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berkeley
12-07-2007, 12:19 PM
I was given the opportunity to come out to Tennessee. We were uncertain as to whether or not this was going to be a permanent move, or a visit.

My aunt and her husband opened up their home to me, or so it seemed. Two weeks into my stay, my aunt said "I'm taking you to the work force so you can find a job." I submitted an application with Tyson Foods. None of the other job offers appealed to me. I received a call to schedule an interview. I was excited. The interview was scheduled for Monday, my third week into my stay. The interview was a success. I was scheduled for orientation the following Monday, the start of week four. Things looked as they were falling into place. I was excited. I thought to myself "I'm going to stay in Tennessee and get established."

During orientation I met Dusty and Melissa. I don't know why, but I was drawn to them. It was unusual for me. I don't open up so easily to people. But, we clicked. It was a God-thing.

Thursday evening upon arrival from work, my aunts husband meets me at the door. "Take a walk with me," he says. We walked to the front of the property and he begins to drill into me, "I was all for you staying here for a month. Four weeks came pretty fast. You took way too long to get a job. Now, I missed a whole week of chopping wood because you took my truck to work. This isn't going to work. Have you been looking for a place to stay?"
"No," I answered.
He continues, "Don't make your aunt choose. Don't do that to your aunt Alicia. Don't put her in that predicament."
I thought "This guy is jealous of me for some reason. He is pretty much saying that my aunt has to choose between me or him. Weirdness.
And the band played on "We are both going to work tomorrow. I suggest you go out and find a place to stay. I don't know how you're going to get to work."
"Okay, I'll go out and look around."

Friday morning I drove to town and checked into a motel for the entire weekend. I made a few attempts to touch base back home so someone would be there to pick me up at the terminal. I couldn't reach anyone. I decided to return home after the weekend. Half the day had past and I drove to work an hour early and waited in the lot. When Dusty and Melissa drove into the parking lot I walked out to their car before they had the opportunity to park. "Follow me back to my aunts home so I can take them their truck."

We drove out to the sticks, and I was made aware that I ran a red light. I did not notice. Anyway, we arrived to my aunts place of residence. I walked inside and handed my aunt the keys.
I told my aunt, "I'm moving out." She asked "Why?"
"My schedule is going to be weird and I don't want to be coming into your home at weird hours, waking you up. I'm going to room up with my friends from work."
Lies, lies, and more lies. My aunt raised one brow, and was looking at me suspiciously. I know she didn't believe me. She didn't press for more info, and I did not want to put her at odds with her husband. I gave her a hug and she said "keep in touch."
"I will."
"Call me, keep in touch."

I walked out to Dusty and Melissa's car. We drove to work and I explained everything to them. "You can't stay in a motel," they exclaimed. "After work you can come home with us. We'll check you out of the motel."

Dusty and Melissa's shift was cut short. They were ready to leave by 9:00 p.m. I was informed that my shift that started at 4:00 p.m. was not going to be over until 4 or 5 a.m. the next morning. They couldn't wait for the duration of my shift, and I did not want them to have to drive back to get me in the morning. They live an hour away from the city in which we were employed. I did what any American would do, I walked off the job. Yeah, bad stewardship- I'm aware.

We drove to the Blue Ribbon Motel so I could check out. Dusty accompanied me to my room. He noticed that my bible was sitting on the bed.
"You read the bible?" he asked.
"Yeah. Do you?" I replied.
"Yeah, sometimes." he answered.
"What religion are you?" I asked.
To which he simply responded, "Pentecostal."
I smiled, "So am I."

I usually don't make it a point to ride in cars with 'strangers', and I would never have thought that I would stay in the home of someone that I didn't know all that well. During the drive to Dusty and Melissa's home I began to have doubts. You know, the usual, "Lord, I am scared. I don't really know them. I'm out in the sticks. What if they cut me to pieces when I'm asleep. Anyone can claim to be a Christian or a pentecostal. Pentecostal- he just thought of it at a whim."

Sunday Dusty and Melissa took me to their church, Decherd Church of God. I filled out the visitor card. I wrote in "United Pentecostal Church" where it asked for church affiliation. I enjoyed the service. I have never attended a Trinitarian church that allowed the Spirit of God to minister, until I attended Decherd Church of God. I proceeded to the front of the church for the altar call.
I was approached by the pastor, "I assume that you know the Lord."
"Yes," I answered with a pleasant smile.
"Can I pray for you?" he asked.
"Yeah. You can pray for me." I answered.

Pastor Carr stood facing me. He took my hands into his and began to pray for me. I prayed under my breath. Pastor Carr then hugged me, and I think he may have even greeted me with 'an holy kiss.'

After Sunday evening's service I approached Pastor Carr.
"I am from the oneness movement. Are you familiar with that."
"Yes, I am familiar with that." he answered.
Pastor Carr then proceeded, "I believe that they baptized in Jesus' name,
but I baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost because Jesus
said to do it like that. I'm not trying to argue or convert you. Baptism isn't
what saves you. The blood saves you. That's the way I sincerely see it.
Now, if I seen it the way you do I wouldn't be in the Church of God. I would
be in the United Pentecostal church."
I wasn't going to enter into a debate. I was thankful that he took the opportunity to be transparent with me.

Dusty and Melissa believe that God sent me to them. Why? They don't know. My spirit bears witness, but I wasn't sure as to why our paths crossed. Now I am.
A few nights ago I told Dusty, "the Lord wants you to be filled with the Holy Ghost."
Today I gave Dusty a simple bible study on the baptism of the Holy Ghost and baptism in Jesus name.
Dusty said, "I see it. I believe what you showed me. You didn't twist nothing. It's right there in the word of God."

And now to the conclusion of this post. Tomorrow I am going to baptize Dusty in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Blessings,

SDG
12-07-2007, 12:25 PM
Gloooooooooooooooooooory

Sam
12-07-2007, 12:26 PM
great post.

I'm ready to read the next chapter.

Sister Alvear
12-07-2007, 12:32 PM
praying for you and may He continue to guide you with the skillfulness of His hands.

bdlooney
12-07-2007, 12:54 PM
AWESOME!!! We know that all things work together...

Mercy
12-07-2007, 01:25 PM
Great post...it did read like a novel!!! I am waiting for the next installment as well.

HeavenlyOne
12-07-2007, 03:28 PM
Berk, I'm proud of you!!!!

Sherri
12-07-2007, 07:25 PM
Go Berk!!!! I wondered what you've been up to this past month in our great state. Looks like God has used you.

ChTatum
12-07-2007, 08:01 PM
Just follow God, brother.

He is more than able to direct your path.

Monkeyman
12-07-2007, 08:25 PM
Berk...I'm not sure if you realize it or not but you have a gift of writing. I was totally captivated by your words and I did not want the story to end. You might want to dig a little deeper here with this talent and please, please write more!

God bless your journey! And dunk Dusty good!!!

Scott Hutchinson
12-07-2007, 09:19 PM
This is good,and if you start a church I'd be glad to preach Jesus Christ for you all.

Falla39
12-07-2007, 09:33 PM
Berk...I'm not sure if you realize it or not but you have a gift of writing. I was totally captivated by your words and I did not want the story to end. You might want to dig a little deeper here with this talent and please, please write more!

God bless your journey! And dunk Dusty good!!!

Bro. Berkeley

So proud of you and how you are allowing our Wonderful Lord

to work in and through you. He leads His dear children along.

I agree with Bro. Monkeyman as to your gift of writing. It was

an exciting true story and I will be watching for the next chapter,

in Jesus Name!

Blessings,

Falla39

CC1
12-07-2007, 09:52 PM
I thought it was as great story except for the walking off the job part. Good grief! That was a pretty weird and irresponsible thing to do just because you wanted to ride with someone home.

I hope you get another job and keep it. If you leave work that easily I have a feeling you don't stay at jobs very long.

Hoovie
12-09-2007, 10:55 AM
How about an update Berk?

Tell us about the baptism.... and did you keep your job?

berkeley
12-10-2007, 12:59 PM
I thought it was as great story except for the walking off the job part. Good grief! That was a pretty weird and irresponsible thing to do just because you wanted to ride with someone home.

I hope you get another job and keep it. If you leave work that easily I have a feeling you don't stay at jobs very long.

I rode with them to their home. They were kind enough to check me out of my motel room and give me a place to stay. They were worried that something would happen to me if I had stayed in the motel.

I quit the job... I was going to make arrangements to return home, but they did not want me to leave.

So, I have been with them for a few weeks, and I am now making arrangments to return home.

I threw the 'walk off the job' part in just for you. It's the new America, and I know just how partriotic you are.

-

berkeley
12-10-2007, 01:03 PM
Ran into a dillema. Dusty has not been baptized. He is scared to enter into the river. I am trying to convince him that all will be fine. Some kind of phobia. *shrugs* I was going to be revolutionary and put him into the bath tub, but he does not fit.

I am returning home this week... Maybe a seed was planted. I dunno. I feel like I have failed.

SDG
12-10-2007, 01:09 PM
Ran into a dillema. Dusty has not been baptized. He is scared to enter into the river. I am trying to convince him that all will be fine. Some kind of phobia. *shrugs* I was going to be revolutionary and put him into the bath tub, but he does not fit.

I am returning home this week... Maybe a seed was planted. I dunno. I feel like I have failed.

Indoor pool at a hotel???

Sam
12-10-2007, 01:58 PM
Indoor pool at a hotel???

I belong to a group called FGBMFI (Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International). Each spring we have a statewide men's advance near Cincinnati in a local hotel at Kings Island. Each year we have a few men who get baptized. The guests at the hotel relinquish the lower end of the swimming pool for a little while and we do the baptizing there after singing a few worship songs and after praying. Each person gives a testimony before being baptized.

CC1
12-10-2007, 04:45 PM
I rode with them to their home. They were kind enough to check me out of my motel room and give me a place to stay. They were worried that something would happen to me if I had stayed in the motel.

I quit the job... I was going to make arrangements to return home, but they did not want me to leave.

So, I have been with them for a few weeks, and I am now making arrangments to return home.

I threw the 'walk off the job' part in just for you. It's the new America, and I know just how partriotic you are.

-

I am one of those old fogeys who thinks if you don't work you don't deserve to eat. I also have been a General Manager who has had to deal with unethihcal people who walk off jobs with no notice and don't appreciate it.

Actually the BEST workers I have had as far as reliability goes has been immigrant workers. They seem to appreciate their jobs more than many young people born in America.

When my daughter was a young teen of 15 she quit her first part time job without notice and got an earful from me. Turns out just when you think you have imparted all knoweldge to your youngins you find out you didn't. she said she honestly didn't know you were supposed to give two weeks notice. LOL!! Ever since that timie she has though.

berkeley
12-11-2007, 12:27 PM
I am one of those old fogeys who thinks if you don't work you don't deserve to eat. I also have been a General Manager who has had to deal with unethihcal people who walk off jobs with no notice and don't appreciate it.

Actually the BEST workers I have had as far as reliability goes has been immigrant workers. They seem to appreciate their jobs more than many young people born in America.

When my daughter was a young teen of 15 she quit her first part time job without notice and got an earful from me. Turns out just when you think you have imparted all knoweldge to your youngins you find out you didn't. she said she honestly didn't know you were supposed to give two weeks notice. LOL!! Ever since that timie she has though.

I understand where you are coming from. Tyson Foods hires a handful of people every week. In orientation we were told that if we are still with the company in 8 months, we would be considered veterans.

RevDWW
12-11-2007, 12:38 PM
Gloooooooooooooooooooory

Come on, sure you don't mean that big ole glory, why Dusty was saved already wasn't he?

berkeley
12-11-2007, 12:40 PM
Come on, sure you don't mean that big ole glory, why Dusty was saved already wasn't he?

Don't you even turn this into one of those threads..

RevDWW
12-11-2007, 04:00 PM
Don't you even turn this into one of those threads..
My bad...........:begging forgive my poking at DA.



It's a wonderful thing to be able to turn the light on for others, ain't it!

berkeley
12-01-2011, 08:51 AM
BUMP for JD and I guess an update.

The couple that took me in relocated to Ohio and has divorced. Now their words, DON'T LEAVE -WE HADN'T BEEN GOIN TO CHURCH FOR A WHILE TIL YOU CAME, are ringing in my ears.

Ah, my aunt and her husband that kicked me to the curb, they will be here for Christmas. :/

Sam
12-01-2011, 05:06 PM
...The couple that took me in relocated to Ohio and has divorced. .../

Ohio?
where in Ohio?

houston
12-01-2011, 05:47 PM
Idr.

CC1
12-01-2011, 07:38 PM
BUMP for JD and I guess an update.

The couple that took me in relocated to Ohio and has divorced. Now their words, DON'T LEAVE -WE HADN'T BEEN GOIN TO CHURCH FOR A WHILE TIL YOU CAME, are ringing in my ears.

Ah, my aunt and her husband that kicked me to the curb, they will be here for Christmas. :/

If it is any consolation like them I would have been taking your butt to the jobs center two weeks into your stay with me also! Maybe one week!!!! LOL

Jermyn Davidson
12-05-2011, 02:50 PM
Wow!

houston
12-05-2011, 03:43 PM
Cool story, no?

Jermyn Davidson
12-05-2011, 03:46 PM
Cool story, no?

Cool is not the word man!

God was really using you in their lives!

houston
12-05-2011, 03:48 PM
??

Jermyn Davidson
12-05-2011, 03:51 PM
??

Those people-- that couple-- GOD was using you!

houston
12-05-2011, 03:54 PM
Cool is not the word man!

God was really using you in their lives!

Ah, that's how it happens. I don't understand it. I fall out of the sky. I meet a few people, very few. I pour into them. AND As soon as I feel like I'm home, I have to leave and under the strangest of circumstances. I'm trying really hard to understand what and why per the current situation.

Jermyn Davidson
12-05-2011, 04:08 PM
Ah, that's how it happens. I don't understand it. I fall out of the sky. I meet a few people, very few. I pour into them. AND As soon as I feel like I'm home, I have to leave and under the strangest of circumstances. I'm trying really hard to understand what and why per the current situation.

I understand grappling with the Sovereignty of God too.


Sometimes, I have to remind myself that there is so much I have to leave up to Him. A common pitfall is for us to not to take care of the stuff we can take care of while spinning our wheels on the God-stuff.

The Spirit of the Lord moved Philip away from the Ethiopian eunuch.

houston
12-05-2011, 04:21 PM
Philip was caught up supernaturally. That'd sure make it easier. I'm driving home from work and in the twinkling of an eye I'm entering the city limits of wherever it is I need to be.

Jermyn Davidson
12-05-2011, 04:32 PM
Philip was caught up supernaturally. That'd sure make it easier. I'm driving home from work and in the twinkling of an eye I'm entering the city limits of wherever it is I need to be.

God can and will direct your bark.

houston
12-05-2011, 04:59 PM
my what?