Finding Christ and finding peace

I've been a Christian in the Lutheran tradition all of my life.  But Jesus Christ did not become my "personal" Savior until I went on a Cursillo weekend in 1989.  I had had the typical "near" death experiences when I prayed for God's help, but I never understood my faith until I went on my Cursillo.  (Cursillo literally is a short course in Christianity).   Jesus became real to me and I sensed His presence on the weekend in many ways.

Afterward, I became active and have grown even closer to Him by working other expressions of Cursillo that meet the needs of our teenagers (Chrysalis) and those in prison (Kairos).  Since giving my life to Christ, I have a sense of peace in my heart.  Even during turbulent times of dealing with poverty, estrangement from family and friends, unemployment and even cancer...I've felt the Lord's presence working in my life.   Facing an unknown outcome with my colon cancer, I was completely taken by surprise that I had absolutely no fear of death.

Today I look forward to each new day as a gift and when I stand in the shower, I usually remember as the water passes over my head that I am baptized by the Holy Spirit and am a child of God.  How blessed we all are to have a loving God who forgives our shortcomings and provides direction through the scriptures on how to obtain the greatest love, hope and joy that life has to offer.   I encourage all seeking people to immerse themselves in the Bible and see how God will use it to communicate His will for their lives.

Thank you Lord for dying on the cross for such as me.  How lucky I am to be a part of your eternal kingdom.  Seek and you will find.

God bless us all.

Dale Schneider, Westminster, CA