TES:Testimony of Ed Hopkins

   Having been raised in a somewhat Christian home, I grew up always
believing in Jesus. I suppose I can honestly say that the biggest
influence in my life would have to be my Grandmother. I cannot remember
a Sunday that went by that I didn't find myself sitting in Sunday
School at the Luthran Church that she attended. My parents would on
occasion attend with us, but for the most part would usually beg off.
As I grew older, my trips to church got fewer and fewer until I quit
going altogether. Consequently, I ended up straying far enough away
from the Lord that my life ended up on the verge of catastrophe.

   As in most testimonies, God had a plan in my life that was to
involve a beautiful woman named Donna. As our love grew for each other,
we ended up getting married. At this time in my life, both of us were
yet un-saved, but that was to change. In January of 1985, after my wife
was miraculously healed, she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Saviour.
Just 3 months later, on March 27, 1985, I too found my way back to
Jesus. There I was watching a Billy Graham crusade on T.V. when he
started to quote Revelation, saying that if I am lukewarm, Jesus was
going to spew me out of His mouth. I am sure you imagine my reaction
when I heard that. As his message went on, I could feel a tugging at my
soul. I know now that it was the Lord saying,Ed, I love you and want
you to follow me." When Mr. Graham gave his invitation, I sat there and
prayed the sinner's prayer. In that instant, Jesus had delivered me
from smoking, and filled my heart with peace and joy. After the program
was over, I turned to my wife and started praising the Lord! In no time
at all, God started to move in my life. He lead into a ministry at the
local prison where I would learn to stand before men and declare my
love for Christ. In the year and a half that I have been a Christian, I
have seen things happen that still boggle my mind. I have seen my son
healed, my wife healed, and blessings poured out on us that I still
have a hard time fathoming.

   In January of 1986, I found myself in the midst of a lay-off at
work. I believe that the Lord was wanting me to learn how to put all of
my trust into Him and to let Him work in my life. Well, I was worried
to say the least, but I prayed that the Lord would lead me where he
wanted me. So, trusting in Him, I let go of the situation I was facing.
It wasn't but one week later that I received a call from a man who said
that he had heard that I was in need of a job. This really blew my mind
because I hadn't even applied anywhere yet, and here was this guy
wanting to hire me. After he talked with me, he said that he would get
back to me in a couple of days. There I was, sitting on pins and
needles waiting for him to call, when my wife suggested that we take it
before the Lord. We prayed together, and five minutes after we were
done, the phone rings. It was my future boss saying that everything
cleared and was wanting to know if I was still interested in the job. I
know that God had His hand in the whole thing, so I accepted.

   It has been almost a year and a half since I accepted Jesus into my
life. I am here to testify to the loving nature that is our one, true,
living God. To this day, He has blessed me with a beautiful little boy,
and with twins that are due any day. I shall praise the Lord forever
for the love He has shown me!

   God Bless, Ed Hopkins
