would not deny Jesus publically.

I have found where I belong.

I hope my testimony will help someone who is lost to find the truth.

Glory to our Heavenly Father; Glory to His Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ; Glory to the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Marie Eubanks Crews

Born Again: At Age 13
Place: At Prospect Baptist Church in Hollow Rock, TN

Her Testimony
I was saved at Prospect Baptist Church in Hollow Rock, Tennessee, when I was thirteen years old. I remember being on my knees praying and they were singing “Love Lifted Me”. I got up off my knees and was so happy that I shook hands with everyone there. I knew the Lord had saved me.

On April 6, 1960, after we moved to Huntingdon, I moved my membership to Huntingdon First Baptist Church and remained there until I united with Huntingdon Missionary Baptist Church on Tuesday, June 24, 2003.

"I wanted to share this experience at the request of my son Harold Eubanks."

Marie went to be with the Lord May 28, 2008

Paulette Crews

Born Again: During Revival in July of 1965
Place: Independent Missionary Baptist Church
Age: 19

Her Testimony
I was raised in a Missionary Baptist Church and was taught by my parents, Sunday School teachers, and preachers that salvation was more than just walking down the aisle. I went to the altar for years trying everything I knew to be saved. One Friday afternoon during a revival, I told a friend I was going to get something settled that night. When Brother John Hedges gave the invitation that night I stepped into the aisle to go to the altar, but when I realized where I was, I was standing next to my dad in the amen corner. I was really serious about being saved and the moment I stepped into the aisle the Lord gloriously saved me. I told the church that I was saved, but I related an experience I had had at home when I had prayed and felt better and I joined the church. I soon became very troubled about my salvation and went to the altar again. It was hard for me to accept that I was saved when I stepped into the aisle, but the Lord revealed to me that I was saved that Friday night when I stepped out on FAITH in Him. Because of God's grace, I have contentment and peace.

Tommy Crews

Born Again: March of 1957
Place: At Home in my Bedroom
Age: 12

His Testimony
As a small child I loved to stay with my grandmother on the farm. She would always take me to church and to community church singings. While riding along, she would tell me about the Lord and the beatitudes. My parents took me to church every Sunday, and when I was twelve years old, at a revival at the First Baptist Church in Huntingdon, I became convicted of my sins and I went down for prayer but I was not saved. That night when I went home, I was saved in my bedroom. Everything seemed so bright and the peace that the Lord gave me that night is still with me today. That Sunday after the revival, I joined the church. That was March 24, 1957. On February 10, 1982, I moved my membership to Independent and have been trying to serve as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. Because the Lord has done so much for me and my family, I felt I could not refuse to serve him in any way.

Trey Crews

Born Again: On a Wednesday night in 1982
Place: Independent
Missionary Baptist Church
Age: 10

His Testimony
I was saved on a Wednesday night during a revival meeting in 1982 at Independent. I was sitting in the back of the church, front row of the old Sunday school rooms, when He convicted me. Brother Kenneth Massey was preaching. I just knew I did not want to go to hell. Lance, Timmy, and I were sitting back there usually "goofing off", however, when Brother Massey finished preaching, that was not the case that night. Lance made the first move, then the next thing I recall, I was at the altar, and did not know quite what to pray. I made many deals with God and tried asking Him to save me. I remember saying it many times, but it seemed I had not meant it from deep within my soul. Lance got saved and they began to shake hands and sing as I lost touch with everything. I saw myself suspended in darkness by a rope and I was at the end. I felt like all I had to do was let go and trust that God would catch me. I finally got tired of thinking what I should do or say, so I said, "God here I am catch me." I came to and knew He had saved me! I did not feel the need to pray any more. I looked up and saw Brother Massey's face and I said " I've been saved". I joined the church that night. I've been saved and a member there ever since. Unfortunately, I have doubted because I've strayed from God, but never did He ever take that experience of Wednesday night in 1982 away from me. God is full of Grace!

Brad Crider

Born Again: May 5, 1996
Place: Independent Baptist Church
Age: 14

His Testimony
My heart was troubled when I was fourteen years old. For a whole week I prayed and asked the Lord to save my soul. One Sunday night while I was in the youth service at Independent I felt this tug in my heart. I asked Mitchell and Shelia to go to the altar with me and they did. We went into the church and down to the altar for prayer. The Sunday night service was still going on and Brother Ronnie Stewart was still preaching, but they stopped to pray with me. I was saved about ten minutes later and I have been happy ever since.

"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them." [Ecclesiastes 12:1]

Beverly Crosnoe

Born Again:
Place: Liberty Grove Baptist Church
Age: 9 years old

Her Testimony
I was born into a Christian family and was taken to church from the day I was born. My friends and I always sat on the second pew from the front on the far right side of the church. One summer Sunday morning at Liberty Grove Baptist Church, when I was nine years old, none of my friends sat with me. I thought I was alone, but God was with me. During the sermon, I came under conviction. I knew I had to do something or I felt I would die. I turned and took one step and I suddenly felt great relief. I knew God had saved me.

Richard Crosnoe

Born Again: 1955
Place: Preston Street Baptist Church, Jackson, Tennessee

His Testimony
As a young teenager, I had been under conviction for a few years. I had the fear of going to hell, but would not submit to God's call. In the Summer of 1955, while going to Preston Street Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee, the conviction was too strong and I had to surrender. I turned loose of the back of the seat and flew down the aisle. I was saved that night.

Dorsey Dameron

Born Again: July, 1922
Place: Mount Comfort Baptist Church
Age: 14

His Testimony
I felt like I was lost at eleven years old. I went to the altar at church several times, but was not saved. When I was fourteen, I began to be more burdened for my sins. During the revival at Mount Comfort Baptist Church in July of 1922, I went to the altar and prayed to God the best I knew how. That awful burden left me and peace filled my soul. I was in doubt for a while because I thought I would shout aloud when I was saved, but that was not the way the Lord wanted it. I know without a doubt that I was born again. Praise the Lord for saving my soul!

Dorsey was a Deacon and a devoted member of HMBC until his death on April 6, 1999.

Opal Dameron

Born Again: Second Week in August, 1923
Place: Yuma Baptist Church
Age: 13

Her Testimony
I was eleven years old when I realized that I was lost. I had never heard my mother sing a song in my life, but one morning she was humming "Amazing Grace". Conviction came into my heart and I was really troubled. I sought the Lord the best I knew how for nearly two years. I began to think I would never be saved. Then, one night at Yuma Baptist Church during revival, I became more deeply convicted. I made my way to a seat near the altar. There I completely surrendered my life to God and he saved my soul. Since that time, he has been my constant companion and faithful friend. Thank God for his Amazing Grace! And Thank God for Christian Mothers!

Opal was a Charter Member of HMBC, a Sunday school teacher and a member of The Helping Hands until her death on December 20, 2015, just a few hours before her 105th birthday.

Reese Hopper Dempsy

Born Again: February 4, 2007
Where: At Huntingdon Missionary Baptist Church
Age: 9

Her Testimony
On February 4, 2007, Ashlyn, Kara, and I were sitting on a pew at church. We were just sitting there talking, but listening to the preacher also. That’s when my heart started pounding and hurting really bad. I told them I was gonna go to the bathroom, but really I went to Miss Barbara’s Sunday School class room. I sat down and began to pray. About a minute later my heart stopped pounding. After that my heart felt so much better. All I feel in my heart is happiness. I’ve never felt that bad feeling again. I know when I die I’m going to Heaven.

(Reese shared her testimony many years ago as a teenager. She is now married to Matt Dempsy and she and her husband live away, but she is still a member of HMBC.

Reese is the daughter of Bonnie Autry who also shared her testimony.)

Mamie Dickerson

Born Again: April 12, 1921
Place: Prospect Baptist Church
Age: 13

Her Testimony
I was saved at Prospect Baptist Church in Hollow Rock, TN, when I was thirteen years old. We had gone to a Wednesday night prayer meeting and I sat with the young people. While Brother T. M. Boyd preached that night it seemed as though he was preaching to me. I knew in my heart that I was lost. I can't explain it exactly, but I was at the mourner's bench before I knew it and I stood up almost s quickly feeling happy and free from my burden. I joined Prospect Baptist Church and was baptized in McMacken's Pond. My husband, Luther, was saved at Bethlehem Methodist Church but he and his father, Claude, and our daughter, Dot, joined Independent (now Huntingdon Missionary Baptist Church) and were baptized at Carroll Lake. I moved my membership to Independent so we could all go to church together.

Mamie went home to be with the Lord on February 21, 2000.

"Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place." II Corinthians 2:14