Testimonies

Brian Edwards

Born Again: October 8, 1987
Place: Eastview Baptist Church during Revival
Age: 29

His Testimony
I was carried to church from childhood and time and again I felt the Lord placing a conviction upon my heart and soul. God continued to work on me through my teen-age years, but I was stubborn and would not let Him have His way. I grew up and was married and church did not seem all that important until my wife was to give birth to our first child. At that time, the meaning of life and being saved became much more important. I attended a revival meeting at Eastview Baptist Church and I felt as though Pastor Don Whitt preached every word to me. His sermon was about God burning down your barley fields to get your attention. That night (October 8, 1987) my life was changed forever. God got my attention and I received Jesus Christ as my Savior.

Chad Edwards

Born Again: July 1, 1998
Where: Independent Baptist Church
Age: 10

His Testimony
I was saved on a Wednesday night and I knew that if I didn't get saved I would go to hell. Me and Dustin was sitting on the pew and Drake was praying and a lot of other people were praying for Drake. Ms. Kay said my name and I just started crying and I went to the altar and prayed and got saved.

Suzie Edwards

Born Again: On a Sunday Night
Place: First Baptist Church in Bruceton, Tennessee
Age: 12 or 13 years old

Her Testimony
I was saved when I was 12 or 13 years old. I'm not sure of the exact age, but I am sure of my experience. I had prayed for a long time for the Lord to save me because I knew I was lost. One Sunday morning at the First Baptist Church in Bruceton I was under conviction. I knew the Lord was dealing with me, but I just sat there. I didn't go to church much on Sunday nights, but that night when my sister, Lindel, was getting ready to go, I knew I had to go too. Brother Murphy Martin was the pastor and after he had preached his sermon he gave the invitation. Before I knew it I was at the altar, and I was saved that night. I may not remember my exact age, but I still remember the sweet peace I found at the altar that night, thanks to a loving God.

Gail Edwards

Born Again: July, 1974
Place: Independent Baptist Church
Age: 16

Her Testimony
I was saved during a revival meeting in the old sanctuary in July of 1974. Brother F. L. Ray was preaching that night. I had been to the altar several times before without any ease in my heart. That night without a word from anyone, I went to the altar quickly with a heavy heart. I prayed diligently with all my heart. After a while, my heavy burden was gone. It felt as though someone touched my shoulder and told me to get up off my knees. When I stood up, I was filled with love and concern for other people. I joined the church that night and the following Sunday I was baptized by Brother Robert Noles in Carroll Lake.

Steve Edwards

Born Again: On Sunday night during revival in 1970
Place: Mount Comfort Baptist Church
Age: 15

His Testimony
I first realized I was lost at about the age of twelve or thirteen after hearing the gospel preached. I can remember thinking about this when I was picking cotton, knowing that I would live in hell for eternity if I died then. However, I resisted the power of the Lord for two or three years. One Sunday night at the age of fifteen, my father took me to the revival at Mount Comfort. After the message was preached, a woman came to me and said she would walk to the altar with me if I wanted to go. I only needed her for that first step. That night at the altar I accepted Jesus as my savior. I knew this when I thought I saw a vision of Jesus coming down the aisle of the church and my burden was gone.

Dorothy Edwards

Born Again: On a Wednesday morning the third week in August
Where: Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church
Age: 14

Her Testimony

I was raised in a Christian home. Pleasant Hill was our home church but they only had preaching on the third Sunday of each month. We lived within walking distance of a Methodist church and my brothers and sisters and I went to Sunday School there. There were as many Baptists that went there as Methodist. During a revival at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, I started going to the mourner’s bench. I knew I was lost and I knew I would go to hell if I didn’t get saved. I remember going around singing “Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior, Do Not Pass Me By”. I was under deep conviction and I was crying and begging the Lord to save me. Suddenly a peace came over me that I can’t describe. All my tears were gone and there was just peace and quiet.

I thank the Lord Jesus for saving me. Oh What A Savior! I could never praise Him enough. May God always bless Huntingdon Missionary Baptist Church.

Edwin Thomas Ellis

Born Again: July 13, 1962
Place: Independent Missionary Baptist Church
Age: 29

His Testimony
I came under conviction when I was very young. I prayed to the Lord and thought that I had been saved. I did not seem convicted of my sins any more. Later, in the military service I was a paratrooper and I felt no fear when I jumped. I was involved in an automobile accident which broke my neck and ended my military service. I almost died, but I did not feel any fear of dying. I became an automobile mechanic and my hobby was racing cars. A car ran over me and I was hospitalized for almost a year. That accident also could have taken my life. Then, my wife Hattie was attending a revival at Independent. She returned home one night and told me she had been saved. Something came over me and I realized that I did not have what she had. The next day, I was afraid to crawl under a car. If it should fall on me and I died, I would go to hell. I went to church the next night, went to the altar and prayed for salvation. God gloriously saved my soul. I was filled with joy, peace, and love for everyone. I know I'm saved and I thank God for sparing my life until I was saved.

Edwin went to be with the Lord on January 20, 2002

Faye Ellis

Born Again: The Third Friday Night in August, 1951
Place: Westport Missionary Baptist Church
Age:18

Her Testimony
I knew for a long time that I was lost and if I died before I was saved I would go to hell. One night some close friends asked me if I wanted to go to a revival meeting at Westport Baptist Church. I said yes. I was so glad they asked me. When we got to the church I sat in the back and did not know anyone around me. It didn't matter because I was there to try to get the heavy burden lifted from my heart. I had prayed the best I knew how at home and at church and anywhere I could for God to save me. That night when the preacher gave the invitation to come to the altar a lot of people went up for prayer, but I didn't. I just prayed where I was. Before I knew what had happened, almost, I think, in a second, I no longer carried that awful burden. I felt so free and happy. I'll never forget that night as long as I live, and I call that peace.

Faye went home to be with the Lord on June 30, 2019

Harold Eubanks

Born Again: A Wednesday morning during revival in 1983
Where: Bethel Baptist Church
Age: 32

His Testimony
First, a little background leading to my salvation that Wednesday morning in 1983. At about the age of ten or eleven, I was attending a modern Baptist church and felt pressured to join the church and be baptized. I did join, was baptized, but still was lost. Several years later, I began to doubt if I was truly saved. I went to the pastor of the church at that time and was led down the same road as I was at the age of ten. It is called the “Roman road to salvation”, when in truth it should be called the “Roman road to destruction”, because it is a salvation of intellect instead of heart-felt, know-so salvation that comes only from God. So I was baptized again but still in a lost condition. I went on that way for a few more years, then strayed away from church for seven or eight years.

I got back in church and became very active. I was a Sunday school teacher, youth leader, choir member and deacon. I tell this experience to show no matter how sincere or active you are as a church member, you still must have that heart-felt, blood-bought, know-so salvation that the world and even many Baptists do not know what you are talking about.

Then one summer, we were invited to a revival service at Bethel Church. Bro. Fred Prince was preaching that night. I remember how friendly and loving people were and there was a freedom of worship I had never seen before.

Shortly thereafter, I moved my membership to Bethel. I began to hear the gospel preached in its purity time after time by every preacher who preached in that pulpit. I heard words like being lost, conviction of God, drawing power of God, blood bought, and know-so salvation, and time and place. After being at Bethel for a while, I became troubled and doubted my salvation again. At the time I was a deacon, Sunday school teacher and helped lead singing. I believe years of “religion” and pride stood in my way when God was dealing with me. I became so burdened and confused until that Wednesday morning of our summer revival in 1983. At work by myself I bowed before God in the back corner of the warehouse and asked God to save me “if” I was lost. We had day and night services during the revival and I had not been to any of the day services. That Wednesday morning, I had to go because I could not get any relief from that burden in the corner of the warehouse. That morning, we had testimony service and I believe everyone there who was saved gave their testimony and every one of them drove my conviction and burden deeper and deeper. We had an invitation and sung every verse of the song and on the last verse, I could not take it any longer and ran to the altar. It seemed like I stayed there forever crying unto God to save me “if” I was lost. I got up once and sat down, exhausted, wondering if I had waited too late. I almost got up and left. But I was too scared to leave the church and had to get all that “religion” and pride out of the way. I cried unto God, “even if I have to die today, please save me before I die” because I knew then that I was lost and there was no “if” about it. At that moment, there was a peace and joy that came over me that I have never experienced before in my life. That burden, doubt, and confusion was gone. Thank God for a know-so salvation! I joined the church that morning and was baptized by Bro. Fred Prince in Carroll Lake the following Sunday. I was thirty-two years old.

Lucille Burcham Flake

May 13, 1915 - March 12, 2007

"Heaven, A Testimony"
Written by Lucille Burcham Flake
(exact date unknown)

Heaven is my subject. I am interested in that land because I inherited a clear title to a bit of property there around fifty years ago. I did not buy it. It was given to me without money and without price. The Giver purchased it for me at a great sacrifice. I’m not holding it for speculation as the title cannot be changed.

It is not a vacant lot. For more than half a century I’ve been sending a small amount of material out of which the greatest architect and builder of the universe has been building me a home. It will never need remodeling or repair because it will suit me and never grow old. The termites can’t hurt it for it rests on the solid Rock of Ages. Fire can’t destroy it and floods can’t wash it away. No locks will ever be placed on its doors, for no vile perso can ever enter that land where my dwelling stands. It is almost complete and ready for me to enter and abide forever without fear of ever being afflicted.

There is a valley of dark shadows between where I live now and where I am going in a very short time. I cannot reach my home in that City of Gold without passing through that valley of dark shadows, but I am not afraid because the Best Friend I ever had went through the valley long ago and drove away all my gloom. This friend has stood by me through thick and thin since we first became acquainted around fifty years ago. His name, “I AM”, is printed in the Bible, and He tells me He will never leave me nor forsake me or ever leave me alone.

My ticket to heaven has a date marked for the journey with no return coupon. Just think of stepping on shore and finding it to be Heaven and taking hold of a hand and finding it to be God’s hand. And to know we will be where there will be no more disappointments. Where there will be joy and peace forever and forever. In Heaven we will meet our blessed savior face to face, and be able to thank Him for all the good things He has done for us in this life. Praise His Holy Name!

Joe Glisson

Born Again: A Thursday Morning
Where: At Home

His Testimony
I awoke early on Thursday morning about 3:20 A.M. and I started
thinking about being lost. I started praying about being lost when the Lord told me that I was headed for hell. Then I started praying harder to Jesus for Him to save me. I had the most desolate feeling come over me, and when I prayed for mercy, I felt whole and at peace as the burden of sin was lifted off my chest. I was saved, and I thank God that He didn’t give up on me.

Evie Ellis Green

Born Again: July of 1930
Place: Mount Comfort Baptist Church
Age: 12

Her Testimony
I was saved during a revival at Mount Comfort Baptist Church during the fourth week in July of 1930. Brother Joe Joyner was the pastor. The first day of the revival Brother Joyner came to me and asked me if I was lost and wanted to go to the altar for prayer. I went then and continued to go up at every service. I prayed and tried to trust the Lord the best I knew how. Then on Thursday of that week I was saved. I joined the church and was baptized at the end of the revival. I remained a member of Mount Comfort Baptist Church for thirty years before I moved my membership to Huntingdon Missionary Baptist Church..

(Her husband Max Green was a Deacon of HMBC and he and Evie were devoted members for many years. Max went to be with the Lord on November 9, 2006. Evie followed him on April 7, 2007)

Max Green

Born Again: On a Wednesday Night in 1932
Place: Humphries School House, Crockett County
Age: 14

His Testimony
I attended a Wednesday night prayer meeting at Humphries School in Crockett County with some of my classmates. I realized I was lost and I went to the mourner's bench. I tried to pray and finally my burden was gone and everything looked different. I no longer felt like praying for myself, but I remember wanting to pray for a girl I was seeing. My family didn't go to church, so I didn't go either. I was twenty-two before I joined Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in Buena Vista, Tennessee, and was baptized. I entered the military service and fought in World War II in South Africa. We had to sleep on the ground and I got pneumonia and was discharged. The influence of the military and the war caused me to stray from the Lord. When I returned home, I lived near Westport Baptist Church and felt that I needed to return to the Lord. Being under a heavy conviction because of the life I had led, I asked Westport Church to forgive me. Since that time, I have tried to serve the Lord to the best of my ability. I met Evie Ellis Hall at Westport and we were married. We have been together in God's service ever since.

(Max was a Deacon of HMBC and he and his wife Evie Green were devoted members for many years. Max went to be with the Lord on November 9, 2006. Evie followed him on April 7, 2007)

Ava Haddock

Born Again: Thursday Afternoon, August 1941
Place: Hall's School
Age: 12

Her Testimony
I became convicted of my sins when I was twelve. During a revival at Westport Baptist Church, Brother L. H. Brown was preaching the gospel and the dear old sisters of the church witnessed to me. We had morning and evening services at the church and in the afternoon services were held at Hall's School House. Thursday afternoon at the meeting at Hall's School, I turned everything over to the Lord and He saved me. I did not shout or rejoice as I had seen others do and for the next year I wondered if I had really been saved or not. During a revival at Mount Comfort Baptist Church, after hearing the testimonies of others, I realized the Lord had washed my sins away and I was satisfied. I felt like a new person

"----Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee." [Mark 5:19]

(Her husband Claude Haddock was a Deacon and a faithful and valued members of the Church until he went home to be with the Lord on August 19, 2008.

Ava, was also a devoted member of HMBC. She was a member of the choir and The Helping Hands. Ava went home to be with the Lord on May 3, 2017.)

Claude Haddock

Born Again: Thursday night in July, 1941
Place: Bethel Baptist Church
Age: 12

His Testimony
Brother Fred Prince was preaching at Bethel Church at the time I was saved. I went to the mourner's bench several times and I prayed to the Lord to save me from my sins. When I got my heart right with Him, He saved me. That was the most wonderful feeling I ever had in my life.

(Claude was a Deacon and a faithful and valued members of the Church until he went home to be with the Lord on August 19, 2008.

His wife Ava Haddock, was also a devoted member of HMBC. She was a member of the choir and The Helping Hands. Ava went home to be with the Lord on May 3, 2017.)

Justin Haywood

Born Again: July 3, 1998
Where: Independent Baptist Church
Age: 8

His Testimony
I was sitting in the first line of seats on the last row on Friday. My heart was pounding and I knew I was going to hell. I prayed a long time. I let go of the praying and let God do the rest and I was saved.

Angie Hedges

Born Again: Tuesday, June 22, 1976
Where: At the Altar in Church

Her Testimony
When I was a child, my parents took me to church regularly. I grew up believing in God and knowing that Jesus died for our sins.

In a revival one night, I realized that if I had not been saved (and I knew that I had not) then I was God's enemy. I realized I was a sinner who needed God just as much as anyone else ever did. Previously, I knew I needed to be "saved" but I thought since my parents took me to church and I was a good person that I had an advantage over other "sinners." I thought I was not as bad as other people. I was wrong. A person is either "For" God or "Against" God.

After I knelt in the altar to pray, I soon forgot about everyone praying around me. I was praying to God for myself. I asked God to save me. I was willing to do anything if God would just save me. I was determined to stay there as long as it took for Him to save me.

God saved me that night - Tuesday, June 22, 1976. I felt incredible peace like I have never known before or since that night. I had peace with God.

The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth. Psalm 145:17-18

Opal Mae Robinson Hedge

Born Again: September, 1921
Place: At Home
Age: 11

I was taken to church all my life. One September day my mother asked my sister to play the organ and we sang "Amazing Grace". I remember Mother saying, "We can understand it even if Opal Mae cannot". As I listened to them sing, I became burdened with sin. I went to the back bedroom and began to pray, but found no relief. When Daddy and Mother became aware of my condition, they called the neighbors to come and pray for me. I thought if Daddy and Mother prayed for me I would be saved, but I only grew worse. I soon forgot about them and began praying for myself. That is when the Lord saved me. I love that old song, "Amazing Grace", because it helped me to see the light.

"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." [Romans 5:8]

Opal Mae was a frequent visitor at H M B C until she moved to Brownsville, Tennessee, to be near her son, Lonnie Robinson, Jr., a Baptist Minister.
We thank her for sharing her testimony of salvation with us.
She is a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. How pleasant to remember Christian mothers and fathers who prayed for their children.

Dwayne Hill

Born Again: 1960
Place: In a yard in the Rosser
community
Age: 14

His Testimony
God convicted me of my sins when I was fourteen years old. I had been attending revival meetings, but I was mowing a lawn at Rosser when God first made me realize that if I died I would go to hell. Right there I prayed for the Lord to save me. It seemed like I prayed for a very long time and when I got as humble as God wanted me, He reached down and rolled my lost burden away. That was the best feeling I have ever had in my life. I joined Independent Baptist Church in July of 1960 and was baptized in Carroll Lake by Brother T. L. Campbell.

"Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee,, for thou has delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling." [Psalm 116:7-8]

Dwayne, and Patsy Hill have been members of the church for many years. Dwayne is proof that God can save anywhere, even mowing the lawn.

Dwayne went home to be with the Lord on April 2, 2012, in a boating accident which also took the life of his grandson Jeremy Hill, a fine young Christian man.

Larry Hodges

Born Again: As a young child
Place: At home

His Testimony
When I was a young child my mother taught me about Jesus and what it meant to be saved. At her knee I repented of my sins and asked Jesus to come into my heart. He answered my prayer and gave me a peace that I did not understand at that tine but now know it was a precious gift from God. He has been with me in the mountain top experiences and when tragedy has taken me to the lowest valley again and again. In those times all I had was the promises of God. One of those is Psalm 37:5, “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.” There have been a lot of “it’s” in my life and I’m sure there will be more. No matter. I’m His and I trust Him!

Amanda Hollingshead

Born Again: Sunday morning in January 1996
Place: Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church
Age: 17

Her Testimony
I was saved when I was 17 on a Sunday morning in January 1996 at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. I had been going to the altar off and on since I was 9. Through the years, my heart got harder, and I had more pride. People would come to me during revivals, but I was able to push them and the conviction aside. On the Sunday I got saved, the conviction was very deep and troubling. We had a visiting preacher, Scott Carter, but I don’t remember what he preached. During his message, I was trying to decide if I would go and play the invitation song or stop at the altar. As I struggled with my decision, Sister Biven Hendrix kept staring at me, and I knew that she knew I was under conviction. When it came time for the invitation, I made my way to the front, but I was still undecided. When I got to the front, Sis. Biven said my name, and at that instant I turned and went to the altar. After praying for a while, I requested that my sister come and lead in prayer. As she was praying, I also started praying out loud. I had finally decided that I wanted to be saved more than anything and was willing to finally put my pride aside to do that. I prayed “God have mercy on me”, and suddenly the need to keep praying left me. I wasn't sure what had happened so the following week I continued to pray to God to let me know whether or not I had been saved. The following Saturday I attended my first ordination service and while Bro. Massey was preaching God revealed to me beyond a shadow of doubt that I had been saved the previous Sunday. I was so overwhelmed with the spirit that I interrupted Bro. Massey’s sermon to tell everyone that I had been saved.

Margaret James

Born Again: On a Wednesday Night
Where: At church on the altar
Age: 28

Her Testimony
I was saved on a Wednesday night when I was 28 years old. I went to church with some friends and when the preacher had an altar call, my friend went. I waited until I felt the Lord dealing with me. I went to the altar and prayed and I was saved. A tremendous amount of joy, happiness, and peace overtook me. I was so relieved. I will never forget that night and the sweet peace within. I love the Lord and I know He loves me.

I grew up in a Baptist family. Although I have attended churches of other denominations, I feel the strongest connection to the Lord through the Baptist church. I know it's the Lord's will for me to be in the Baptist church because of all the blessings I receive each time I am in the House of the Lord. The Baptist preach and teach straight from the Bible

Pam Kee

Born Again: In 1996
Place: At Home

Her Testimony
Ever since I can remember my mother took me to New Liberty Missionary Baptist Church. I especially loved the revivals until I got to the age of accountability.

When I reached the age of 18 I quit going to church. I was running around having fun, or so I thought.

Later, I married and had a daughter, Halie. I sent Halie to church with my mother, knowing that I should be the one taking her.

In 1996, I got a divorce and that is when I turned to God for help and guidance. I started attending church occasionally. I was saved at home, but I didn't tell anyone for a while. In 1997, I told of being saved and I joined New Liberty. I was baptized in Maple Creek Lake in Natchez Trace State Park. I thank God for not giving up on me.

Pam is an active member of HMBC and is one of the Youth leaders and a member of the choir at HMBC. She is a willing volunteer for Vacation Bible School and other church related activities.

Leon Kirksey

Born Again: In the Summer
Place: On a hillside, just off a country lane
Age: About 16

His Testimony
My mother died when I was two years old and all my life I was told that her dying request was that everyone would pray for me to be saved someday so that I could meet her in heaven. That stayed with me all my life. My family attended church and I grew up knowing that everyone needed to be saved, but I was not convicted of my sins until I was about fifteen or sixteen years old. I didn't tell anyone, but when I was by myself I would try to pray. I remember plowing a field one day and as I plowed up roots they would fly back and hit me on the leg as if they were condemning me. One night I walked out of the house and down a lane toward a creek. I was so burdened that I determined not to come back home until the Lord saved me. On a hillside beside that lane, in the dark, I prayed earnestly to the Lord and He saved my soul. The night was suddenly as bright as day to me and my burden was gone. A few weeks later, the revival started at New Hope Baptist Church. The Lord was working in power. So many people came that they had to stand outside the church. Sinners were under conviction and were down praying in the altar of the church, in the woods surrounding the church and in the church yard. I have never seen a revival like it before or since. I joined the church and was one of forty people who were baptized in Batten's Creek by Brother Hersey Hopper, pastor of New Hope, after the revival was over. A cloud came up while Brother Hopper was baptizing and it began to rain, but no one seemed to mind. They just stood there until everyone had been baptized. They were still full of the Spirit of the Lord. I have not always done what the Lord would have me do, but He has always been with me.

On February 19, 2003, Leon went home to be with the Lord.

Marguerite Kirksey

Born Again: Friday, the Third Week of August
Place: Concord Baptist Church Revival
Age: 11

Her Testimony
I felt lost for the first time at age eleven during Concord's revival. I thought Brother Elihu Martin preached every word to me. I was so convicted I went to the altar for prayer twice that week. On Friday, I was determined I would not leave until I was saved. The burden was so heavy I thought I would die and after the church had dismissed, I asked if they would pray one more prayer with me. I don't remember much about that prayer except praying, "Please Lord don't let me die like this. I will go to hell." Suddenly, I knew I had something I couldn't wait to tell. I had planned to shout, but I didn't. I just had a sweet peace. I joined the church and was baptized the next day.

Marguerite went to be with the Lord March 16, 2020.

"For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: For what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities: For we know not what we should pray for as we ought: But the spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." [Romans 8:24-27]

Kendra Edwards La

Born Again: Tuesday, June 2, 1994
Place: Independent Baptist Church
Age: 13

Her Testimony
I knew something was not right with me and the Lord, but I did not know what to do. On June 28th, Brother Kenneth Massey preached about going to hell and what happened to those who were not saved. I was torn in pieces. My heart was heavy and I felt God drawing me, but I also felt the devil pulling me back. I would step toward the altar, then back away. Finally, I let everything go and went to the altar. I did not know what to do or expect. I just tried to block everything out and pray for God to save me. When the Lord saved me, I knew it. I felt open and relieved and without a problem in the world. I thought I was the happiest person in the world and wanted to tell everybody. It was the best thing that ever happened to me.

Paulette Lambuth

Her Testimony
I was saved many years ago in a small church down on my knees. I prayed the sinner's prayer and asked Jesus to come into my heart and soul. He saved me. I know because a warm, peaceful feeling came over me and I was very happy in the Spirit of the Lord.

"From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised.
The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.
Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high." [Psalm 113: 3-5]

Ruby Leslie

Born Again: In 1923
Place: Palmer Shelter
Methodist Church
Age: 18

Her Testimony
I went to church at Palmer Shelter Methodist Church because it was the closest church to where I lived and daddy didn't have a car. One night during a revival meeting when I was about eighteen, I was under heavy conviction. I made my way toward the altar, but stoped a little way from the front. There was a big crowd at the church that day and lots of people were everywhere around me. I didn't care and I wasn't ashamed. I felt like there was no one there but me and the Lord and I prayed for a long time. I had never experienced anything like it in my life before. I knew I was really convicted and I was really saved. I joined Palmer Shelter that day, but in 1980 I joined Independent Baptist Church.

"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given
himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour." [Ephesians 5:1-2]

Ruby was a faithful member of our church for many years until the Lord called her home on Friday, May 23, 1997.

Sylvia Licht

Born Again: July 20, 1951
Place: In Church
Age: 12 and l/2 years of age

Her Testimony
Youth was on my side as a 12 ½ year old 7th grader. My heart was tender and open to the drawing of the Holy Spirit, July 20, 1951, sitting in Junior choir.

I thought surely I would have a heart attack, as my heart pounded loudly in my chest, if I didn't hurry and tell my pastor I’d been saved. Jesus died for me, an unsaved sinner now saved by his wonderful grace and mercy

Shortly after, my friend Glenda and I were running up and down the dirt road with our dogs, when I talked to her about Jesus. Forty-seven years later, Glenda sent a letter telling how I had been influential in her becoming a Christian. We never know who’s influenced by what we say or how we live. To all youth everywhere, date and marry someone of your same faith. Allow God to be top partner in your marriage. Learn to listen to His still small voice, and you will experience peace and security in whatever you face. Hold steadfast in unwavering faith and truth.

Sylvia was active while she was a member of HMBC. She led in starting our participation in the Samaritan's Purse Christmas Child Shoebox project and she continued until she moved to another locality and moved her membership to a Baptist church there. We will always remember her contribution to HMBC.

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

Karen Lifsey

Born Again: During a revival in 1965
Place: Mount Comfort Baptist Church
Age: 15

Her Testimony
When I was young I went to a lot of revivals. One night when I was attending a revival at Mount Comfort Baptist Church, I wanted to go to the altar, but something was holding me back. After several nights, I went to the altar. People were shouting and praying, but I knew I had to do this myself. I prayed and after a while I knew I had been saved and I began to shout. It was a wonderful feeling.

"But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee."
[Psalms 5:11]

Karen has put her faith in Jesus Christ who gives us a joyful heart and a peace that nothing else can give. She has the knowledge that Christ is her constant companion and faithful friend. She is a member of the First Baptist Church in Huntingdon.

Judy Massey

Born Again: On A Wednesday Night
Place: At Church During Revival
Age: Teen Age

Her Testimony
My best friend invited me to go to church with her one Wednesday night when I was in High School. It was during revival and after the preacher finished preaching he gave an altar call. I did not plan to participate, but before I knew it, I was at the altar. I don't even remember leaving my seat as I was under much conviction. I was relieved of my burdens. I was baptized by Calvary Baptist Church in Carthage, Tennessee.

"Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day."
[Psalms 25:4 and 5]

Kenneth Massey

Born Again: Thursday Night, August 6, 1953
Place: Enon Chapel Baptist Church in Trousdale County, Tennessee
Age: 11

His Testimony
My family was invited by Brother Gene Canter and his wife, Willie, to attend a revival which was in progress about forty miles from our home in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. While on our way, a cloudburst came and water got so high that it drowned out the car. I was happy because I thought, "That's one sermon I won't have to hear", but the rain stopped, the car started, and we went on to church. Brother Calvin Gregory was preaching that night and it seemed he preached straight to me. When he gave an altar call several went down, but I went outside. I walked over to a group of men, but it occurred to me that someone might come outside and ask us to go in to the mourner's bench. I knew that I didn't need to be standing there so I went over to the men's outdoor toilet. While standing in there, I heard the Pastor's (Brother Albert Crouch) wife, Earline asking, "Kenneth, are you in there?". I replied, "Yes". She asked, "Are you lost?" and I replied, "Yes mam". She asked if I would go inside and let them pray with me and I went. The bench was full except for one corner and that's where I landed on my knees. My mother and father were on each side of me and I heard my father say, "God have mercy on us!" That deepened my conviction. It seemed like I was falling into hell when something moved under me to stop my fall. Everything got still and peaceful and I knew I had been rescued by the saving grace of God. I got up and told everybody that the Lord had saved me.

Kenneth Massey is a Baptist minister and former Pastor of Independent. He is married to Judy Massey and they have two children, Julie and Lance. Kenneth and Judy currently live in Nashville, Tennessee.

Kate Carter Matlock

Born Again: June 20, 2003
Where: In the Ladies Restroom at Huntingdon Missionary Baptist Church

Her Testimony
On Sunday night, the first night of revival in 2003 on June 20, while the choir was singing their first song, I started to really listen to the words and started to think that if I died right then that I would go to hell. I thought also about what I was feeling in my heart and then I realized I was lost.
I started to get really scared so I went to the women’s bathroom and started to pray and I thought it went away. I started to go back into the sanctuary and as I started to open the door, the feeling came back. I ran back to the restroom. I prayed and prayed. Then, I felt it go away. I knew for sure I was saved. Since that day I have never forgotten the joy of being saved

Ricky McAlexander

Born Again: On a Sunday
evening in 1981
Where: Outside near a pond.

His Testimony
I had been under conviction close to a year and I was constantly in fear of dying before receiving salvation. I had been for altar prayer many times and I had studied the Bible often, thinking I could get salvation on my own. Then, one Sunday evening near the end of 1981 on a pond bank behind my parents house, I totally depended on God. After praying near the water’s edge, I stood and the sweetest peace came over my heart. My breathing became easier. The pressure from my chest was gone. I had to thank God for saving my soul.

Ricky is a member of Concord Missionary Baptist Church and he and his wife are "honorary members" of HMBC because when their church is not having service they are usually at HMBC.
they are both shining examples of what a devoted Christian should be. May God bless them. And thanks to Ricky for sharing his testimony with us.

Allie McClure

Born Again: March 21, 2005
Where: At Home In My Room

Her Testimony
My family had just moved to Huntingdon and I had been wanting to go to this church. The first day we went, a boy in my class had asked how you were supposed to get saved. After that day, I got convicted for about two weeks. I was too scared to pray to God. I finally went up to my room one day and prayed to God to save me. I cried and asked for forgiveness, and I was saved that day. It was on March 21, 2005. Now I have another reason for that day to be my favorite day of the year: March 21st was already my birthday and now I get to celebrate my salvation, too.

Jimmy McClure

Born Again: March 31, 1993
Place: At home

His Testimony
I was saved on March 31, 1993. I came under conviction on Wednesday night during revival at County Line Missionary Baptist Church. I searched every way I knew to be saved. Then on Wednesday afternoon, one week later, on the way home from work, I stopped by the church. I humbled myself before the Lord and the warmest spirit moved upon me. The Lord saved me that very moment. Praise the Lord for a home in heaven!

Janet McClure

Born Again on July 30, 1980
Where: Clarksburg
Missionary Baptist Church

Her Testimony

Janet McClure
Born Again on July 30, 1980
Where: Clarksburg
Missionary Baptist Church

Her Testimony
I was saved by the grace of God on July 30, 1980 at the age of 13. My parents always took me to every church service from the time I was born so I always knew about Jesus in my head. At the age of 11, I felt conviction begin to stir in my heart and knew that I needed something more than just knowledge in my head. I struggled for two years and went to the altar many times but could never find that peace I kept hearing about from others. While I was still seeking Him, several others in the church kept getting saved, and I just couldn't understand why I was having such a hard time. I thought I was a good kid, but being good was not what the Lord needed from me. He needed me to surrender. Finally during revival in 1980, I was at the end of my rope. I remember going down for prayer that Wednesday night. There were others seeking the Lord all around me. At some point, I just had a peace that came into my heart. My Dad told me to pray some more and be sure. I could no longer pray for myself. I was praying for all the others to be saved. When service started on Thursday morning, Bro. Harold Carver gave an invitation for church membership, and my heart started pounding again. I have always gone back to that Wednesday night at Clarksburg Missionary Baptist Church and know that what He gave me will take me to heaven when I die!

Johnny McClure

Born Again: A Wednesday night in
When: July of 1986
Where: At my home

His Testimony
I was saved on a Wednesday night in July of 1986 at home in my bed.

I had been going to Clarksburg Missionary Baptist Church since 1984 with my future wife Janet. I had been to the altar several times under conviction, mostly during revival. That particular night I was laying in bed praying and crying because I knew I was lost. At some point the tears and fear were replaced with a smile and an incredible peace. I have no doubt when I leave this world that heaven will be my home

Bettye McCollum

Born Again: August 10, 1946
Place: At my parent's home
Age: 11

Her Testimony
When I was eleven years old, I realized I was a lost soul. My parents carried me to every revival in the country with no results. The day after the close of one revival, I was so burdened that I thought I would die. I was praying so hard that my mother called our pastor, Brother Leonard Sanderson, and asked him to please come. By the time he arrived, the Lord had saved me. I have never seen such a bright light. The whole living room was just lit up. That special feeling in my heart was just something unbelievable. Needless to say, it was hard to determine who was the happiest that day, my mother or me.

"Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation." [Psalms 111:1]

Bettye is a charter member of Huntingdon (formerly Independent) Missionary Baptist Church. She, her mother and father, and her paternal grandmother and grandfather joined the church on the day it was organized, May 14, 1950.

Martha Jean Miller

Born Again: On a Friday
Place: At Mount Nebo Baptist Church
Age: 10

Her Testimony
Many years ago in an old fashioned revival meeting where preaching, praying, singing, and shouting could be heard for miles around was the spotlighted setting for my salvation. On the day of this spiritual occasion, the pastor preached a sermon that would cause the devil himself to fear the wrath of God. I literally quaked with fright as the old time message pierced straight into my stony heart. I envisioned the flames of Hell coming toward me and my cold heart was set ablaze as God's holy power from Heaven erupted into a spontaneous combustion throughout the congregation. The whole building seemed to dance upon its foundation as the jubilant Christian soldiers made their sacred marches toward my heavily burned soul. A surge of God's power swept my body like a mighty electrical shock wave as I scurried down the church aisle and collapsed face down upon the old mourner's bench. The faithful warriors bounced words of wisdom upon my eardrums and they seemingly rang the bells of Heaven with their prayers whilst I pleadingly wailed to God to save my sinful soul. I had an experience on that day with God that made all the angels in Heaven rejoice, and it changed my life forever. The Holy Spirit virtually blanketed the place as I shouted praises to God for my new spiritual birth. I had finally gotten a gift that money cannot buy, and no one could take the gift from me.

"..for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." [Timothy 1:12]

Jean was the widow of Jimmy Miller and mother of three children. Her experience with God has enabled her to be a shining example of what a Christian lady should be. She was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. How comforting to know that God can give us an inner peace which no one can take from us through his son Jesus Christ.

Jean went to be with the Lord on January 22, 2022

Mary V. Moody

Born Again: Thursday During the Revival of 1963
Place: Clarksburg Baptist Church
Age:

Her Testimony
I never remember a time when I did not go to church. One of my earliest childhood memories is playing church with my older brother, using a kitchen stool for a pulpit. He was the preacher and I was the song leader. We did not have a television, so many of my nights as a young child and teenager was spent sitting beside my granddaddy, who lived with us, listening to preaching and the Mull Singing Convention on WCKY, Cincinnati, Ohio. Mom and Dad both taught Sunday School classes so there always seemed to be someone reading and studying the Bible, often out loud. I realized I was lost when I was about nine years old and I remember dreading the invitational hymn after every service. The schools at that time allowed children to attend revival services during the day if their parents agreed, and, of course, mine did. In 1963, I was attending the revival at Clarksburg Baptist Church. Each day my burden grew heavier, so heavy that I would tell myself that I would not attend church the next day if it made me feel so bad, but I would go back. On Thursday of that week, my burden was so heavy and I was so miserable that they couldn't sing the invitational quickly enough. I went to the altar, begging the Lord to forgive me, and in an instant, peace flowed into my heart and my soul was filled with joy. I cried, I laughed, I hugged everyone I could reach. I had never felt such happiness. Life's road has been rough at times, but God has always helped me through. When I am feeling low, I let my mind go back to that time and place and I know everything will be okay.

"Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely." [Psalms 147:1]

Mary and her husband Larry Moody are members of our church. Mary has sung alto in the Victory Quarte for many years.
Her life has been filled with gospel singing and she has chosen singing to give honor and glory to her Lord Jesus Christ.

Willodean Norwood

Born Again: July of 1929
Place: Mount Nebo Baptist Church
Age: 13

Her Testimony
I was saved during a revival meeting at Mount Nebo Baptist Church in Buena Vista. Our revivals would go on from Wednesday until a week from the following Friday with morning and evening services. We attended most every time. People would get happy and shout and I wanted to be happy like them. I was convicted of my sins and went to the altar several times, but nothing happened. One day I went up and something did happen. The Lord changed my life! I didn't shout, but I was happy. I remember that special day and I could go back to the very place where it happened although the old church house is gone and a new one stands in its place. I love the Lord because He has done so much for me.

"If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead,
you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation." [Romans 10:9-10]

Willodean was a dedicated Christian lady whose life exemplifies her belief in the principles of her faith. She was faithful to her church and to her Lord and she always had a smile for everyone.

Willodean went home to be with the Lord on December 25, 2015.

Mary Ann Oatsvall

Born Again: During a revival
Place: Yuma Baptist Church
Age: 13

Her Testimony
I was going to revival services at Yuma Baptist Church. I felt a lot of burden in my heart. Mrs. Lewis would talk to me and she helped me to the altar. I was saved the second day and it didn't take long for the burden to leave my heart. I stood up and I saw a light that covered part of the church. The light was brighter than the sun. It was beautiful. I didn't hear a sound. I remember I was happy and the burden was gone.

Mary Ann went home to be with the Lord on January 17, 2011.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
[Psalms 27:1]