I met my current wife, Pandora, in 1978. Although she wasn't actively attending church, she was always telling me of her experiences with the Church of the Nazarene when she was a teen. But I still had my back turned on God and had no need for church.

Years later, we began trying several different churches and eventually began attending a church on a regular basis. Still, something wasn't right. We were outwardly doing all the right things, but, for me, nothing really seemed to have changed. I felt like a hypocrite. I was still being tortured by memories of my past. I was still smoking, cursing, and addicted to pornography; basically still the same degenerate I had always been.
When the scandal of the catholic church broke and it became a media event, it made things very difficult in my life. I couldn't escape it. I became even more bitter; I wanted revenge. I wanted to destroy the reputation of the priest that abused me. I wanted the church to make reparations. I started thinking about lawyers and lawsuits. I even considered blackmail.

Pandora once again started talking about getting back into church. She suggested the Nazarene church again. I almost cringed at the thought, but then figured why not? The first Sunday we attended services at Hagerstown Church of the Nazarene, we felt so welcomed and comfortable. Everyone was so friendly and genuine. We took several weeks to settle on a home we bought, and to move, before returning to the church to see what the new pastor had to offer. I couldn't believe the number of people that remembered us, and warmly greeted and welcomed us back to their church.

After meeting Pastors Johnson and Guertler, participating in worship service, and listening to Pastor Johnson's message, I was hooked. It was like I was being led to this church. The pastor's message had caught my attention and I found myself once again opening up to the message of God's love. When Pastor Guertler offered his assistance, I discussed my early church experiences with him. Pastor Guertler was sympathetic and comforting, offering invaluable advice and support.

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