Nichols Street Church of Christ

I guess the place to start with is to say during my childhood there wasn't very much access to the Word of God. I did go to church, but I was in the Boy Scouts at that church, so I wasn't there to learn about God. Even though some things said somehow penetrated my rebellious skull.

 

I grew up knowing nothing but alcohol and violence. At the age of 17 I set off on my own, after numerous runaway attempts. In the need for money I resorted to stealing. Two days after that event I turned myself in and plead guilty.

 

During my 3 1/2 years in prison, I prayed not even knowing if I was being heard. I wasn't being led to God because I was afraid of what others might think. After my release, I somehow met this woman who also wasn't a Christian, but her Dad was.

 

My Wife's Dad convinced me to attend his church. As I walked into this small church in Kountze, TX the welcome I received was so warm. I began to listen and believe. My heart was real tender and everytime the Altar Call was offered, I felt like crying. Then one day my Father-in-law somehow knew what I was feeling and told me it's time. I accepted Jesus into my life, and for the first time in my life there was peace.

 

Well, my Wife and I started having problems and I began to let her down. So, I followed in my Father's footsteps and stopped going to church and went back to the alcohol. It was a short time after I started to hit the bars, fighting and cheating. Even after I left my wife and family, my Wife continued to want me back. My fighting became every night until I went over board and really hurt someone.

 

After I returned to prison I wanted to become a part of something, so I joined a prison gang which resulted in more violence and drugs. I then caught a drug case and thought my life was over. My Wife had completely stopped writing, my Brother killed himself, and my Mom passed away. I felt there was a better way, so I tried to commit suicide. That landed me in the psychiatric institution hospital. There the Chaplain and one Captain really took time with me.

 

Then a fellow inmate had an address to this Christian lady, Mrs. Burt. After I told her my situation, she started sending me Bible studies and the most inspiring letters. Even when I started to backslide again, Mrs. Burt and Jesus never left. Now if I look back on my life I would only change a few things. One would be hurting my Wife and the other would be not getting to know God sooner. Mrs. Burt and her Bible studies have helped me grow. With God by my side I haven't been in any kind of trouble and I'm on my way home.

 

I feel very blessed to know there is a woman out there that cares about my future. I am now looking forward to my new life in Jesus. I don't consider this place an institution of grief and pain any longer. It's a place where I was given a chance to see how much love the Lord has for me through Mrs. Burt.

 

May God bless you and I thank God for His many blessings.

Sincerely thankful, John O'Bannon

 

A dream may come true to you one day, But I know a man that can show you the way. He'll lead you through a path that is narrow and strait And take you to a place with golden gates.

 

He inspired people to write a book that is one of a kind And as you read it, He'll speak through your mind. The more you study, the more you'll grow And your body will be full of joy and become whole.

 

The man I know will never lead you astry So let's get on our knees tonight and pray. Make sure you ask Him to forgive you for what you have done Because I'm sure you know by now, I'm talking about God's Son.

 

If you don't know Him, I'm asking you now, To walk up to that Altar and take a bow. This is a man you'll love above all, Cause He'll always be there to catch you when you fall.

 

Now it's time to return to bended knees And thank the man we love, for His daily deeds... Remember to ask forgiveness day after day Because none of us is perfect. "In Jesus name I pray. Amen"