MY TESTIMONY
by Roger E. Olson
In 1975, 2 men from Harmony Bible Church took up the challenge to
witness to another man who was very antagonistic towards Christians, the church
and anything that dealt with religion. These 2 men were Bob Anderson and Steve
Levins. The one that persecuted them was me - Roger Olson. Even while enduring
my abusive cursing, and physical threats, they remained faithful in their
presentation of the good news message of Jesus, and their prayers on my behalf.
They persevered for two years when I finally got fed up with their little Bible
stories. I approached them rather
abruptly and challenged them with an ultimatum. I told them I was going to
prove how stupid and ridiculous this religious junk of theirs was, and I would
prove it by using their own ammunition. I was going to read this Bible junk and
then come back to shove it down their throats. I went home and began reading
the Gospel of John. Little did I realize Who I was to find there. For the first
time in my life I discovered that Someone cared enough for Roger Olson to pay
the ultimate price of laying down His life as proof of His love. When I read
John 3:16 this time I also read 17, 18 , 19 , 20 and 21.
Jesus was not my enemy, He wanted
to be my friend and my Savior. All He wanted to do was pay a penalty for the
sins that were mine.
How could I continue to hate the
One who died for me, so that I might live through Him?
My hard heart was softened by the
tender love of a compassionate and caring God. Not a God of judgment, but the
God who gave His Son for Roger Olson!
Well, I went into my daughter Amy’s
room one evening. She wasn’t in there. She was about a year old then. I don’t
know why I chose her room, I guess I thought God would go easier on me in a
little child’s room. I don’t know - anyway, I knelt down along side her bed and
prayed a simple prayer. I hadn’t been to seminary yet so I didn’t know how to
complicate it.
I told Jesus I was sorry for the
trouble I had caused Him and I trusted Him by simple faith to be my Savior.
Mine, Roger Olson’s Savior! My calloused soul had found the Redeemer and He
accepted me just as I was - a sinner. Now - I’m a sinner saved by grace, the
wonderful grace of Jesus.
Since then I’ve had my share of
struggles, Jesus doesn’t promise that we will not encounter life’s problems,
but He does promise that He will never abandon us. I’ve been active in a wide
variety of ministries since meeting Jesus, and have never been disappointed in
my decision that day. This is the life I’ve chosen. I’m exactly where I want to
be. Living from the center of a heart that’s free. I lived in bondage to sin
once, but the truth of Jesus has set me free. Thank you Jesus for You are
indeed God Almighty.
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