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  • Flint Central Nazarene Library

    • This is the place to publish meaningful information free of charge. If you have a personal story of faith, send it to me and I'll feature it here. This page is accessed worldwide; but please, English only. Send printer copy or floppy disk to:

                      G. E. Monzo

                      5434 Dunbar Dr.

                      Grand Blanc, MI 48439

         Please inclose self addressed stamped envelope.

    ―  

    My name is Jim Vanderpool and I have been attending Central Nazarene Church for about five years. As a child I was introduced to Christianity while attending some church programs with friends. I remember riding on a church bus full of kids singing about being “Fishers of Men” but wasn’t sure what that meant. God continued to get my attention as I grew up.

    A few experiences occurred while I was serving with the U.S. Army in Thailand in the 1950’s. A fellow soldier and I attended a Sunday service at a Christian church pastored by an American missionary in the northern mountain village of Chiang Mai. The Thai congregation was singing Christian hymns in their own language which was so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes. The pastor noticed my friend and I and invited us to his home for dinner with his family.

    Once while using an outdoor shower at our base camp in a rural area I watched the soapy water carry away the dirt and swirl down the drain and asked the Lord to wash away the filth and sin that was inside me so that I could have a closer walk with Him.

    One day our Lieutenant asked a group of us if we wanted to fly with him to a remote camp in the jungle to deliver mail and supplies. There was no landing strip so packages had to be dropped from the plane. I wanted to go, but hesitated in responding and four other men were picked which upset me at the time. While flying low over the campsite, a wing hit the top of a tree and the plane slammed into the ground killing all five. I understand now that God protected me that day.

    I have been blessed by the Lord over and over during my life. Not only has He saved my life more than once, but He has saved my soul as well and I want to serve Him.

    In 1989 I returned to Thailand once again as part of a missions group. We built a church-related facility in a rural area of Central Thailand. I was able to experience the wonderful people of Thailand again and be a blessing to a small church as well.

    My wife, Jeanie, and I have been married for almost 53 years and have two great daughters and four wonderful grandchildren. We feel privileged to serve at Central Church in the fields of ushering and choir.