Clyde Baltzell

As a young man in high school, I thought I was having a good time. I was a member of the athletic clubs; I played on all the teams; I went to the big basketball tournaments. I did many things to bring satisfaction to a young man, yet I found out after all, that I was defeated.

I was just about ready to enter college and certainly should have been happy, but down in my heart was dissatisfaction and unrest. I am glad the Spirit of God began to strive with my heart.

In a dance hall one night, louder than the old jazz music, a voice right down in my heart said, “When Jesus comes, will He find you in a dance hall?” I wasn’t thinking about Jesus Christ. Right there in that dance hall, I saw the judgment of God upon my soul. I am glad God was faithful to me.

Way back in the state of Iowa, He directed an Apostolic Faith Church paper into my hands. I read the testimonies and saw instantly that these people had something real in their religion. I came clear out to Portland, Oregon, and went to the meetings. To my surprise, I heard young men testify that God had saved them and given them power to live right every day. That was what I wanted.

I had joined the Christian Endeavor by then, but it had not made a change in my life. I still loved the dance halls, the pool halls, and the worldly crowd of young people. I am glad that in the Apostolic Faith hall they said, “Get down upon your knees and God will save your soul.”

I went to their altar and several young men prayed with me. They said, “If you mean business, God will save your soul.” I meant business. I laid aside those ambitions I had striven for, and right there I gave my heart to God. He made a real change in my life.

I have seen God come down in my family and heal many. My uncle was dying with a tumor in his brain; no hope was held out for him at all, but the people of God prayed and he is working today, sound and well.

I have had the privilege of giving God more than two-thirds of my life, and I count it a wonderful privilege these days to sing and play the praises of God.