Lon’s Testimony

My name is Lon Alvis and I was born in Columbus, Nebraska, but was raised in California.  I joined the Army as a teenager and I spent many years in Special Forces.  Deployed to Panama during the Noriega years.  At that time I witnessed sin at its worst and was involved in much sin myself. After leaving the Army, I moved around a lot and worked at a lot of different jobs.  I was diagnosed with terminal cancer, but was healed from this disease.  The doctors told me they had nothing to do with my healing, that it was a miracle.  I now know that my God spared my life so that I can stand here before you today and testify to His greatness in my life. However, I did not immediately trust Christ.  Instead of turning to the Lord, I turned to alcohol.  Alcohol did not work, it made things worse.  I moved back to Nebraska to try to get away, but Nebraska’s got alcohol too.  As a result of my drinking, I lost my family. Even though I was not homeless, a buddy told me about the Columbus Rescue Mission and since I was seeking spiritual direction I came to the Mission. While at the Mission I heard the gospel and came to understand that Jesus died for my sins.  Romans 10:17 says, “So faith comes from hearing and hearing by the word of Christ. Romans 10:9 says, “That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. I also get wonderful peace from Psalm 16: 1-2, “Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You.  I said to the Lord, you are my Lord; I have no good besides you.” I’ve done it in the past and I am doing it now before you, I am confessing that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. God now has me in full time ministry work at the Columbus Rescue Mission   Thank you and to God be the Glory.  AMEN!