I have agreed to share my testimony, with the hope and prayer that it will make a difference for others and show them the way to have “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

- Romans 5:1b

     When I was born in 1963, the doctors told my mother I would not make it through the night. They also told her that I would be brain dead. When  I survived the next few days, my mother was told that I would never walk or talk. I proved my doctors wrong about everything. The Lord had a different plan for me.

     When I was 9 months old I went to The Newark Developmental Center in Newark, NY. I stayed there until I was 8 years old. They taught me how to walk, talk and dress myself - as well as many other common tasks.

     At 8 years old I returned to my home in Caledonia, NY to live with my parents and siblings. Two years later my parents bought a home in Pavillion. I attended First Baptist Church in Pavillion. I was lead to the Lord by my Sunday School teacher there when I was 12 years old.

     The following year my parents separated, and I went to live with my mom in Lockport, NY. I attended school until I was 21 at the BOCES program.

     After school I moved into my first group home, which was located on East Center Street in Medina. I began to learn new things. I started attending a workshop in Medina in 1986. I reached all the goals set for me, both at the workshop and at the home.

     On November 6, 1986, at the age of 23, I moved across town to an apartment on Stork Street. I began to work on some new goals. After reaching all my goals I moved out on my own. A short time later I had to move into a support apartment with a roommate. By the end of August I was again able to move into my own place and have been in the same place ever since.

     I am now 45 years old (written in 2009) and I am doing very good on my own. I know that the Lord loves me and takes care of me in His special way. I am involved in many things, such as Self-Advocacy for the Handicapped. In 2002 we started taking trips to promote Self-Advocacy. Every two years we go to a different city. I also bowl and collect refundable bottles and cans.

     A year and a half ago our church started a program called Reformers Unanimous. It’s a program for folks with addictions like drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and gambling - to name a few. I started attending the program, not because I had an addiction, but to support the church. I soon realized how much it had helped me grow in my faith. I am very grateful to God for taking care of me. I know that he will always be there for me.

 

           - More “My Stories”

           - A clear Bible explanation of salvation

           - Information on Grace Baptist Church

 

     Admit to God that you are a sinner

 

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23)

 

     Believe that Jesus Christ died to pay for your sin

 

“If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

(1 John 1:10)

 

“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” (1 Peter 3:18)

 

     Call out to Him and ask Him to be your Saviour

 

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

 

 

Grace Baptist Church

120 Park Avenue

Medina, NY 14103

585-798-3096  

Russell Johnson