wonderfully liberated...

Bruce Landis, a care group leader at Cornerstone Church, shared his testimony this past Sunday morning. It was powerful! Bruce was leading Volunteers for Christ when I first came to UT. I got saved my freshman year and heard many of Bruce's messages.

Bruce, after many years in the ministry, transitioned out about 10 years ago. He has faithfully served in CCK ever since. His testimony is evidence of God's work in his life and of a humble heart. Bruce did not fight for position, he did not promote himself or his agenda, and he does not today regret the transition. He is an example that "it's more important what you are a part of rather than the part you play." Or, as a psalmist wrote in Psalm 84:10, "I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wickedness." Thanks Bruce for you example. Thanks for you humility. Thanks for helping build God's church for His glory. Thanks for preaching the gospel on the campus so that a poor sinner like me could hear it and be saved.

Bruce's testimony is also an example of someone who has faithfully served in a church for many years. So, here are some excerpts from his testimony:

"I came to UT in 1977 on a collegiate wrestling scholarship. I was full of pride, insecurity and selfishness -- although big and tough on the outside, I was lonely and lost within. I followed the course of this world throughout my college years; it promised fun and fulfillment but only led to greater levels of sin and depravity. In the spring of my senior year, a teammate invited me to hear a Christian speaker on campus, in God's amazing providence, I went along. The gospel was presented and a miracle took place! I was wonderfully liberated from the weight of my sin and from my captivity to selfishness -- I became a Christian -- I was born again. I experienced the Holy Spirit's power and simply just wanted to know Jesus. My teammates, family and friends thought I had lost it (literally) but for the first time, my life had true purpose and meaning -- I realized that this life was all about knowing God and really enjoying Him -- forever!"

"In the late 90's, it became increasingly clear that I should transition out of full-time ministry and serve the church in other ways. In my heart and mind I had been prepared for this moment. I knew that if I was genuinely willing to serve the Lord and others, it really wouldn't matter where -- in fulltime ministry or as a lay person. I just wanted to serve in the most effective way possible iwth the gifts God had given me."

It is so encouraging to hear how God saves someone. It is really a miracle. How have you been changed? What is your testimony? How have VFC and CCK affected your life?