Early spring in 1961, we lived two blocks from a cinder block building. It was the Church of God in South Shore, KY. 2nd and Center Streets. We would go to Sunday School once in a while, such as Easter, etc., but our two children, then ten and twelve years old, were in the youth choir. Sister June Turner, the director, called to tell me they were invited to sing on Friday night. Her father-in-law, Rev. John S. Turner, was holding a revival in Flatwoods, KY. I was without excuse - the children wouldn’t be going to school the next day. My husband worked at a beer and wine carry-out. He would not get home until 1:00 or so in the morning.

The Lord had been dealing with my heart for weeks. I knew I needed salvation! Just maybe I’ll say "Yes" to the call. I’ll keep it to myself and not tell my husband or anyone else. I'll let them find it out the best way they can!

As I sat in the pew that night I thought to myself, "I’ll just wait for my husband Floyd." A voice spoke to my heart saying, “Wanda! Would you let Floyd cheat you out of Heaven?” Oh my! When the youth choir sang Lets Walk Together Children and Hewed Out of the Mountain and the Flatwoods church sang Land of Perfect Day, my heart beat like a drum. Surely the angels could sound no better.

I pondered how do I act? What do I say? I had never been at an altar before. When the altar call was given, I made my way up front. As I knelt in prayer the burden of sin was so heavy. I did not pray aloud. It seemed like those around me prayed for me. But in my heart I thought "How would I ever have the nerve to walk again to an altar in front of all the people?" At that moment, I felt the arms of Jesus embrace me. It was as if He took my heavy burden in His arms. I was so astonished. I was so light, full of joy and peaceful. I sat back in the floor and laughed. As I looked at those around me their faces glowed. I knew I had stepped from darkness in to a marvelous light. Praise God for His wonderful love!

My husband, Floyd, was saved two weeks later, walking the floor at the beer and wine carry out. We were baptized that same month in a lake with ice along the edges. We joined the Church of God that same year. It was the same cinder block church. It’s been forty-five years since we have been a part of this wonderful family of God.

At the close of that Friday night service, I was asked to testify. As I stood with arms stretched out, with a loud voice I made the greatest statement I had ever spoken in this life with these two words: