Bio


	My two sisters and I were raised by our parents in a very nice middle-class home in New Jersey. My parents were extremely faithful in taking us to our local Catholic church each Sunday. We were led through communion and confirmation and all the required Saturday classes. I remember learning that I could talk to God like a Person, and that He would hear me and even answer. As I grew older, friends suggested that certain stories in the Bible (Adam and Eve, Noah's Ark, etc...) were nothing more than "fairy tales", and I tended to agree. As I grew into my teens I selectively rejected other Biblical principals because I wanted to party and live a loose lifestyle. I reasoned that God wanted me to "be happy". This didn't work out as I fell into a period of lonely, empty and chaotic years. At the age of 32, I married my lovely wife. Together with her 5 year old son we became a family. My wife has a very outgoing, fun-loving personality which can also be very strong at times. I found myself fighting for domination in the household and I became a very frustrated and angry man. I got so bad that most weekday mornings found me flying into a rage. It seemed I wasn't satisfied until I "vented" at someone. My wife and I both had a desire to raise our son in some kind of religion. We had begun to notice a little white church near our home. Our son needed to interview a member of the clergy for a Boy Scout project, so we contacted the church and Pastor Jim agreed to the interview. We also attended a Sunday morning service and I was very surprised at the warm and welcoming spirit of the people there. Pastor Jim asked if he could visit us at home and we agreed. He brought church elder, Ed, with him and proceeded to ask us a series of questions: "Do you believe in God?" I could only answer truthfully by saying "sometimes". "Do you know that we're all sinners?" Yes, I knew that from my Catholic upbringing, and I felt it inside. "Do you know Jesus died on the cross to pay for your sins?" Yes, I knew that. "Do you know there's a way to know for certain that you're going to Heaven?" I didn't know that. Then he said, "If you simply believe that Jesus died for your sins and accept God's forgiveness, you will go to Heaven." WOW! This was inconcievable to me! Could this really be true, or was Pastor Jim just confused? It was like my heart and my mind were battling each other. I wanted to believe, but it seemed too simple. However, something seemed to be drawing me. I thought, "I have to get to know Jesus." This idea, "to know Jesus", suddenly seemed new, fresh, and exciting to me. Simultaneously, it seemed familiar and older than time itself. This was the beginning of my personal relationship with Jesus, my new life! For the first time I could see my sin and anger for what they really were, and I knew that God could see them, too. But more than that, I could see that he loved me and forgave me. I knew that He would always be with me, guiding me and giving me strength, hope, peace and comfort. For the first time in my life I no longer felt empty. I knew that I was safe! Shortly after this, my wife and son accepted Christ, too. I learned that all the things Pastor Jim told me were truths from the Bible. We immediately began attending Bible studies and God gave me a deep longing for His Word (the Bible). His Word became a strong guiding force in my life as well as a source of joy, comfort and wisdom. God gave me a desire to live an upright and honest life. Before, there had been a streak of unfaithfulness in me. Now, I long to serve my wife and be the best husband I can. Before, I was selfish and self-centered. Now, I desire to serve others for Christ's sake. I found that the more you give, the more you receive. That's another truth from the Bible! Ed and I are still friends. Sometimes he says to me, "I had a strong feeling about you the day we came to visit. I knew that you would accept The Lord!" Well, The Lord drew me to Himself and accepted me. I have a strong feeling that, someday, He will do the same for someone reading this. Perhaps it will be you... ...please check out this link: The Good News God bless you ... HANK : )