Johnie E. Baxter

Personal Testimony

The following are two different versions of his personal Christian testimony written in his own hand writing which were found among the many personal papers that he had kept. These were written around 1975 while he was attending a local Bible College in Rockford, Illinois.

The full text of each is included at the bottom of this page. Or to see the original versions in his own hand writing, just click on either of the small images to open the full sized two page PDF file of that version, and then use your browser's BACK button to return to this page afterward.

     

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Johnie Baxter's Personal Christian Testimony

I was born in 1920. My father was a farmer and saw mill operator. My mother was very devoted to her family. There was love in our home. We were very poor. We lived miles from a church and further from a church of my parents choice. Not many people owned cars in those days. We walked to church and Sunday school.

Before I received eternal life, although I was in Sunday school and church, I found myself using bad language, and doing things which I knew were displeasing to God. I did not love my playmates as I should. I had a bad temper. I would fight and wanted to hurt them.

One evening coming home from school one of my playmates did something I did not like. I quickly became involved in a fight. We were on a bridge over a small stream of water usually, but this was after a large rain and it was very swift and out of its banks. I thought of pushing him into the water and getting rid of him. This I proceeded to do. I got him to the edge and gave him a shove. Thanks to my brother who caught him and kept him from drowning. I had a very bad temper.

Then I received eternal life. The next day from force of habit I said a bad word. I was sorry immediately, and asked forgiveness and help to never do it again. This God has done.

This has been years ago. Now I have love for people. I have friends. I can get along with other people. We have fellowship. The want to fight and get even are gone.

I remember once when an employee of mine was mistreating a horse which he was working. I knew I had to stop him. I knew he was mad. I went to him and said, "Will, you will have to stop beating the horse."

He turned to me and said, "I'll stop, but I want my pay now." I did not have the pay, but I told him I would get it and give it to him. He replied, "When you you give it to me, then I will whip you." I told him I wouldn't try to keep him from doing that, but to not beat the horse anymore. I did not want to fight him, but felt for him for having such a bad temper. I prayed for him and gave him his pay. Then he said, "We will forget about the whipping."

God has been faithful these 48 years guiding me into his paths. When I get slack he has been gracious and let me know he cared and loved me. Sometimes awakeing me to new heights in Him and giving me new assurance of eternal life with him in heaven.

Johnie Baxter's Personal Christian Testimony - Class Version

I was born soon after World War I. The economy seemed to be somewhat stable. But things were quite expensive for that day. People needed farms, homes, and equipment for them. Many people overspent. Most all were in debt. My family was no exception.

Then some bad crop years and the Great Depression of the 1930's came. We lost most of our earthly possessions. But God was faithful. We always had food and clothing. My father could always find work even when most people were depending upon the government programs and soup lines to live. God provided us with what we have need of.

We lived miles from a church. Three miles to the closest Sunday school. Travel in those days were slow. We walked or took a team and wagon. Then one day my parents former pastor came to a community 4 or 5 hours traveling time from our home. We went and spent the weekend in those services. This is where I heard that God really loved me and wanted me to have eternal life. I received his gift of eternal life.

Although I was only a young boy I remember the change in my life. I no longer wanted to use bad language. I was given power to overcome a bad temper which I had before.

Eternal life has two dimensions: present as well as future. God comes into our lives to guide and help us here and now. Looking back over my life - which has been many years since I received Him - I see the benefits. God guided my life. In things which I did not understand He provided guidance, protecting me from many pitfalls. In picking my life's companion, in my business, different jobs which I have had, investments, and bringing up my children. When I consulted Him, He aways gave wise guidance.

It is a wonderful feeling when you have given the day the best you have, to come home to a home of love, and lay down on your pillow at night knowing that if you die before another day, you are going to heaven.

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Roger Baxter
497 Shem Ct SE
Bolivia, North Carolina 28422 USA