His Grace at Work Testimony of a Preacher |
Over the next few months was one experience with God after another. So much to learn yet so excited. I had searched out scripture and had heard of the experience of speaking in tongues. I heard that it was a prayer language a believer could receive to help them pray when they do not know what to pray. I also heard that God would also use it as a sign to the unbeliever. I decided I needed this gift and called the old pastor at the Turtle lake mission. He said to come to a Sunday Morning service but I asked if I could do it in the afternoon alone with him and his wife, he agreed! Mr. Warkentin was a small-distinguished white haired man. He had a finely trimmed mustache and eyes the seemed to pierce through you with love. He was a man of the word and was constantly studying. I have never to this day have met a man of God with such kindness and generosity. His church was set back in a bush of spruce and polar trees just off the road to Turtle Lake. The church was an old log cabin stained dark brown and white trim around the old double pain windows. As you entered you could smell the oldness of the building. It was small and sat about maybe thirty-five people forty packed. There were old wooden pews and a pulpit made of plywood and painted chocolate brown. To the left side was a room for children's classes and a pot belly wood stove, the only means of heat There were no washrooms so it meant a trip somewhere else. Coming from the city it was crude and back woods but the atmosphere of God made the place seem like a room from heaven. Mrs. Warkentin was a small thin and more outgoing then her husband. She never seemed to be left without words. She was raised in Salvation Army and knew God from a little girl. Her hair was always neat and her hands were elegant, as she would play the old piano, Amazing Grace, The old rouged cross and more. She had a plucky style but a heart after God for worship. She was very prophetic and as she played the music at time would bellow out a language of tongues, she would then bring it out in english with such boldness that my hair would stand up on the back of my neck. The words would come out so crisp and clear and I realize later were based on the Word of God. It was around July and there was summer in the air, About two in the afternoon on a Sunday I drove up to the old church. Instantly I could hear the piano playing music of worship. As I walked in I could already sense God's presence. I was nervous, yet excited with anticipation! They were both waiting with big smiles and hugs. We then worshiped God for a long time, the atmosphere was exhilarating. Then Mr. Warkenton shared the word concerning the subject, he was not pushy but gentle and assuring me that God would meet my need. He then laid hands on me and began to pray suddenly there flowed out of me a language I could not understand. I was overwhelmed with emotions my mind was racing yet my tongue was saying something else. I stood there a long time speaking this new language, consumed with God, and then my legs gave way and I fell to my knees on the floor. Then something happened, I began to gently rise out of my body. I looked down and saw myself on the floor, but how could this be! Yet I felt peace and seemed over taken with emotions. My mind was thinking clear yet that new language kept pouring forth. I became lost in the experience and at awe at what was happening. Then in the midst of it all reality struck me, then a moment of fear, and instantly I was back in my body. I was week yet full of strength and somehow disappointed that I allowed fear to come. Maybe God wanted to speak to me. I do not know! |
Chapter Seven My Fifth Grace Visitation |
Roxy Nolin Copywrite - 2002 |
