Gary Taylor--

During my 20's and 30's, I had to prove to everyone that I had total control of my life and family.  No one could tell me what to do, and I made the decisions and rules for my family. I did not need God or anyone else for accountability of my actions.

 

Because of my unbending ways and overindulging in alcohol, my wife withdrew from me and was making plans to leave. My golf and bowling nights only brought mental anguish to my family because of my overindulgence in alcohol.  Our home had become a place without love and we just existed from day to day.

 

I crashed and hit bottom about 10 years ago.  I lost all confidence in myself and had no self worth.  I knew something had to change and I had to help myself.  My daughter was a believer, and I started to ask questions about God.  She started sharing with me versus in the Bible that were appropriate to the questions I was asking.  I also knew that she thought very highly of Former Pastor Bill Shereos and she encouraged me to start attending Hope Church.  I attended with large doubts but did continue to attend.  I started talking with Pastor Bill and learned that it was okay to be mad at God, and I could forgive God for all the negative events that happened in my life.

 

I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior and was baptized at Hope by Pastor Bill.

My life was improving and I could see small cracks starting to open up in my wife's hard shell.

 

Belinda and I were asked to join a small group, and we still are involved with this group. Our small group has shared our lives together and prayed for each other during the good and bad times.

 

Through my involvement with small group I became very close with Dennis Grim. Dennis and I have met for the last three or four years, every other Wednesday morning to share our lives and pray.  I have allowed Dennis to know me as much as my wife and maybe in some ways more.  Every man needs at least another man to keep him grounded and accountable.

 

I became involved with Men's Fraternity over two years ago which advanced my relationship with other men and God.  Men's Fraternity has dealt with so many issues that all men have faced and are facing.  To hear other men share their lives has helped me deal with my own issues and be held accountable for my actions. We pray together every week and also meet once a week for breakfast to continue sharing and praying for each other.

 

My wife and I are now where we should be, sharing our lives together with
God. Making joint decisions which affect our lives together and enjoying our family.

I had a strained relationship with my son through the years and because he has seen the change in me he is now seeking a relationship with God.  He also has attended Men's Fraternity and has listened to other men share about their fathers and their lives.

 

I would like to relate an event that my wife and I experienced about Hope Church and the people at Hope.  About a year ago my wife was called by emergency responders that her mother was being rushed to the Hospital.  We found out that she was gravely ill may not survive the night.  Emergency surgery was called for and it looked grim.  A family member called the church office and shared what was happening, but a mistake was made and it sounded like it was Belinda who was ill.  As Belinda and I and our family were waiting in the surgical waiting room we saw about ten church leaders and family running down the hall to be with our family.  After much surprise and relief for Belinda, they stayed, prayed and supported us until we got the news that Belindas' mother was okay.  Prayers work!   I knew then what it meant to belong to a "Church Family"!