My 1 Story

Skip, Lamont and I minister to incarcerated youth at the Charles J. Britt House in St. Petersburg. We’ve seen some encouraging things, but last evening at our regular Tuesday Bible Study was a ‘Holy Spirit Storm’.

It started when Lee stood alone in the center of the group and apologized to several individuals,and the group collectively,for any past incidents, arguements, altercations, unkind words, etc. Then he went to each individual and offered his hand, which each young man took. When Lee sat down, one boy after another came to the center of the circle to do the same thing – apologizing to staff memgers and inmates alike. When all but two boys had done this, they gathered and Lee prayed.

I am almost 50 years old and grew up Catholic. I went to catholic school, made all the sacraments, got married in the catholic church, had three children, had them baptized as infants, sent them to catholic school and never once read the Bible. I didn’t even own a Bible. I was never taught that I should. Fast forward many years later, my 29 year old son some years back joined a non-denominational church and when I would go to visit him he would have me go with him to his church. I liked his church so much and the message that was preached on those particular Sundays I went with him, that I told my son if he could find me a church like his I would probably go back to church. He did just that. From Ft. Rucker, Alabama my son found me Bridgepoint church in St. Petersburg, Fl, where I now go and have been going since January 2009. I wish I knew years ago what I know now. I walked into Bridgepoint not knowing that the pastor, Tim Whipple would have such an effect on my life and bring me so much closer to God then I thought was possible. I now read the Bible everyday, I now look forward to going to church every Sunday. I don’t think I have missed since the first Sunday I walked into Bridgepoint Church. My only regret is that I didn’t know sooner that I could have a relationship with God and that I should of and could of years ago if only someone had told me. A question as simple as what does God want from me I got answered just by reading the Bible and attending Bridgepoint Church. Reading the Bible and attending church has changed how I think and who I am and who I want to become. I love my new church and even better I love God and am so glad I found Bridgepoint and God. They have changed my life and my spirit. Now my only questions is how I survived so long without both in my life.