My Testimony: Joyce W Bray

I became a born-again Christian in October of 1981. As a single mother I worked a part time job selling magazines over the phone. My daughter had asked for a prom dress that cost more money than I had as raising two teens on my own. One evening while on break I heard a man talking about how good God was to him and his family. He stated that God had moved him and his wife to Atlanta, given them a home, jobs and a child. I was shocked at how much God had given him and thought, Why does God do so much for him. He never does anything for me So, I asked him that question. He replied, “Because you don’t have a spirit life, Joyce!”I had no idea what he meant by that. I guess because of my puzzled face, he continued, “ My wife and I have bible study at our house, why don’t you join us?”

I told him I would and one evening a group of the guests were standing in a circle singing songs and praying. The man standing to my left leaned over and whisperedin my ear, “Just ask Jesus to come into your heart and He will. He’ll be your friend,lover and everything you need!” I said, “OK!” I did not see flashing lights or hear harp music.

That night as I got in bed still thinking about the evening, I pondered “Let me see if I can read the bible.” I have a Masters Degree in teaching others to read and I knew that over the years I’d try to read the bible, but it just didn’t make sense tome. Of course I was able to read the words, but could not comprehend what the bible was trying to tell me. I wish I could remember where I was reading. I believe in was in the New Testament. What happened that night was like the scales falling off my eyes. As I read I wept over the sinful life I had lived. I realized I needed to repent and turn my life over to God. I realized that He loved me and was deeply grieved by my lifestyle. That night I accepted the plans that God had for my life and how much good He had in store for me. I wept and repented that night by the side of my bed and asked Jesus to take control of my life and He did. That was over 35 years ago and I have never looked back. I found what I’d been searching for.

God immediately sent a Christian woman to walk beside me and teach me His way of living. I literally learned the basics over a period of 4 years through once a week discipleship, prayer, reading the word of God and parenting my almost college age children. I grew in understanding the ways of God through His son living in me.

Being mentored and discipled was a huge gift God provided. I had grown up seeking material things, pleasing people and satisfying self. I had to learn that now I lived for Christ. I was now living to love Him, serve Him and glorify His,and now mine heavenly Father.

I began to live emboldened by the Holy Spirit’s power and not my strengthen. I want to encourage others to search for and find the Savior. I hope my book, Searching, will not only encourage others to search for and find children or family lost to them for whatever reason. This book is especially for those given up for adoption or the parents that gave them to be adopted Maybe you will find help what you are looking for and maybe not. I assure you the journey is work taking. May you find what you need, as I did, in the loving, all knowing and present everywhere Son of God. Then the life and life giving Savior will delight himself in you as you delight yourself in Him. Jesus and a life in Him above all else. I long for you to read this book and be encouraged to pray and ask Jesus to help you find Him. Keep Searching!