Carol Ann W. Testimony

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Before coming to the River at Tampa Bay church, I never knew and understood the importance of soul winning as I do now. I always thought people came to Christ at the altar in a church not outside the church. I also never knew I had the responsibility as a born again believer to win the lost.

That responsibility I thought was relegated only to the pastor. I would invite people to church but I never lead them to Christ. So when I came to the River and was introduced to Soul winning it was something new for me. I have been a Christian for many years but never attended a church where such importance and emphasis was put on winning the lost; and it was everyone’s responsibility.

I remember the first day I went soul winning it was on a Saturday and I knocked on several doors before I was able to lead someone to Christ. But when I did something took place inside of me. I felt satisfied. I was finally doing what the Lord had commanded. “Go ye therefore in all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.(NKJV Mark 16:15) That was a mandate not a request. Every time I go out I experience something different.

I find people searching for something to fill the void, many of them don’t know it’s Jesus until you introduce Him to them. I also find many of them know it Jesus but they are glad that someone cared enough to tell them. One evening after work I stopped at a gas station to get some gas and a young lady pulled up to the pump next to me. She had a child in the car and asks if I could keep an eye on him while she goes in to pay for the gas. I obliged.

When she came out I approached her and ask her if anyone told her God loves her and has a wonderful plan for her life? She began to weep and said the prayer. We talked for about 30 minutes after as she poured out her heart to me. That young lady and I spoke several times after and I was able to encourage her in the Lord. The gospel is indeed good news.