Preservation and Growth in the Lord through Shepherding
I was born to a Christian family who met with believers in the local church. Although my parents were genuine Christians, I was not a believer of Christ. In fact, I was a naughty child, who learned and used many foul words from my environment (school, television, friends, etc.). Around my parents I learned to keep my mouth shut for I knew that I'd be punished, but around others my lips moved freely. It was not until a Christian worker, who cared for me pricked my conscience concerning my foul mouth that I began my journey with the Lord.
My life was pretty ordinary. I went to school and participated in team sports for the school I attended. I would say that I did the normal things other people my age would do. The only difference was that I spent time on the weekends with some older believers who knew how to be patterns to young people. They were my shepherds, helping me to touch the Lord in my spirit. It was through their encouragement that I attended a young people's conference, which convicted me to receive the Lord and be baptized. After receiving the Lord Jesus' life into me, I continued living a normal young person's life with Him growing in me day by day.
After junior high and high school, I attended Ohio State University and pursued an engineering degree. Most of my time in college was taken up with studies, but I was quite blessed by the Lord with a family who cared for the college students. Every Friday night I would come and relax at their open home, and be fed physically and also spiritually. The meal was quite simple, but much better than McDonald's hamburgers! The best part of this gathering was that we would get into the Bible and also into some books by Witness Lee that helped my life and walk in the Lord.
I really have to thank the Lord that in each step of my growth process that there were some in the local church who cared for me. They helped me to be open and receive the Lord, not only as my Lord and Savior, but also as my life (Colossians 3:4). I praise the Lord for the many patterns and shepherds in the church in Columbus.
Jackson Lao | Back to List
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