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Another Special Life in Christ
These testimony lives are not stories of "role models". Jesus is the
role model!
These are lives wonderfully touched & changed by Jesus!
Sgt. Jennifer Denise
Nelson:
She was born 3 September 1976 in Tallahassee,
Florida & teaches 8th grade in Clover Junior High School in South Carolina. She is the
daughter of a soldier; her father served in the Army for 22 years. "I'm also a P. K.
(preacher's kid). Right before my dad retired, he became an ordained Baptist
minister. I have two very supportive parents who love Christ, and a younger sister who
also loves Christ. After detouring from the righteous path for many years, I decided to
seriously follow Christ in 2003, when I was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation
Iraqi Freedom. God manifested Himself to me in ways I could never have imagined and I
give him all praise, glory, and honor!"
We were privileged to have been invited by our
kinfolks (Ann & Klaus) to attend a Benedict College Concert Choir performance at St. John Baptist Church,
Columbia, S. C. on my 61st birthday, 12/5/43. It was a mix of Christmas and patriotic singing
for over 500 mostly African American attendees. It was a fine and rousing performance. But
there was an unexpected surprise in store.
A slim young African American lady, dressed
sharply in her Army uniform, stood to deliver a message. With a sweet countenance and clear
voice she told of her belief in America & of being away in Baghdad, Iraq, and actually
spending Christmas in one of the palaces of Saddam Hussein in 2003. She spoke of the courage
of our men & women in uniform and their need for our nation to stand firmly for them as
they defend us. And it became crystal clear to me that she was a true Jesus follower. I feel
like her words were given to her by God, Himself (and she later agreed with me). Her talk was
so riveting that the entire audience vigorously & completely leapt to its feet with a
standing ovation! It was my honor to meet her very briefly, afterward.
In spite of the bad news about our society in the
news media daily, I hear enough from the Jennifer Nelsons of our country to remain strongly
hopeful for the future of our nation.
As best as she remembers her speech, Sgt. Nelson
has sent it to me and has graciously allowed me to post it, as follows:
SPEECH:
"Good evening. First, I'd like to give honor
to God for allowing me to be here this evening. I count it a blessing to be able to
stand before you on this occasion. Last year at this time, I was stationed in Baghdad,
Iraq living near Saddam Hussein's Presidential Palace. Not many people can say they
spent Christmas in Saddam's palace, and I'm not so sure many people would like to be able to
say that. Anyway, Thanksgiving had just passed but was still fresh in my mind.
Christmas was rapidly approaching, forcing me to deal with the fact that I'd spend yet
another holiday apart from my family and friends. I was upset, sad, and afraid.
But, somehow, I managed to find joy in the season.
"Right now, we are all safely gathered in this
place to celebrate Christmas and all it means to us. At this very moment, a service
member is making the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life so we can all be here. Now,
if we each had our way, I'm sure none of us would choose for this country to be at war right
now. The fact of the matter is, we are a nation at war; and those service members need
our unwavering support. Each day, those men and women are separated from their loved ones,
and they forego the comforts of everyday life we often take for granted.
"Now, this season conjures up phrases like, 'peace
on earth' and 'good will toward men.' Unfortunately, there are forces in this world
that seek to disturb the peace we try to enjoy. There are individuals that would rather
harm men than act kindly toward them. Those are the forces that our military is
fighting.
This year, I am back in the classroom as an eighth
grade teacher. It's still a war zone of sorts, but the battle's a little
different! In the spirit of the season, I'd like to give all of my students
gifts. But, these gifts can't be bought at the local mall or Wal-Mart. Things
like appreciation for freedom, patriotism, and love can't be bought. They must be
taught, and each of us can be the teacher. So, today and each day, stop for a moment
and reflect on the sanctity of life and the cost of freedom. Remember a Solider,
Airman, Sailor, or Marine in your prayers, thoughts, and kind deeds. Most of all, honor
him by teaching those with whom you come in contact to do the same. May God bless
you."
***give me your comments about this
page***
(posted 8 December 2004)
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You have just read a very brief example of the
powerful, supernatural transformation of a person's life which is possible through the
acceptance of Jesus as your savior. Are you tired of life as it now is for you? He will
accept you just as you are right this second! Consider accepting Jesus now
[check it
out]!
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