Shirley Humphris

I had always believed I was right with God; I tried to do the right thing and went to church regularly, yet at the same time I wondered if God was real. My parents were Jehovah's Witnesses and I began to regularly study with the local JW's. Although their teaching seemed based on the Bible, there was a considerable emphasis placed on their own publications. I became more confused about what was really right with God.

One day a neighbour spoke to me about the Holy Spirit and the need for all believers to speak in tongues. At first I rejected this claim outright. How could this be true if the mainstream churches did not teach it? Eventually, however, I began to see scriptures that I had never noticed or understood before. Many times the Bible spoke of believers speaking in tongues. I also saw that healing and miracles were for today. The answer was all in the Bible for anyone to find.

I put my reservations to God and asked for the Holy Spirit, and if that meant I had to speak in tongues then I was prepared to do that. During a time of prayer my tongue changed and I was speaking in tongues, the feeling was indescribable. I felt as though the burden of my own doubts was lifted. I knew for sure that God was real and that all His promises were certain.

The memory of that experience has never left me. God proved His Word and I can always trust Him to answer prayer.

 Leanne Frost

Back in April 1982 was the first time I ever experienced the power of God. Prior to that I would often accompany my mum to a service at the Uniting Church. I had a genuine belief in God but always felt that there must be a way to know that you are right with God, some sort of sign. I found the concept of `if you're good enough you'll go to heaven, and, if you're bad enough you'll go to hell´, rather hard to swallow. I was only 14 at the time, but even at such a young age I would call out to the Lord, and ask Him to help me and comfort me.

On the 27th of April I found myself at a Revival Centres International meeting. My first impression was that these people really had something special. There was a buzz in the air. The joy was tangible. I was moved by what I saw and heard and decided to be baptised; I was fully immersed in water and received a blessing, but what followed was a miracle.

That evening I received the Holy Spirit, and I knew this because I spoke in tongues. You see the Lord does give you a sign, and with it comes that assurance that you're right with Him.

He has been a wonderful God to me through the years. He has healed and protected me. I have since been married and had two children. My daughter has been healed of eczema, diagnosed by a pediatrician and evident in both my husband's and my own family. My daughter was also healed of a speech impairment.

It is a privilege to be a child of God. My life has been truly blessed, and I look forward to the eternities.