 |
|
 |
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
     
|
|
The Real BrotherhoodGrowing up in East Texas, I cannot remember not being involved with a major denominational church. Even as a young teenager I enjoyed reading the Bible, fellowshipping and meeting with other Christians. This interest led me to become involved in the Charismatic Movement (a movement that was unsanctioned by my particular denomination). During my junior year some Christian friends whom I had met during Lay Witness Missions for my denomination introduced me to some Christian literature published by The Living Stream. This literature was so much more in-depth and different than anything I had ever read before. It startled me, but at the same time intrigued me and witnessed with my spirit--so much so, that I traveled four hours to visit the church in Houston where my friend had obtained this literature. At the church in Houston I found a group of people who not only were reading and studying the Bible, but also could apply this literature I had been reading, and who were practicing this kind of living. What impressed me was their love for the Lord, zeal for the deeper things of God, their singleness of heart, and their love for one another. While I enjoyed their contribution to Christendom, I didn't feel to continue meeting with the local church. My last year of high school was one of experimentation with both worldly and Christian things; yet try as I might I could not “shake off” what I had personally witnessed in Houston. As I entered the University of Texas at Arlington I was a confused and frustrated Christian. Longing to have an identity and to belong to some group (a brotherhood) I joined a social fraternity. Within a matter of a few months while trying earnestly to fit in, I soon realized I could not. For a short time the fraternity had shown me a microcosm of the real world; this was quite an education for a boy from a small town in East Texas. Confused, frustrated, desiring to understand the deeper things of God and longing for real friends and fellowship, I transferred to another university to get a clean break. Upon arriving at the University of North Texas I did not join any group. I concentrated on my studies, read my Bible and Christian books, and cried out to the Lord. After some time and with much reserve I came to the realization that there was something in me that compelled me to go again and visit the meetings of the local church. In a few short weeks of visiting the church in Dallas on weekends the Bible was opened to me like never before, my spirit was enlivened, and I felt so close to the believers there. It was like I had known these people all my life. The brothers cared for me so much that they visited me twice a week at school, gave me and anyone else I brought accommodations for the entire weekend, and later offered to let me move into their home to live with them. I have now been married for twenty-one years to a dear, wonderful sister in the Lord and we have two great teenage sons. Both my wife and I have advanced degrees in education and healthcare, respectively. For twenty-five years we have enjoyed this fellowship, been fed by this ministry, and yes, have been loved by the brothers in Christ. Steve Williams | Back to List |
|
|
Home
|
|
